What’s on this week: 24 to 30 April

Art Brussels opens for its 42nd edition, bringing together some 140 galleries from 26 countries for another showcase of cutting-edge contemporary art. The fair is structured around  five sections: Prime, Solo, Discovery, ’68 Forward and Horizons, which is dedicated to large-scale works by artists including Elen Braga’s tapestry (pictured above) that questions the role of monumentality; originally shown under the Cinquantenaire triumphal arch. This flagship contemporary art event is the place to be for collectors, art insiders and enthusiasts. 23-26 April, Brussels Expo, Place de la Belgique (Laeken)

The House of European History’s new year-long temporary show Postcolonial? explores the legacy of European colonialism through historical objects, contemporary art and personal stories. Following a largely chronological structure, it begins with the foundations of European colonial expansion almost a thousand years ago and moves through decolonisation in the 20th century to contemporary debates. Rare artifacts include a 1860 Belgian claim for colonisation from King Leopold II and the British Slavery Abolition Act of 1833. Until 14 March 2027, Rue Belliard 135

Parloir returns as a contemporary art fair set in a post-war office building in Brussels’ EU quarter, bringing together a selection of international galleries in an unconventional setting. Spread across several floors, the fair offers an intimate and exploratory experience, with presentations ranging from emerging to established artists. Brussels gallery Gauli Zitter presents works by Marco Okamoto Hopf, Katharina Schilling and Judith Kakon. With its raw architecture and curated programme, Parloir positions itself as a fresh alternative within the city’s art calendar. 23-26 April, Rue d’Arlon 104

Exploring themes of migration, exile and coexistence, Brussels Festival: Land of Asylum! returns for a three day intercultural programme at Espace Magh. This fifth edition brings together performances, films, concerts, exhibitions, debates and workshops, creating a space for dialogue and artistic exchange. Rooted in the diversity of Brussels, the festival highlights the human and cultural richness shaped by migration, while inviting audiences to reflect on solidarity, identity and living together. 24-26 April, Rue du Poincon 17

Meet young performance artists from dance and visual arts schools in Brussels and Wallonia at this biennial springboard event for emerging talent, (Pas si) Fragile!. Subtitled the Next Performance Art Generation, it features 10 performances that offer a fresh perspective on the mood of our time: leaning towards the more ironic than dramatic, more poetic than political. 25 April from 17.00, Rue Saint-Josse 49 (Saint Josse)

Slameke Festival celebrates in 10th anniversary with a special open-mic evening dedicated to FINTA and Queer slammers. Although the slam scene is thriving in the capital, opportunities for FINTA and Queer voices are more rare. The event is in partnership with three historic collectives: Queer Slam, L-Slam and Anti-Cyclone. 24 April 18.00 (Slammeke Festival 23-25 April), Jacques Franck cultural centre, Chaussée de Waterloo (Saint-Gilles)

You will not only feel like hopping but also spinning, swirling and flying through the air after witnessing the escapades on show during the Hopla! Circus Festival. Free of charge, it brings together all manner of acrobatic artists, whether the focus is on strength, balance, dance or maybe a bit of radical thought. All performances are open-air and in public spaces, so just put together your programme and hop from one to the other. 25 April to 1 May, Brussels-City, Neder-over-Heembeek and Haren

Autoworld celebrates over a century of British automotive design with Aston Martin -Elegance in Motion, an exhibition bringing together around 15 iconic Aston Martin models. From the DB4 Zagato to the modern Valour, the display traces the brand’s legacy of luxury, craftsmanship and performance, closely tied to the world of James Bond. A special preview evening on 24 April adds a festive touch with a British inspired atmosphere, DJ set and 007 themed dress code. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to discover some of the brand's most legendary cars up close. 24 April to 21 June, Autoworld, Parc du Cinquantenaire 11

Brussels international female choir Vocal Ease and Iris Ensemble perform Stabat Mater by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi on Sunday afternoon. The two groups also each present their own pieces: Iris in Concerto Grosso by Geminiani, and Vocal Ease in the magical work Velitchayem Vas by Skalovsky. After the concert, there are drinks and nibbles and a sale of handcrafted products to support war-torn Ukraine. 26 April 17.30, Eglise Sainte-Anne, Chaussée de Tervuren 89 (Auderghem)

Wordsmiths and art lovers are in for a treat at The Green Door Gallery’s special visual poetry event Frayed Edges on Saturday afternoon. Nine poet-artists come together in a camarade and to explore textiles as a productive concept in making poetry, including Laura Davis (launching her book Frayed Edges), Susie Campbell, Emma Woodford and Paul Stephenson. 25 April 16.00, Rue Murillo 21

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

The Africa Film Festival returns to Leuven for its 31st edition, showcasing the richness and diversity of African cinema through a vibrant programme of feature films, documentaries and short films. Audiences can discover powerful stories from across the continent and the diaspora, highlighting both emerging voices and established filmmakers. Alongside screenings, the festival offers Q&As, discussions and competitions, creating space for dialogue and cultural exchange. With its focus on representation and storytelling, the festival remains a key platform for African perspectives in Belgium. Until 26 April, Cinema ZED, Blijde Inkomststraat 50, Leuven

This year’s theme for the Mechelen classical music festival Lunalia is “Glow” and among the many highlights are the launch event featuring the Mechelen Chamber Orchestra with star soloists, as well as groundbreaking Spanish company and festival artist in residence Accademia del Placere, Peteris Vasks, Musica Temprana, Bel Ayre Quartet, Vlaams Radiokoor, Tutu Puoane, Lyyra, and more. 25 April to 10 May, across Mechelen

The bicentenary celebrations of the iconic Liège crystal and glass manufacturer continue with the Charleroi exhibition Art Déco et modernisme au Val Saint-Lambert (1925-1939). Some 160 works include rarely-seen vases and objects and archive documents from the Seraing factory. Together they trace this rich and revolutionary period when new techniques blended with modernist artistic trends to create dazzling luxury items as well as stylish everyday objects and architectural elements in buildings. Until 27 September, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Boulevard Pierre Mayence 67, Charleroi

This 19th-century Chateau des Beez hosts the 7th edition of its Festival du Jardin with some 70 exhibitors. Located conveniently next to the E411 motorway, this English-landscaped park and its rare trees is also a perfect place for a stroll. Entrance €7. Avenue du Château de Beez, Namur

Namur’s season of free Sunday music concert series Kiosque returns to Place Maurice Servais in the city centre. The programme boasts different musical styles, from rock to cumbia, reggae, French chanson, jazz, swing, country and Congolese sounds. This Sunday’s instalment offers a trio blending swing, Dixieland and manouche jazz. Every Sunday until September 11.00-12.00, Place Maurice Servais, Namur

Antwerp’s photo museum FOMU is currently staging four exhibitions including Diane Severin Nguyen – If Revolution is a Sickness. The American artist with Vietnamese roots explores how popular culture and politics are inextricably linked in her K-pop-style video installation that creates images that are as seductive as they are disturbing. Until 7 June, Waalsekaai 47, Antwerp

The International Chamber Classics Festival returns to Belgium for its second edition, combining high level performance with a strong educational focus. Led by founder Konstantin Ishkhanov, the festival brings together renowned musicians and young talents for a series of masterclasses, rehearsals and concerts. Hosted at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel and Musica Mundi School, the programme culminates in public performances featuring both faculty and selected participants. With its blend of pedagogy and live music, ICCF continues to establish itself as a key event on the European chamber music scene. 28 April to 1 May, Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel & Musica Mundi School, Chaussée de Tervuren 445 & Rue de la Croix 21a, Waterloo

Book now Floraliën Gent The international plant and flower festival graces the city of Ghent every four years. National and international horticulturalists, ornamental growers and florists invite the public into their colourful world of flowers and plants. The theme of this year’s edition is all about connection and how plants and flowers can contribute to this. Children’s activities ensure this is an event for all the family. The city’s botanical garden (free entrance) offers additional displays, including a lush green oasis in the Palmarium and the installation Building Biospheres, previously shown at the Venice Biennale.  1-10 May, Familie van Rysselberghedreef 2, Ghent

Discover more upcoming events at The Bulletin's events page.

Photos: (main image) Art Brussels © Elen Braga; House of European History ©Be_Culture; Land of Asylum ©Gregory Dallemagne; Hopla - Theresa Khun - Oblik; Musée des Beaux-Arts ©Be_Culture; Namur Kiosque ©Margaux Voglet; Diane Severin Nguyen. Stills from IF REVOLUTION IS A SICKNESS, 2021, Courtesy of the artist; floralien ©VisitGent