This weekend brings another jam-packed programme to Brussels. From pool-side festivals and concerts in the green heart of the European Quarter to open-air theatre performances, here's what's on in Brussels this weekend.
Park festivals
Walden Festival, around Parc Léopold, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July
One of Brussels' most intimate music events is returning for its fourth edition this weekend. Walden Festival, an initiative from the founders of the classical music Klarafestival, invites music lovers and those looking to expand their horizons to the green heart of the European Quarter.
Lorenzo Gatto during Walden Festival 2023. Credit: Walden Festival
The programme is inspired by Brussels' cultural diversity and showcases a broad range of music – from classical string quartets and contemporary mysterious soundscapes to Eastern music and jazz – to break down barriers between different genres.
Visitors can also discover unique venues opened up for the festival, including Solvay Library, the Church of La Viale Europe, and the Fin-de-Siècle room in Espace Senghor.
Find more information here.
Festival Afrodisiac 2024, Bois de la Cambre, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July
This event is a true immersion into Africa, reflecting the diversity of the continent and its cultures through concerts, animations, exhibitions and delicious food from a variety of Afro-Caribbean food stalls and a cocktail bar.
Credit: Festival Afrodisiac
Festival Afrodisiac stands out as being the first cultural and artistic event in Belgium dedicated to solidarity and tackling the challenges faced by African nations. Beyond the festive aspect, the NGO behind the concept, CIProC, is raising public awareness and highlighting an issue affecting children living on the continent.
Find more information here.
Arts, music and culture
Detours Festival, various locations in Brussels, until 22 September
Get ready for almost three months of urban arts madness! Organised by contemporary urban dance group, the No Way Back Company, this annual festival presents an alternative version of the urban arts and reveals a different facet of hip-hop.
Credit: Detours Festival
Throughout the summer, Detours Festival will transform the pedestrian zone of the City of Brussels and breathe life into different cultural locations with dance performances, concerts, exhibitions, circus acts, experimental battles and film screenings – all offering an offbeat look at society and aiming to uplift reality.
Find more information here.
Bruxellons!, Château du Karreveld, until 28 September
Every summer, Bruxellons! Festival sets up shop in the idyllic Château du Karreveld in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, where it hosts hundreds of performances, bringing joy to young and old.
Credit: Bruxellons!
This year's programme includes a wide mix of shows, but the highlight will be the world premiere of the French version of the popular musical Come from Away, accompanied by a live orchestra. The feel-good musical tells the true story of the 7,000 passengers on 38 airliners who made an emergency landing on 11 September 2001 in the small Newfoundland town of Gander.
Find more information here.
Take a splash
Fluctuations Festival, FLOW, Saturday 13 July
While no encouragement is needed to spend a weekend at Brussels' only open-air pool FLOW, the arrival of Fluctuations – the impact festival travelling along European waterways to mobilise people on social, environmental and democratic topics – is as good a reason as any to head over to Anderlecht.
Credit: Pool is Cool
There will be pedagogical and participatory round tables, and live music including pop, hip-hop, electro concerts and DJ sets featuring renowned artists such as GUTS, Gaël Faure, Pö, and many more. A village of ethical brands, a children's zone, and mouthwatering food and drinks will also be on offer. And while you're there, why not go for a refreshing dip?
Find more information here.
Big Jump, various locations across Belgium, Sunday 14 July
All across Europe, avid swimmers and environmental activists will be taking the plunge into a local river, lake or pond this Sunday to draw attention to highly polluted water in local watercourses and the need for these to become cleaner.
Big Jump in Ghent. Credit: Big Jump
In Belgium, nearly 1,900 people took part in 2023, diving into 28 locations. For the 20th edition this year, 30 Big Jumps will be organised, with people travelling from far and wide to remind decision-makers and industry players of the urgent need to take action for cleaner water.
Find more information here.
