What’s on 23-29 Jan 2025
⭐ This Week's Top Picks
Auto Classics. A family-friendly classic car fair, perfect for kids and parents who love vintage vehicles.
Atelier Matinée. A free play, craft, and discovery session for children in the Concertgebouw’s welcoming environment.
Circus: MAT zinzi & TENT. A stunning acrobatic show exploring the art and resilience of falling and rising again. A thoughtful yet accessible performance for ages 7+.
🎨 🎻 🧺 Art, Music & Markets
Bach Academy Bruges 2025. Enjoy a series of performances of JS Bach’s music. “'Authentic': a flag that covers many loads in Bach's work and is not limited to style or instrumentation. Johann Sebastian Bach composed from an authentic religious conviction: in his cantatas and passions he points the way to divine trust and surrender.” Ticket prices vary across performances. 21-26 Jan. Concertgebouw (‘t Zand 34).
https://www.concertgebouw.be/nl/bach-academie-brugge-2025
Lecture: Henk van Visch, sculptor. “In the versatile work of Dutch sculptor Henk Visch, the human figure plays a significant role. Recognizable sculptures, inspired by the artist's thoughts and dreams, evoke aspects of human action. The enigmatic titles stimulate our associative thinking”. Standard ticket: €10. 24 Jan, 19:00. Academie Brugge DKO (De Biekorf, Sint-Jacobsstraat 8). https://www.academiebruggedko.be/in-het-hoofd-van-henk-visch/
The Academy is organising monthly Friday lectures “to create a platform where insights and experiences are shared across various studios and disciplines.” Here is the calendar: https://www.academiebruggedko.be/kunstenaarslezingen-kunstcultuur/
Photography: SNT CVO. Photography students at SNT, an Adult Education Centre in Bruges, exhibit their work. FREE. 24-26 Jan. Jan Garemijnzaal Stadshallen, Markt 7. https://www.snt.be/snt-agenda/fotografie-expo-portfolio
Music: The Covrettes XL. “The Covrettes embody musical vintage like no other, seamlessly blending retro classics by Elvis, the Andrew Sisters, and Roy Orbison with modern hits. Dressed in chic retro costumes, they deliver a show that bursts with the charm of bygone eras. In their XL formula, their sweet harmonies and playful dance moves are powered by an exuberant brass section. The Covrettes bring nostalgia to life—they are nostalgia!” Tickets: €7-22. 26 Jan, 15:00. Koninklijke Stadsschouwburg - Vlamingstraat 29.
Music: Novastar - The Best Is Yet To Come. “Neil Young's producer once motivated him with the quote, "be great or be gone." Joost Zweegers of Novastar adopted this mantra, striving to compose greatness continuously. Instead of releasing a 'best of' album, Zweegers revisited his best songs, convinced by an English production duo that they could shine even brighter. With top musicians, cutting-edge technology, and the iconic Abbey Road Studios—home to his idols, The Beatles—the results speak for themselves. The rest is history, and indeed, the best is yet to come—to Bruges!” Tickets: €12-32. 28 Jan, 20:00. Koninklijke Stadsschouwburg - Vlamingstraat 29. https://www.ccbrugge.be/agenda/4316/the-best-is-yet-to-come/novastar
Theatre: [Seagull]. “Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull is a tender play about a younger generation searching for new ideas and an older generation feeling threatened by them. Described by Chekhov as a comedy in four acts, it explores life through the perspectives of three generations. For the first time, this classic is translated and performed in Flemish Sign Language (VGT) with Dutch subtitles. Featuring a mixed cast of deaf and hearing actors, the production creates a unique theatrical dialogue focused on gesture as a universal language.” Tickets: €11-22. 29 Jan, 20:00. MaZ - Magdalenastraat 27. https://www.ccbrugge.be/agenda/4317/olympique-dramatique-theater-arsenaal-toneelhuis/meeuw
Exhibition: 600 Years of Anselm Adornes. Anselm Adornes (1424–1483) was a prominent merchant, diplomat, and knight from Bruges. Of Genoese descent, he played a key role in international trade and politics, serving as an envoy for the Dukes of Burgundy. Adornes is best known for his pilgrimage to Jerusalem and his involvement in religious and cultural projects, including the construction of the Jerusalem Chapel in Bruges, inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. His life reflects the dynamic exchange between commerce, diplomacy, and devotion in medieval Europe. A standard ticket costs €10. Until 1 Mar. Adornesdomein & Jeruzalemkapel (Peperstraat 3). https://www.adornes.org/en-home
Photo exhibition: Trui Hanoulle “Baanbrekers” (translates as Trailblazers). Trui Hanoulle “documents resilient women worldwide who defy traditions and laws, capturing their stories in villages, cities, and remote regions. From celebrities to housewives, each is a trailblazing role model.” This exhibition is included with admission to the Concertgebouw Circuit. Until 2 Feb. Concertgebouw (‘t Zand 34). https://www.concertgebouw.be/nl/baanbrekers
“Trespassers”. Diego Latruwe's exhibition features digital animation, installations, and graphic works exploring our desires and the boundaries they encounter. “His incorporation of 3D printing and scanning blurs the lines between reality and virtuality”. FREE. Until 7 Feb. The central mural piece can be viewed until 20 Jun. Exporuimte Biekorf (Sint-Jakobsstraat 8).
https://www.ccbrugge.be/agenda/4366/trespassers/diego-latruwe
"Renarrative". A group exhibition exploring the power of storytelling in reshaping narratives, curated by The Constant Now, a nomadic curatorial platform led by Magali Elali. This is part of Cultuurcentrum Brugge's BRUGOTTA CLUB (Bruges Got Talent Club) series. FREE. Until 2 Feb. Hallen Belfort (Georges Rodenbachzaal - Markt 7). https://www.ccbrugge.be/agenda/4368/lou-cocody-valentino-randa-maroufi-kevin-osepa-imge-ozbilge-joseph-thabang-palframan-badi-rezzak/renarrative
https://www.ccbrugge.be/agenda/themas/36/brugotta
James Ensor: 75 years after his death. The Groeningemuseum (Dijver 12) is hosting a collection presentation dedicated to James Ensor, 75 years after the artist's death. The Groeningemuseum is also home to "Ensor: Master on paper". This separate exhibition showcases Ensor's artistic talent through drawings and etchings, highlighting his grotesque and macabre imagery, including masks and skeletons. Museum ticket prices are up to €15, children under 13 go FREE. This Ensor exhibition will run at the Groeninge until 18 Feb. https://www.visitbruges.be/en/whats-on/events-calendar/ensor-master-paper
Weekly markets. The Saturday market (25 Jan) will be on ‘t Zand and the market on Wednesday (29 Jan) 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 The Room Next Door, Babygirl, Maldoror, Flow and Mulholland Drive.
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/
Nature film: Songs of Earth. “Ice-blue glaciers, sparkling waterfalls, and lush green foliage create the breathtaking backdrop of the nature film Songs of Earth. Director Margreth Olin returns to her birthplace, the enchanting Oldedalen Valley in Norway, to deliver a heartfelt ode to both this majestic landscape and her parents, who, after all these years, still share a profound and enduring love for one another.” Tickets: €11. Registration required, email: natuurpuntfilm@outlook.be. 26 Jan, 10:30, Cinema Lumière (Sint-Jakobsstraat 36). https://www.natuurpunt.be/agenda/natuurfilm-songs-of-earth-19689?date=26/01/2025
Kinepolis (Koning Albert l-laan 200) will offer films over the coming week including Flight Risk, Blue Velvet, Wicked, Young Hearts and A Real Pain. A standard ticket costs €14,10. Visit https://kinepolis.be/nl/nl/movies/overview/ for more information and bookings.
⚽ Game On: Sports & Recreation
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). Club Brugge will play KV Kortrijk in the Jupiler Pro League. 25 Jan, 20:45. https://tickets.clubbrugge.be/
🍻🎶 Bruges After Dark: Nightlife
Crash-Winter-Beach-Party!!! “A beach party in winter? Of course! At The Crash, we make it happen! Complete with sand and a swimming pool!!! And, of course, swimwear is mandatory!!! Fun guaranteed!!!” Tickets: €10-20. 25 Jan, 21:00. Rock Café-The Crash (Langestraat 78) T: 0477 52 51 77.
Gasolina. “Gasolina brings you the most danceable Latin grooves all night long! Enjoy Latin club music and more! The best dance tracks are handpicked by experts in the genre: Niki August, Kay C, and Jeronimo.” Age 16+. Tickets from €13. 25 Jan, 22:00. (Cactus Club, Bargeweg 10).
De Coulissen invites Voltrack & Lowriderz.“Get ready to party with Lowriderz, the ultimate dynamic duo, as they crank up the hard dance vibes alongside Voltrack&our resident DJ Andrew for his epic birthday bash!” Age 18+. Tickets start at €5. email: brugge@decoulissen.be 25 Jan, 22:00. De Coulissen, Jakob Van Ooststraat 4.
🌈 Family Fun: Events & Adventures
Shaky Friday & Funky Sunday, Het Pannenhuis. Het Pannenhuis is a community social bar. They organise “Shaky Friday” every last Friday of the month for “afterwork, food and c/mocktails.” 24 Jan, 17:00-00:00. Every last Sunday of the month is “Funky Sunday” hosting “invited cooks and DJs.” 26 Jan, 11:00-22:00. More information and sign up: https://www.pannenhuis.de3hoek.be/programma
Circus: MAT zinzi & TENT. “MAT is an acrobatic performance that explores the art and vulnerability of falling. While we often celebrate our successes and achievements, the show asks whether collapsing and rising again are just as important, if not more so.” Age 7+. Tickets: €11-22. 25 Jan, 20:00. MaZ - Magdalenastraat 27. https://www.ccbrugge.be/agenda/4314/zinzi-tent/mat
Auto Classics. “Since 1980, when we began our journey as “Auto Retro,” we have captured the hearts of car enthusiasts with our unique celebration of the automotive world. With a proud history of successful editions behind us, we are delighted to invite you to our new classic car fair, “Auto Classics,” in Bruges.” Tickets: €15. BMCC, Beursplein. 25-26 Jan, 09:30-18:00. https://www.autoclassics.be/
https://auto-classics-2025.tickoweb.be/
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 March. 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 26 Jan, 09:30. https://www.concertgebouw.be/nl/atelier-matinee-en-workshops
Concertgebouw tours. The concert hall also offers tours of its architecture and (sound) art exhibition. https://www.concertgebouw.be/nl/concertgebouw-circuit Guided tours are available on some days (including 26 Jan). Tickets: €6-12, FREE for children under 6. Concertgebouw ('t Zand 34.) https://ticketshop.ticketmatic.com/concertgebouw/shop
🌤️🌧️ Weather
A week with mild temperatures (averaging around 8-9°C), occasional rain, and windy days are forecast—typical winter weather in Bruges!
Find updated forecasts covering Bruges at: https://www.meteo.be/en/belgium