This weekend will be hot, hot, hot, and not just weather-wise; Brussels' events calendar this weekend is jam-packed with events and activities!
From a boat party and a Saint-Gilles talent show, to improv theatre incorporating the stories and dreams of Ixelles residents, here is what's on in the Belgian capital (and further afield) this weekend!
Arts, music and culture
1050 Histoires, Étangs d'Ixelles, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August
This festival of improvised shows puts the spotlight on the everyday lives of Ixelles residents, asking them to share a funny story, a crazy anecdote or their dreams. These will be turned into six open-air shows, in which talented actors rely on the stories of unnamed characters. To make each performance truly unique, every show will be created spontaneously.
Credit: 1050 histoires
For its fourth edition, it has implemented a "free ticketing" system allowing people to pay what they can afford (suggested prices are €5 or €10 depending on people's situations). Reservations are needed, so make sure to book your spot to see tales of the city come to life!
Find more information here.
Classissimo, Théâtre Royal du Parc, until Tuesday 13 August
The moment avid classical music lovers in Brussels have been counting down to has arrived! The popular Classissimo 2024 festival is returning to the heart of the capital for its 18th edition. The Théâtre Royal du Parc stage will host established artists as well as young or undiscovered talents. Every evening will be devoted to a different theme, leading to a wide variety of concerts.
Credit: Classissimo
Friday's concert will bring both the "joyful and sober" sides of the early 20th century, while Saturday's concert puts the spotlight on two virtuosos of the younger generation, as well as the talented members of Balkan Wave who will bring the traditional music of their native countries Albania and Greece. The festival will end on a high on Sunday with Pascal Amoyel playing and talking about legendary pianist György Cziffra – also known as 'the pianist with 50 fingers'.
Find more information here.
1060 Talent Show, Place Louis Morichar, Friday 9 August
Parc Poétik, the Brussels organisation providing artistic interventions in public spaces, is bringing its "neighbourhood creativity" concept to the commune of Saint-Gilles. In the afternoon, it will organise workshops on making radio programmes and creating flags with a focus on exploring pattern work.
Credit: Park Poétik
In the early evening, Radio Poétik will start a live radio broadcast from its blue caravan on site, inviting locals to get involved and participate. The day will end with a talent show, in which locals – whether they are DJs, freestyle rappers or street dancers – are invited to showcase their gifts.
Find more information here.
Daytime Dancing
Vostock Open Air, Circle Park Anderlecht, Saturday 10 August
Nothing screams summer quite like a Circle Park open air party, and this week's sunny Saturday marks the perfect time for such an occasion. The organisation has again teamed up with Vostock, which evolved from being pop-up parties with a converted van to an eminent concept combining community building and rave culture, guaranteeing an unforgettable night.
Credit: Circle Park
Names on the bill for this day-time rave include Bliss Inc., Ttyfal B2B Jessen and Marouchka B2B SVS. Get dancing!
Find more information here.
Thé Dansant 90s Cruise, Quai de Humbeek, Saturday 10 August
There are few things Belgians love more than a boat party, and this Saturday's version will be hard to beat. Thé Dansant – the organisation responsible for bringing electronic music into daylight in 2010 – is this weekend bringing its 90s Cruise to the capital. It will sail from 15:00 to 22:00, during which local and international DJs will entertain crowds.
Credit: Thé Dansant
Party-goers can enjoy the best of both worlds on this vessel: on the upstairs, outdoor deck, Bacon&Eggs, Full House, Jaxter and Red D! will be bringing the best of House music while inside, Gabriella Vergilov (Bulgaria), Rival Phocxzan, Toxyblue and Double U Jay will be mixing techno. Dressing up is a must, so pick out your most fluorescent, dashing costume!
Find more information here.
Further afield
Antillean Festival, Hoogstraten, until Saturday 10 August
While Hoogstraten (in the province of Antwerp) is a considerable distance from Brussels, it could be well worth making the trek, as this weekend it is hosting the 41st edition of the Antillean Festival, which organisers say is now among the largest Caribbean events in the world.
Credit: Antilliaanse Feesten
The otherwise quiet Kempen region will come to life for three days of dancing salsa, zouk, bachata, reggaeton and reggae to southern rhythms, drinking the finest rum-based cocktails, and trying food from diverse world kitchens.
Find more information here.
