Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend transforms the capital into a live musical festival with more than 100 artists performing in free concerts. The main outdoor hubs each offer a themed programme: Grand Place (contemporary jazz), Place Sainte-Catherine (Vanguard jazz) and Place de la Bourse (Jazz & Beyond. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of action in bars and music venues across the city with soul, electro, world, blues, pop, rap and Latino sounds alongside traditional jazz genres. An exceptional line-up includes established and emerging artists such as Orson Claeys,
Marco Mezquida Trio, Flat Earth Society, Manou Gallo, Glass Museum, and Brussels Jazz Vanguard winner C-Rhyms. 22-24 May, multiple indoor and outdoor venues Combining an exhibition, live storytelling, workshops and open-mic moments, the Brussels City of Traces: Storytelling Festival reflects the identity of the capital. Brussels residents were asked simple questions about where they leave their mark in the city and their responses were gathered through writing, textile and visual arts workshops to form the basis for these 10 stories transformed into a collective soundwalk
through the city. Free, but registration recommended. 23 May 15.00-21.00, Muntpunt, Place de la Monnaie Dive into K-Film thanks to Bozar’s Jeonju Cinema Project. In a special collaboration with the renowned Jeonju International Film Festival, the arts centre presents films by two Korean masters and a duo of emerging directors. The programme includes short films by Bong Joon-ho & Hong Sangsoo and two features: The First Lap by Kim Dae-hwan and Winter’s Night (pictured) by Jang Woojin. Together they offer a rare insight into Korean
society. 27-31 May, Rue Ravenstein 23 Brussels-based Germaine Rimbout (1894–1973) was one of the many women artists whose career has largely been forgotten. This is one reason why The Royal Museum of Fine Arts is now dedicating an exhibition to her singular artistic journey. Presented in the Spilliaert Room, Germaine Rimbout, a figure who long remained in the shadows shows how her work evolved after early Cubism and Fauvism influences toward a freer abstraction and an increasingly daring colour palette. Until 18 October, Rue de
la Régence 3 The magnificent Van Buuren Museum & Gardens stage a new exhibition Territoires intérieurs, dedicated to two of Belgium’s 20th century artists, symbolist Gustave van de Woestyne and the more expressionist Anto Carte. Centred on a dialogue between some 20 of their works and the Art Deco property, the show explores shared themes such as introspection, nature and rural life. Both artists possessed a profound vision of the human condition, in particular spirituality and the relation with the earth. 22 May to 27
September, Avenue Leo Errera 41 (Uccle) The trilingual exhibition I am here – je suis la – ik ben hier explores how we construct and perceive our identity, from classical self portraiture to today’s digital culture. Combining art, science and interactive installations, the show at Espace Vanderborght addresses themes such as narcissism, media influence and the visibility of underrepresented groups. Developed with the Brussels university ULB, it invites visitors to reflect on how images shape our understanding of ourselves and others in a visually saturated
world. It includes interactive exhibits and a children’s trail. Until 31 May, Espace Vanderborght, Rue de l’Ecuyer 50 Brussels’ Vismet quarter transforms into a vibrant Asian street food hub with Japan Fes. The free festival offering authentic dishes, artisanal crafts and culinary masterclasses and workshops is staged in the city centre following a successful edition in Vilvoorde last year. It kicks off on Friday at 16.00 with an afterwork event. 22-24 May, Marché aux Poissons The Théâtre Royal du Peruchet hosts the 8th edition of
the JEM festival, an international festival dedicated to the art of puppetry in all its forms. Companies from Belgium and abroad present performances blending traditional puppetry with theatre, visual arts and contemporary storytelling. Designed for both children and adults, the programme ranges from poetic and experimental creations to family friendly productions. Workshops and encounters with artists further highlight the richness and inventiveness of this unique performing art form. 22-31 May, Théâtre Royal du Peruchet, Avenue de la Forêt 50 (Ixelles) Electronic music heads to the
Bois de la Cambre as Hangar welcomes British DJ and producer PAWSA for a nature themed open air event. Known for his groove driven house sets and appearances at major clubs and festivals worldwide, PAWSA headlines a day of music in one of Brussels’ most scenic green spaces, Bois de la Cambre. With an exciting music lineup, food stands and a celebration of summer, the event promises an energetic mix of club culture and outdoor vibes. 24 May, 14.00-23.00, Bois de la Cambre (Ixelles) Artists
from around the world gather mainly in outdoor locations in Saint-Gilles, Etterbeek and Ixelles for the 19th edition of fiEstival MaelstrOm REvolution. Exploring the theme Des îles & des Ailes, spectators can enjoy poetry, slam, dance and music in various forms and for all ages (in Italian, French and English). The highpoint of the festival is the all-night La Traversée de la Nuit on 31 May at Rideau theatre. 28 May to 1 June, multiple locations For their first performance in Belgium, Peruvian electronic dreampop
and darkwave band Laikamorí offer an intimate concert filled with experimental sounds and the use of masks. Admission free. The concert is staged by ArtChance, which brings Latin American creativity to the heart of Belgium. 28 May 20.00 (doors 1930), Le Cheval Marin, Quai aux Briques 90 Book now What if burnout, anxiety, hormonal imbalance, and chronic fatigue were never separate issues at all? The second edition of The Nine Women’s Health Summit explores the brain–body connection with Elizabeth Kuiper (European Policy Centre), neuroperformance expert
Laetitia Lusakivana, Soula founder Natalia Miranchuk, Médecins Sans Frontières, Madame Papillon, and more. Participants can also explore workshops and restorative practices focused on nervous system regulation, longevity and wellbeing. Tickets: €75-90. 30 May, 12.00–20.00, Rue Archimède 69 OUTSIDE BRUSSELS British sculptor Antony Gormley fills the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) with some 100 works shown in juxtaposition with the museum’s collection and newly-renovated building. This solo exhibition Antony Gormley. Geestgrond, the largest ever staged in mainland Europe, features major large-scale installations and new
creations, all exploring the interaction between sculpture, body and space. Internationally renowned artistic director Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev curates the show. 23 May to 20 September, Leopold de Waelplaats 1, Antwerp The Flemish bank of the River Meuse in the province of Limbourg is graced by works of contemporary art that invite reflection on this strategic waterway and the communities that inhabit this cross-border region. Art at the Meuse is an ambitious art project by art, architecture and design museums in Hasselt, in collaboration with local partners,
that invited five national and international artists to create site-specific installations, some temporary, some permanent. From 19 May, Dilsen-Stokkem, Kinrooi, Lanaken, Maaseik and Maasmechelen (Limburg) The Spa-Classic is one of the most popular gatherings at the mythical Francorchamps circuit in the Ardennes. More than 400 historic racing cars take to the historic and challenging track with its hairpin bends, while ‘the village’ displays over 800 classic saloons and coupes, and hosts activities for all ages. 22-24 May, Route du Circuit 55, Spa-Francorchamps (Liège province) Discover
some 17 cultural, heritage and scientific organisations during Namur’s Nuit blanche on Friday evening. The third edition of the open door event is an opportunity to explore venues that are usually off-limits, all in a festive atmosphere. Additional activities include a giant karaoké, theatre shows, screenings, treasure hunt, and more. 22 May 18.00-midnight, across Namur and Jambes A central figure in Belgian expressionist art, Constant Permeke spent five formative years in Britain during the First World War. The exhibition Constant Permeke: The English Years (1914-1919)
at the Permekemuseum offers an overview of his artistic evolution during this period in his early career. It also includes work by other Belgian artists living in England during the First World War. Until 15 November, Gistelsteenweg, Jabbeke (West Flanders) Liège’s gastronomic extravaganza Les Epicuriales returns to the city’s La Boverie park. The open air restaurant – albeit under tents – invites some 35 chefs, including star names, to show off their culinary talents. 21 to 24 May, Parc de la Boverie, Liège Discover more
upcoming events at The Bulletin’s events page. Photos: (main image) ©Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend; Winter’s Night – Jang Woo-jin (2018); Germaine Rimbout, Royal Museums of Fine Arts; Van Buuren Museum ©BE Culture; I am here exhibition: ©BE Culture; Jem Puppet Festival ©Portraits Damianova; ©Laikamorí; Antony Gormley, Rise, 1983-84,©the artist; Art-sur-Meuse (Maaseik)|Adrien Tirtiaux, Echoes of a Landscape, 2025, photo ©Lieven Geuns; 2022 Spaclassic ©mbonnevie; Namur nuit blanche Tour dAnhaive ©Coll-Syndicat dinitiative Jambes; ©Permekemuseum
Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend, Brussels City of Traces, Jeonju Cinema Project, K-Film, Germaine Rimbout, Van Buuren Museum Territoires intérieurs, I am here – je suis la – ik ben hier, Japan Fes, JEM festival, PAWSA, fiEstival MaelstrOm REvolution, Laikamorí, The Nine Women’s Health Summit, Antony Gormley Geestgrond, Art at the Meuse, Spa-Classic, Namur Nuit blanche, Constant Permeke The English Years, Les Epicuriales