When the everyday grind becomes too much to bear, alternate realms inhabited by superheroes, wizards and otherworldly creatures can make for a welcome distraction. To leave this earth and its problems behind, if only for a short while, consider one of these fantasy-themed events happening this weekend and beyond.

Brussels, Belgium: Fans of horror, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy, action and other genres of film outside the mainstream are sure to find just the right tingle at The Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival, or BIFFF, running through April 20 in Belgium’s capital city.

Many of the films screened here are taking part in competitive sections, including eight to ten feature-length films vying to be named best international film. Other competitions award the best European entries, emerging talents or artistic originality.

The festival, widely considered one of the best of its kind, comes with plenty of side activities, including make-up and body art competitions, art exhibitions and various workshops. On April 19, all are invited to get dressed up in their wildest costumes to attend the infamous Vampire Ball. Entry to this all-night extravaganza is free.

BIFFF takes place at the Heysel Brussels Expo, Palais 10, Av. de Miramar 11. Events are priced individually; entry to most of the feature-length films costs 12 euros. Online: bifff.net

Turin, Italy: Torino Comics invites gamers, dreamers and fans of pop culture to embrace all that which makes their hearts beat faster at this massive event comprised of gaming areas, cosplay stages, an artist’s alley featuring dozens of invited guests, an area dedicated to esports and sporting activities and other spaces. Specific events on the agenda include a Battle of the Bands, Karaoke contest, K-pop dance choreography competition and live role-playing games in the Fantasy Village.

The fair takes place from 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. April 11-13 on the grounds of the Turin Exhibition Center - Lingotto Fiere. Tickets purchased at the gate go for 25 euros; entry for those under the age of five is free. Online: torinocomics.com

Mons, Belgium: Trolls & Légendes is a fantasy festival that’s been transporting visitors to other space and times for over a decade. Attendees can peruse books, comics and games, take in exhibitions, and meet the authors, illustrators and other creative types behind various role-play and board games. Magic shows, storytelling, tournaments and game demos round out the activities on offer. The fairy market is the place to pick up unique gifts from fragrances to amulets.

Trolls & Légendes can be visited from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. April 19 and 20 at the Lotto Mons Expo. Entry to the festival itself costs 20 euros per day whereas tickets to the scheduled concerts go for 38 euros; passes granting access to both festival and concerts cost 48 euros. Those under the age of 12 enter for free. Online: trollsetlegendes.be

Bad Saeckingen, Germany: MPS, or the Mittelalterlich Phantasie Spectaculum, is a traveling medieval-themed market and music event poised to set up camp at seven different locations in the spring and summer of 2025. Its first stop of the season takes place April 26-27 in a town along the Rhine on Germany’s southern border. Program highlights include a knight’s battle and live musical performances. Entry on Saturday, April 26 costs 26 euros adults, 13 euros for those ages 7-14 and is free to those age six and under. Online: spectaculum.de

Bad Mergentheim, Germany: Romans, wizards, Vikings, pirates, cosplayers, fans of Star Wars and Lord of the Rings — all are cordially invited to the family-friendly Annotopia, a fantasy festival stopping in at four locations across Germany in 2025. The festival makes its first stop on May 9-11, alighting on the grounds of a residential palace in a spa town set in the idyllic Tauber Valley. Entry prices for each day vary; for example, a full-price, adult ticket for the Saturday May 10 event costs 28 euros and a family ticket goes for 73 euros when bought at the gate. Online advance purchase tickets offer significant savings. Online: annotopia.eu

Düsseldorf, Germany: Each year in spring, Düsseldorf celebrates a longstanding cultural connection with the hosting of Japan Day. On May 24, the city will once again shine the spotlight on Japanese art, culture and culinary traditions. Things to do on the day typically include watching performances by drummers, dance groups, cosplayers and martial artists or checking out manga comics and other art forms at the pop culture zone. The event ends with a display of fireworks along the Rhine embankment. Entry is free. Online: japantag-duesseldorf-nrw.de/en