What's on this week: 4 May

One of the former Soviet Union’s greatest living artists, Boris Mikhailov gathers more than 300 photos of his homeland dating back to the 1960s. Each of the 10 series in Ukraine introduces a phase in Mikhailov’s career or examines the changes that occurred as Ukraine slowly gained its independence from the USSR. His brilliance lies in his ability to capture the ordinariness of daily life, even under an oppressive regime. Whether it is people on holiday in the Crimea or protesters gathered in Kiev’s Independence Square, there is an everyday nature to the images. You can’t help but wonder what happened to these people. Until 5 June at FoMu, Antwerp

In the early 1990s, a new genre of music called “techno” occasioned a revolution in the way people danced. Exclusive discotheques like Studio 54 were shunned in favour of more democratic alternatives. The underground rave was the place to be. Dutch event organiser Extrema began throwing unconventional parties in those heady days. The operation has expanded into a family of festivals, each celebrating a different style and a different atmosphere. Extrema Outdoor combines the love of dance music with a passion for camping and environmental awareness. DJs from around the world perform in the open air all day long and into the night. 13-15 May at Kelchterhoef, Helchteren (Limburg)

The Feast of Ascension is a big deal all across the Catholic world, but in Bruges, it’s huge. The reason: the local Basilica of the Holy Blood boasts a relic in the form of cloth seeped in Jesus Christ’s blood (hence the name). Every year, on Ascension Thursday, the Bishop of Bruges and his people celebrate this possession even more than usual, dressing up in Crusader garb and taking the relic out for a stroll through town. Last year’s event was cancelled – without refund – due to weather. Those tickets can now be exchanged for fresh passes to this year’s procession. 5 May, 14.30, in Markt, Bruges

Du Bartas: The swinging five-piece group from the South of France present their latest album, Cinc, a sultry mix of Mediterranean folk with Moroccan and Brazilian influences. 6 May 20.00, Molière, Naamsepoortgalerij, Bolwerksquare 3, Brussels

Airbag Festival: The international accordion festival and platform for local talent features surprising ensembles and adventurous genres. 6-22 May, across Bruges

VE-Day party: Celebration of Victory Day, 71 years since Belgium and the rest of Europe became free from the cruelties of the Second World War, with a swinging 1940s-style party complete with lessons in waltz and lindy hop, live music and even a WW2 victory re-enactment. 7 May 18.00, Cocteau, Jan Palfijnstraat 17, Ghent

Kerkhof Opent: The community-run arts and event space is opening its summer garden and throwing a party to celebrate. Food trucks, drinks, play area for kids, petanque, theatre performances and exhibitions, followed by a DJ dance party. 7 May 13.00-22.00, Kerk Gent, Kerkstraat 24, Gentbrugge, Ghent

European Opera Days: Opera houses across Europe open their doors with free activities, tours, workshops, rehearsals and more. Brussels’ De Munt hosts a debate, picnic and numerous performances. 6-8 May, De Munt, Muntplein, Brussels

Cruise to Windmolenpark: Unique opportunity to visit the windmill park located 30 kilometres off the Flemish coast by ship while a guide talks about sea transport, marine wildlife and more. Reservation required (cost €37.50/adult). 5 May 9.00-14.00, Rederij Franlis, Hendrik Baelskaai 36, Ostend