Benelux Culture Calendar: Spring 2026
By Karl Batterbee
At the end of April, the Brussels Short Film Festival returns for its 29th edition in the Belgian capital. Photo: BSFF
Museums open up in new ways, fresh spotlights get shone on forgotten artists, and there are tours, festivals and comedy nights aplenty. This spring in the Benelux region, there are many reasons to go out and experience a vast array of culture that is catered towards all.
For 12 days this spring, Utrecht will be transformed into the comedy capital of the Netherlands, with Ruud Smulders amongst the big-name lineup. Photo: Press image
Utrecht International Comedy Festival (25 February – 8 March)
From 25 February to 8 March, Utrecht will be transformed into the comedy capital of the Netherlands. Throughout the 12 days, some world-famous comedians as well as the funniest new talent will take over the city. The festival will close with the unmissable Big Binge of Comedy on Friday 6 March and Saturday 7 March at TivoliVredenburg. The 2026 edition of the festival is dedicated to the theme In Other People’s Shoes, where creators from around the world are challenged to imagine themselves in the perspectives of those around them. With this theme at the forefront, the festival is creating brand-new shows that explore challenging topics, focusing on gender, conflict, and identity; because laughter can disrupt, put things into perspective, and perhaps most importantly of all, connect.
Utrecht, Netherlands
www.utrechtinternationalcomedyfestival.nl
One of the most-streamed artists in the world right now is coming to Belgium and the Netherlands in March. Photo: Press image
SOMBR (2 and 6 March)
He’s one of the most-streamed artists in the world right now and he’s coming to the Netherlands and Belgium in March. Sombr, the 20-year-old alt-pop artist, has rapidly ascended to fame, earning third place on BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2026 list, which highlights the most promising new music talents for the upcoming year. He has drawn attention with viral TikTok hits, sold-out tours, and high-profile TV appearances across the globe. And with Taylor Swift praising his work, he’s gained an army of ‘Swifties’ as his fans, too! At the 2026 Grammy Awards in February, he treated fans to a headline-grabbing performance, where his debut album was also nominated. So there’s no better time to be seeing this star who continues to be on the rise.
Amsterdam, Netherlands (2 March) and Brussels, Belgium (6 March)
The Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent will present the very first major overview devoted to the significance of women in the arts during the 17th century. Photo: Clara Peeters, Stilleven met kazen en rivierkreeften, ca. 1615, Antwerpen, privécollectie
Unforgettable (7 March – 31 May)
A brand-new exhibition comes to Ghent, with the female artists of the Low Countries, between 1600 and 1750, coming under the spotlight. Jan van Eyck, Peter Paul Rubens, Dieric Bouts, Hans Memling, Pieter Bruegel, James Ensor, and René Magritte are the names of Flemish Masters that resonate with many art lovers. Yet something is usually missing from lists like these: women’s names! This is despite the fact that women played a crucial role in the artistic life of the Low Countries for centuries. Unforgettable wants to finally set the record straight. With this exhibition, the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent will present the very first major overview entirely devoted to the role and significance of women in the arts during the 17th century, in what is now Belgium and the Netherlands.
Ghent, Belgium
Museumnacht010.
Museumnacht010 (7 March)
Everyone is invited to (re)discover Rotterdam during the 2026 edition of Museumnacht010 in March, with plenty of new ways to view the Dutch city at night. Budding art enthusiasts often take their first steps here, and seasoned museum-goers truly lose themselves with all of the unique experiences on offer. During Museumnacht010, the public is invited to descend onto the city and “dream with your eyes open”! From cosy galleries to expansive museums, with one ticket you can discover dozens of locations throughout Rotterdam. Create your own route along impressive exhibitions, beautiful performances, inspiring talks, fascinating tours and vibrant parties. On Saturday 7 March, you can be assured that Rotterdam will be transformed into a vibrant art paradise for one night.
Rotterdam, Netherlands
On Saturday 7 March, you can be assured that Rotterdam will be transformed into a vibrant art paradise for one night, for the annual Museumnacht010. Photo: Rosa Quist Photography
Catch Music Festival (13 – 15 March)
Bringing together established local musicians and emerging young talents, Catch Music Festival has become an unmissable chamber music event in Luxembourg, taking place annually. Founded by pianist Cathy Krier and violinist Laurence Koch, Catch has a simple philosophy: to create an inspiring and inclusive experience for everyone, while supporting the Luxembourg music scene. All generations are invited to join, from connoisseurs, music lovers, the curious, and newcomers. Catch has become renowned for wanting to share the joy of making and listening to music together.
Bonnevoie, Luxembourg
At Catch Music Festival, all generations are invited to join in on the discovery of chamber music. Photo: Inês A
Hooverphonic (from 20 March)
In 2026, Belgian group Hooverphonic are celebrating 30 years of musical artistry and 25 years since their iconic album The Magnificent Tree. Throughout three decades, the band has continued to captivate audiences worldwide. This year, they will honour this milestone with a global tour, a photo book release, and a special edition of the aforementioned groundbreaking album. Today, songs like Jackie Cane and Vinegar & Salt remain radio staples, and their legacy thrives as they inspire new generations of fans. Many Belgian audiences have seen Hooverphonic live before, but everyone is invited along on this tour in celebration of their enduring magic.
Luxembourg (21 March) and various dates across Belgium
In 2026, Belgian band Hooverphonic are honouring three decades of music with a global tour. Photo: Press image
Brussels Short Film Festival (22 April – 2 May)
The Brussels Short Film Festival is back for its 29th edition in the Belgian capital. On the programme for 2026 is ten days of carefully curated activities and the crème de la crème of Belgian and international short film. Save the dates and keep an eye on the festival website for more details on the programme and events. The festival aims to bring together audiences and professionals to showcase new talent in films and to give Brussels a key event in the international festival calendar; which it has most certainly become after three decades. The promotion of the best new art is high on the agenda, and the festival strives to encourage film fans to come seek out something different.
Brussels, Belgium
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