What’s on this week: 24-30 May

It’s Youth for Climate’s final march before the regional, federal and European elections on Sunday, and that means par-tay. Make Noise for Climate starts with the now familiar protest march around the capital, but ends at Tour & Taxis with a festival, featuring speeches (sure), live music (cool) and an open-air party (woo-hoo!) Slongs and Absynthe Minded (pictured) get in on the act. 24 May, march from Central Station at 13.00, festival at Tour & Taxis 14.30-19.30

Do we live in a post-truth society? Jump down the rabbit hole at Circus of Truth to experience what six international artists think about ‘alternative facts’ and information in the digital age. See animals playing ping-pong, the choir of the Swirling Wind, the Garden of the Propaganda Flowers, a ballet of snowflakes and clowns doing things we cannot put into print. They are all revealed to the visitor along a fantasy path, while at the bar truth serum cocktails and ice cream of tears are served. 29 May 18.00-21.00, free with registration. Related exhibition 30 May to 2 June

Most choreographers would squirm at the thought of cutting their piece up and just performing fragments of it, but Brussels-based dancer Olga de Soto has embraced the idea for Mirage. A dance that looks as how we interact with thoughts and objects invisible to others, she performs fragments of it amid an exhibition by local artist Sophie Whettnall at Centrale for Contemporary Art. That’s in the evening, but the entire day sees all kind of performances and interventions in the space. 25 May 14.30-17.30 (Mirage 19.00-20.00), Centrale, Place Sainte-Catherine 44

Already known in France for his work on movie soundtracks, Lévon Minassian became a worldwide overnight sensation when he signed on to play his beloved duduk (a woodwind instrument) on Peter Gabriel’s 1994 album Us. A world tour with the British rock star followed, and the musician with Armenia roots has since been considered one of the best duduk players in the world. He shows off his stuff at Villa Empain during Armenian Music Weekend, which continues with the young star violinist Diana Adamyan. 24-25 May 20.00, Avenue Franklin Roosevelt 67 (Ixelles)

Two new exhibitions opened at Argos Centre for Art and Media this week: Aphasia, a film installation by Ghent-based artist Jelena Juresa, acts as a call to face the blind spots that seem to have become a fundamental part of European identity, while group show There All is Order and Beauty looks at whether still photography or video offers more ‘truth’ to an image, or a memory. Until 14 July, Argos, Rue du Chantier 13

Whether you’re a committed vegan or not, you’ll find something yummy at the Vegan Street Festival. Drop by for bowl food, wraps or vegan-style Mexican dishes, burgers and even milkshakes. There are also info stands, talks (most of them in English) and cruelty-free products. An open-air party follows, before the late-night after party at Madame Moustache. 25 May 10.00-22.00, Marché aux poissons; talks at Bronks, Marché aux Porcs 15; after-party at Madame Moustache Quai au Bois à Brûler 5

Sign up now: Urban Trail Brussels  If the recent 20km was a bit too ambitious for you, don’t miss the Urban Trail Brussels. Its 10k and 5k routes are fully citified, taking you through the capital’s metropolitan nooks and crannies and right into places like Choco Story, the Palace cinema and Bozar (where a pianist sets the pace). Register now to get one of the 6,000 spots available. 23 June, across Brussels

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Whether you subscribe to the idea that the cloth in the vial in Bruges’ basilica really is stained with the blood of Christ, this annual procession dedicated to it is a pretty impressive spectacle. Recognised by Unesco as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Holy Blood Procession sees thousands of residents don historical costumes to portray figures and act out scenes from the Bible. The procession, complete with floats, also encompasses other centuries, with a particular focus on Bruges’ 15th-century golden age. Musicians, soldiers, dancers, royalty – a whole history of Bruges, and its famous relic – at your feet. 30 May from 14.30, across Bruges

Every year, some 20 musicians are invited to the gorgeous Chateau de Halloy for some intense rehearsals, which lead to intimate performances of chamber music in the 12th-century manor’s former stalls. The 10th anniversary edition of the Resonances Festival features world-famous British cellist Steven Isserlis, British violinist Katharine Gowers and Hungarian pianist Dénes Várjon. The themed morning and afternoon performances include works by Haydn, Schubert and Beethoven. The manor’s bar and restaurant are open after every performance. 30 May to 2 June, Chateau de Halloy, Route du Chateau de Halloy, Braibant (Ciney)

The Namur en Mai festival is endless fun. Simply wander about the streets to see acrobats, jugglers, magicians and gravity-defying acts of all manner and sort. Costumed entertainers delight and embarrass, fire performers amaze and musicians get you in on the act. There are also ticketed acts, including rather ribald cabarets – for adults only. A party that seems to never end, Namur en Mai is truly one of Belgium’s most entertaining open-air festivals. 30 May to 1 June, across Namur

Photos: Vegan Street Festival courtesy Vegan Brussels, Frank Toussaint/Holy Blood Procession/Visit Flanders