The week in activities: 30 April

This two-hour moving spectacle is a May Day tradition in Genk, drawing thousands of visitors every year. More than 40 national and international groups take part. Expect giant puppets, colourful costumes, creative street theatre, music and dance.
1 May, 16:00; free
www.tinyurl.com/oparade

Gardeners and nature lovers will enjoy this outdoor plant market on the grounds of Domein Bokrijk in Genk. Children can take part in several DIY activities, including planting a garden, making birdhouses and building a playhouse.
1 May, 8:00-18:00; Bokrijklaan 1, Genk; free but on-site parking €7
www.bokrijk.be

This type of children’s song festival is an annual tradition in Turkey. 160 young voices, accompanied by members of dePhilharmonie orchestra, take the stage at the Bijloke in Ghent, along with simultaneous live drawing and storytelling.
3 May, 15:00; De Bijloke, Jozef Kluyskensstraat 2, Ghent; free
www.debijloke.be

What started as a simple two-day hike in Blankenberge has grown into a big weekend event. This 45th edition has four walking routes of different lengths, from six to 42km, plus entertainment and kids’ activities. A special theme this year is the liberation of Blankenberge by Canadian soldiers in the First World War.
3-4 May; walk registration €5.50-€10
www.2daagse.be

The Steam Centre in Maldegem, East Flanders, contains the largest collection of steam locomotives in the region. During this two-day festival, visitors can take a ride on a steam train between Maldegem and Eeklo, see steam tractors and steam cars, ride on a narrow-gauge train, see model trains and meet other train enthusiasts.
3-4 May, 10.00-18.00; €8-€12
www.stoomcentrum.be

Photo courtesy Zilvermuseum Sterckshof