What’s on 13-19 Mar 2025

⭐ This Week's Top Picks 

Music: Sona Jobarteh/Badinyaa Kumoo. Enjoy this energetic concert merging tradition, blues and Afropop. If Brazil is your vibe, don’t miss the mix of Satanique Samba Trio.

Team running for charity: Miles for Smiles. Feeling energetic and want to raise money for charity? Sign up, pop your trainers on, go the extra mile for a good cause, and enjoy an after event party!

Reismarkt 2025: “Visiting Bruges, will travel!” Be inspired at this travel market event featuring exhibitions and discussions on almost every global destination you can think of. A must for energetic travel lovers! 

🎨 🎻 🧺  Art, Music & Markets

Energetic concert merges tradition, blues and Afropop. Sona Jobarteh/Badinyaa Kumoo.

“Sona Jobarteh has clearly found her own voice. As the first ever female professional kora player from an African family of griots, or poet-musicians, she is advocating for greater self-awareness. She founded the Gambia Academy, a pilot school that uses culture as a gateway to educating and empowering a new generation. But above all, she is a fantastic musician with one foot in a 700-year-old family tradition and the other in a future legacy.” Tickets: €7 (Age 26-)-€26. 15 Mar, 20:00. https://www.concertgebouw.be/nl/sona-jobarteh

Dit is Ardéfoo. “Since 2008, Ardéfoo has grown into a close-knit collective of some 40 artists each with their own unique style and visual language. For the “Dit is Ardéfoo” exhibition, working with curator Florien Allemeersch, we will show a carefully curated selection of drawings, paintings, sculptures, prints, collages and mixed media. These works are complemented by unfinished pieces, projects in progress, collections and installations. This gives visitors an insight not only into the art itself, but also into the lively creative process and the special atmosphere of our studio. It is an invitation to discover what Ardéfoo stands for - a community for artists with and without mental vulnerability where artistic expression, authentic imagination and a strong sense of belonging prevail.” FREE. Until 14 Mar. Exporuimte Burg, Burg 11. https://www.visitbruges.be/en/whats-on/events-calendar/dit-ardefoo

The Art studio Ardéfoo offers workspace to artists with a psychological vulnerability. The art studio is largely supported by volunteers and experienced workers, and Ardéfoo is recognized as a socio-cultural organization by the city of Bruges. https://kunstatelierardefoo.be/  

Unfinished Business + Mojo & The Kitchen Brothers. “Unfinished Business are five young musicians whose music is a mix of influences from jazz, rock, funk and fusion. Some of their greatest examples are Miles Davis, John McLaughlin, Lee Morgan, Santana, Billy Cobham, Donald Byrd, Led Zeppelin, Don Cherry and Jimi Hendrix. Mojo & The Kitchen Brothers.  Tickets: €5-10. 15 Mar, 19:30. MaZ - Magdalenastraat 27. https://www.ccbrugge.be/agenda/4338//unfinished-business-mojo-the-kitchen-brothers?slash2=

Monster Hit. Liesa Naert is the resident artist this season at the Bruges Cultural Centre. “The monster you never, ever want to encounter. What does that look like? … Inspired by her children's monster drawings, resident artist Liesa Naert is organizing an exhibition in our Biekorf exhibition space. In the theme "Praise of Playfulness" she is investigating, together with the people of Bruges, how impactful the imagination can be and she also wants to immerse adults in that world.” Until 20 Jun. FREE. Exporuimte Biekorf - Sint-Jakobsstraat 8. 

https://www.ccbrugge.be/agenda/4370//monsterhit

Transitional Dance: Workshops. “Choreographer and Dance in Bruges Maker Michiel Vandevelde is developing a new dance transition ritual especially for the city of Bruges. How do you dance for the transition from one phase of life to another? How can a dance ritual contribute to celebrating change? Vandevelde focuses primarily on hip movements for his choreography. The hips are not only associated with birth, but also with seduction, with the generation of new life. 

Or as Vandevelde puts it: 'Transitional dance is a celebration of the potential of life, and especially of the potential for change during life.' He gives this dance to dance lovers who feel like committing to bring this dance ritual into the public space every month to celebrate all kinds of possible transitions. The dancers form a community that takes care of the performance and passing on the dance to others. In this way, they start a ritual that can last forever. Anyone who wants to dive into this rite of passage together is invited to follow the workshops in which the choreography is taught. These workshops are open to anyone interested in movement (no dance experience required).” 

This series of FREE workshops start at KAAP, The Groenplaats, Groenestraat 19B on 24 Feb, 19:00, and will run each week until 17 Mar. To register to take part email Hanne at hanne@kaap.be.  https://www.kaap.be/toont/transitional-dance-0

Weekly markets. The Saturday market (15 Mar) will be on ‘t Zand and the market on Wednesday (19 Mar) will be on the Grote Markt/Burg.  

🎬 🎭 Stage, Screen, and Scene

Cinema. Cinema Lumière (Sint-Jakobsstraat 36) will be showing a variety of films over the next week. These include A Complete Unknown, Queer, The Brutalist, Flow, Maria and Memoir of a Snail. Lumière will also show “Culture v War”, a documentary project featuring the struggle of Ukrainian soldiers in their war against Russia in which “Ukrainians come together with their tireless resistance and strong nationalism. They overcome the trials of war with dignity and move to a new level of self-awareness, self-identification, sovereignty and global subjectivity.” https://lumiere-brugge.be/film/108369/Culture-vs-War/

Ticket prices are up to €12, with a family film option before 16:30 costing €9. Visit the cinema’s website for films, timings and bookings: https://lumiere-brugge.be/agenda-lumiere-brugge/

Kinepolis (Koning Albert l-laan 200) will offer films over the coming week including Mickey 17, Captain America: Brave New World, Paddington in Peru, and Black Bag. A standard ticket costs €14,10. Visit https://kinepolis.be/nl/nl/movies/overview/ for more information and bookings.

⚽ Game On: Sports & Recreation

Team running for charity: Miles for Smiles. “Teams of up to 4 runners take turns running as many miles as possible, laps of 1 mile (1.6 km). A presenter encourages the runners and supporters who can find various acts, music, DJs, food, drinks and lots of ambiance along the side. Each team selects one of our 7 charities in advance and thus determines the proceeds according to the number of miles covered. In the previous edition, for example, approximately 2,000 participants covered 5,992 miles, good for 40,000 euros for the charities! Runners and supporters can enjoy a vibrant after-party and DJ in the BMCC (Bruges Conference Centre) in Bruges.” Tickets: Run & Party €35, Party only €25. 15 Mar, 17:00. BMCC, Sint-Maartensbilk 1. https://milesforsmiles.be/

Football fans visiting Bruges can watch the city’s two world famous clubs, Brugge KSV (“Club Brugge”) and Cercle Brugge KSV (“Cercle Brugge”) play during the season at the city’s Jan Breydel stadium (Koning Leopold III-laan 50).  Cercle will play Jagiellionia Białystok in a UEFA Champions League match on 13 Mar, 18:45. Tickets: https://cerclebrugge.be/en/ticketing  Club Brugge will meet SC Charleroi in a Jupiler Pro League game on 16 Mar, 18:30.  https://tickets.clubbrugge.be/

🍻🎶 Bruges After Dark: Nightlife

Satanique Samba Trio. “An instrumental avant-garde quintet from Brazil. So, no. Not a trio. Not satanic. And they don’t really play samba either. Satanique Samba Trio exists to deconstruct the biggest clichés surrounding Brazilian music. They dive into their homeland’s traditional rhythms - samba, forró, bossa nova, and lambada - blend them into a wild mix, and top it off with touches of free jazz and noise.

Since their formation in 2003, Satanique Samba Trio has released no less than 14 albums, including 'Misantropicalia' (2004), 'Bad Trip Simulator #2' (2010), '#1' (2011), '#3' (2013), and 'Cursed Brazilian Beats Vol.2' (2023). In 2025, the band will release 'Cursed Brazilian Beats Vol.1' via the Brussels-based global sounds label Rebel Up! Records. Both in their music and aesthetics, Satanique Samba Trio defies conventions, playfully keeping their audience on their toes. Expect a hefty dose of tropical madness - an intoxicating fever dream awaits at Cactus Café.” Tickets: €11-17. 19 Mar, 19:30, Cactus Muziekcentrum, Bargeweg 10. https://www.cactusmusic.be/EN/Concerts/Calendar/satanique-samba-trio

🌈 Family Fun: Events & Adventures

Reismarkt 2025 (Travel Market 2025). "Travellers inform travellers" is the unique formula of Reismarkt. Ask your questions about a country, continent or theme to more than 200 experienced travellers. During a personal conversation they share their travel experiences and unique tips. Almost all travelable destinations are discussed! Be inspired by countless workshops, photo reports and lectures. Or go exploring at dozens of travel organisations, outdoor shops and travel bookstores. This non-profit travel fair is the place to be for backpackers, hikers, cyclists, world travellers, city trippers or couples with children who want to prepare their own trip. As usual, themes such as healthy travel, travel with children, long travel, hiking, cycling, budget-friendly travel and adventure travel are on the program again. There are also many great prizes to be won.” Tickets; €10-12. Ages 26- go FREE. 16 Mar, 10:00-18:00, Jan Garemijnzaal, Het Belfort, Markt 7. https://www.reismarkt-brugge.be/

Anouk’s Ducks Treasure Hunt. “The "Anouk's Ducks" treasure hunt is a children's quest in which participants search for 11 hidden ducklings in the shop windows of Bruges businesses. 

The quest is inspired by the heartwarming children's book "Anouk's Ducks", written and illustrated by local artist Anouk Van der Jeught. Participants can obtain free participation forms from the tourism point on Market Square and embark on the hunt with their families. As they find the ducklings, they can record their discoveries and later submit the completed form at the tourism point to receive a surprise pack including a colouring page, crayons, and bookmarks. 

The quest takes families along the shopping streets of Vlamingstraat, Adriaan Willaertstraat, Ezelstraat, Sint-Jakobsstraat, and Eiermarkt, which not only introduces them to the charm of Bruges but also showcases the revitalized Ezelstraat area after recent roadworks.”  FREE.  Until 29 Mar. Toerismepunt Markt, Markt 1. https://www.visitbruges.be/en/whats-on/events-calendar/childrens-quest-anouks-ducks

Expo Culinair - Handmade in Brugge. “Culinary creators from Handmade in Brugge will share insights into their craft and showcase what sets them apart. The focus is on the production process, with objects from their workshops, kitchens, or studios taking centre stage. In addition to the exhibition, you’ll also have the chance to dive deeper into their craft through studio visits, tastings, and demo workshops.” FREE. Until 29 Mar. Sashuis - Handmade in Brugge Shop, Wijngaardplein 14. https://www.handmadeinbrugge.be/agenda/expo-culinair

Expo Bodyworlds. Visit this award-winning exhibition showcasing real, plasticised human bodies. Explore the functions, development, and resilience of the human body while learning about the effects of diseases and lifestyle choices. Tickets: €15-19. Until 25 Mar. Site Oud Sint Jan, Mariastraat 38. https://bodyworlds.be

Atelier Matinée, Concertgebouw (Concert hall). The entrance hall of the Concertgebouw transforms into a play, craft, and discovery zone on (almost) every Sunday morning. FREE, next on 16 Mar, 09:30. https://www.concertgebouw.be/nl/atelier-matinee-en-workshops

Concertgebouw tours. The concert hall offers tours of its architecture and (sound) art exhibition. https://www.concertgebouw.be/nl/concertgebouw-circuit Guided tours are available on some days, including on 15,19 Mar. Tickets: €6-12, FREE for children under 6. Concertgebouw ('t Zand 34.) https://ticketshop.ticketmatic.com/concertgebouw/shop

🌤️🌧️ Weather

The forecast is mainly sunny but cold at around 7°C during the daytime. Temperatures should pick up again to around 14°C with some cloudy sunshine from Monday (17th).

Find latest forecasts covering Bruges at: https://www.meteo.be/en/belgium