1. Noble gardening
After a thorough restoration, Gaasbeek Castle has mapped out a new route along the decorated period rooms. It zooms in on the story of the last owner, Marquise Marie Arconati Visconti, and colorful figures from her family and network. From May 1 you can also visit the castle garden. With knowledge and passion, the Agency for Nature and Forests built a garden modeled on castle gardens from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Read more.
2. Relax in Brussels parks
In Brussels a summer bar is called ‘guinguette’. The region is setting up seven this year, four of which are already open: Fabiola in the King Baudouin Park, André in the Laeken Park, Henri in the Georges Henri Park and Vincent in the Good Shepherd Park in Evere. The operators work with local and organic products as much as possible. You can also experience more than just eating and drinking, such as mini concerts, yoga and repair cafés.
3. Snacking on art by the sea
© Fred Debrock
The Beaufort triennial by the sea is back. During the eighth edition you can discover striking and memorable works of art along our 67 kilometers of coastline. Beaufort also moves inland for this edition, with controversial roundabout art, a reflective silo on the French border or a meteorite that landed on Ostend’s left bank. Read more.
4. Solving a murder in Alden Biezen
Who or what is behind a mysterious accident on the historic domain of Alden Biezen? What tracks can you find and where do they lead? With an interactive crime game you can explore the grand commandery in a playful and exciting way with the whole family.
5. Brunch in the green
© fvv
The Ghent summer bar Gazon, in the garden of the Kristallijn ice rink, is open again. From 10.30 am you can enjoy a table in the sun, summer music, a fresh drink, and breakfast with bacon and eggs.
6. Rummaging, browsing and haggling
Vintage and junk fanatics can get their fix at the gigantic Goegekregen flea market on Spoor Oost in Antwerp. There are 250 stands with a mix of items: from trendy second-hand clothing to old records and CDs to cool decorative items.
7. Contemporary art in Bruges
The fourth Bruges Triennial takes over the corners and forgotten places of the city. A silo, a wooden tower, a community garden, a swing in a narrow tunnel: the large-scale installations are ingenious. You will get to know a more contemporary side of Bruges and the art trail offers food for thought about the quality of life in a world heritage city. Read more.
8. On the red carpet in Knokke-Heist
While most boutiques are closed, you can still go shopping. The hippest seaside resort on the Flemish coast is temporarily the fashion hub of the country. During Elle Fashion Week you can stroll in Knokke under the first rays of sunshine. From haute couture to streetwear, for fashion queens and kings.
9. Bar among the blossoms
In the fruit landscape of Haspengouw you can relax in a pop-up bar among the blossoms. Bar Bloei is located in rural Schalkhoven on an unnamed farm road, inaccessible by car or motorcycle. You can reach the door on foot or by bicycle, scooter or Vespa. On May 1, you can enjoy a buffet breakfast.
