What’s on this week: 30 May to 5 June

The Brussels Street Photography Festival showcases contemporary art by acclaimed photographers to promote artistic expression in urban environments. The extensive programme incorporates workshops, photo walks, talks and films as well as the display of images by finalists selected for the show, such as Gavin Libotte (pictured). It is staged at RESET, a newly-opened collective space overlooking the sloping park entrance to Saint Michel and Saint Gudula Cathedral. Until 1 June, Rue de Ligne 8

Over 30 artists at WIELS – as well as a selection at Argos – reimagine life in a world marked by ecological crisis and planetary change. The exhibition Magical Realism: Imagining Natural Dis/order immerses viewers in a biosphere suffering from climatic change, offering new ideas and perspectives on the relationship with our planet. To convey its important message, the show also takes the form of a publication and a public programme of activities, including a selection of films from Argos’ archive that resonate with the exhibition's themes. Photo: Otobaong Nkanga. Until 28 September, Avenue Van Volxem 354 (Forest) & Rue du Chantier 13

It’s the annual Neighbours Day (La fête des voisins/ Dag van de buren) celebration around the country. Aimed at encouraging community awareness and combatting social isolation, this year’s edition is dedicated to conviviality... and animals. Four-legged friends are the guests of honour at a festive event at the Carrefour des Attelages in Bois de la Cambre on Saturday (12.00-20.00), as well as in Tom&Co stores and IKEA Anderlecht. Otherwise, it's simply an excuse for an impromptu get-together with neighbours. 30-31 May, across the country

Football fans can catch the Champions League Final at a pop-up Football Village at David Lloyd sports and wellness club. The match between PSG and Inter is being screened at the Uccle club. Gold and silver packages available from €10; BBQ and an entry to the club included in the Gold. Reservations required. 31 May from 19.00, kick-off (21.00), Drève de Lorraine 41 (Uccle)

MAD Brussels’ colourful new exhibition Come As You Are  presents Brussels-based photographer Laetitia Bica’s look at 15 performers dressed by 25 Belgian designers including Eunji Oh, Julien Houdremont and Tom Van Der Borght. From punk to kitsch, the Liège-born artist’s images show the individuality and diversity of dancers, drag queens, DJs, make-up artists and actors. Her dazzling photos are the result of artistic, intimate and emotional encounters – they tell tales of fascinating beauties, otherness and the human body. Until 6 September, Place du Nouveau Marché aux Grains 10

Dreamy, poetic and very green, Matthieu Litt’s solo photographic show Oasis at the Hangar gallery encourages visitors to the beautiful Ry-Ponet park in the Liège region. But this natural, fragile valley, high on biodiversity, is also threatened by property developers. Litt’s work highlights the importance of saving such green lungs – and his tree with a cut-out heart says it all. Do not miss the gallery’s 15 June ‘Festive Day’, where Litt and Almagine photographers including Pascal Sgro, Katherine Longly and Hanne Van Assche will sign books and discuss their work. Until 15 June, Place du Châtelain 18 (Ixelles) 

Tickets are still available for the Bridge Theatre’s new English-language production 855-For-Truth. Written by Eva Hudson and directed by Lydia McKinley, the play is set in woodland between Hilldale, Utah, and The End of The World. Meredith, an 18-year-old religious cult member and Isaac, a young climate scientist, possess clashing ideals in this philosophical drama exploring the boundaries between faith, science and survival. 2-14 June, Berger Court, Rue du Berger 13 (Ixelles)

Head to the rooftop of the Beursschouwburg for the Out Loud Festival, an annual free music, film and arts event run by the lively city-centre venue. Check out the programme for the full line-up of live concerts by local and international musician collectives and don’t forget there’s free drinks on the house every evening until 19.00. The opening night Estafette x Palestine fundraises for families in the West Bank. 4-21 June, Thursday to Saturday from 17.00, Rue Auguste Orts

K-pop boyband Trendz drop into Brussels on their second European tour, entitled Glow. The seven-member group, which debuted in 2022, perform at Vaartkapoen cultural centre (VK Concerts). Tickets here. 5 June 19.30, Schoolstraat 76 (Molenbeek) 

Belfius Art Gallery has extended its current exhibition Art Pops exhibition until the end of the year. It is a sensory encounter between masterpieces – including works by Breughel, Magritte, Delvaux and Spillaert – and new acquisitions by contemporary artists. The latter include specially-commissioned works designed to enhance and intensify the experience of viewing art via sound, olfactory, AI and tactile installations. Registration necessary. 21 June, 9 August, 13 September, 18 October (Museum Night Fever), 8 November, 13 December, Place Rogier 11

Outside Brussels

Avant-garde art is the focus of the joint exhibition Trailblazers of the Abstract by the Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA). The show explores two avant-garde movements: the Dutch De Stijl, founded by Theo van Doesburg, and Antwerp’s Modern Art Circle, led by Jozef Peeters. Some 32 key works feature from the Dutch museum’s collection. Until 7 September, Leopold de Waelplaats 1, Antwerp

The Cidrerie du Condroz invites the public to explore artisan cider production at its annual Fête du Cidre on Saturday. Located in the bucolic region south of Namur, the festivities include visits of the farm premises, talks with the producers, and of course, opportunities to sample its many tipples. There’s also local gourmet food available and musical entertainment. 31 May, 10.30-22.00, Froidefontaine 1, Barsy (Namur province)

Enthusiasts of vintage vehicles will be heading to Retro Mobile at Villers Abbey this Sunday. The seventh edition of the event is showing off more than 200 collector cars, tractors and motorcycles, which are on display in the extensive grounds of the Cistercian Abbey ruins. All the vehicles have to be at least 30 years old. There’s also demonstration, guided tours of the abbey, children’s activities and food and drink on sale. 1 June 10.00-18.00, Rue de l’Abbaye 55, Villers-la-Ville (Walloon Brabant)

Escape the noise of the city at Bar Bricolage in Ghent’s old dock area. The idyllic bar created from recycled materials is in the massive back garden of the Chinastraat creative space. During the spring and summer months locals gather for cocktails and pizza as well as concerts, DJ session, workshops, exhibitions, dances, ping-pong and the occasional flea market. Until September, Chinastraat 1, Ghent

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

Photos: (main image) ©Gavin Libotte/BSPF; Otobong Nkanga - Alignment, 2022 - Kröller-Müller Museum; courtesy Come As You Are/MAD Brussels; courtesy Hangar;  Belfius Art Gallery; Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam; courtesy Retro Mobile