Thousands will take to the streets of Brussels on Monday to celebrate Belgium's National Day – the anniversary of the swearing-in of Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, who became the first king of the Belgians on 21 July 1831.
There are always plenty of activities to enjoy in Brussels on this day, including a military parade and the annual fireworks display, but here are some other events to watch out for which you might not be aware of!
National Day
Grande Bouffe Nationale, Quai de Biestebroeck, Saturday 19 July
One of the capital's best known breweries, Brussels Beer Project (BBP), is kicking off National Day celebrations by teaming up with Bouillon for an open-air evening dinner and showcasing what Brussels does best.
As well as serving its freshly brewed Terra Pils, shrimp croquettes, mussels cooked with homemade Lambik Dansaert, grilled meats, fresh salads and Belgian fries will be on the menu, with a dark chocolate mousse from Concept Chocolate for dessert. And of course, a BBP beer pairing at every stage.
Find more information here.
Bal National and Resto National, Place du Jeu de Balle, Sunday 20 July
If BBP's event isn't enough to sate your appetite, head along to the iconic pop-up Resto National in the Marolles the following day. Each year, tables are set up and hundreds flock to the square for a huge portion of moules-frites and plenty of music and dancing. Organisers also provide meals for less fortunate neighbourhood residents, thanks to customer donations made with their reservations.
Credit: Bruxelles Zingt
This year, visitors can expect performances from the Lazy Jack trio as well as the classic giant bilingual karaoke organised by 'Bruxelles Zingt' and 'Orde van de Brusselse Moestasje'.
Find more information here.
Out and about
Foire du Midi, from 19 July to 24 August
Brussels' UNESCO-recognised Foire du Midi is back for its 145th edition. For over a month each summer, the mundane car park on Boulevard du Midi transforms into a vibrant, colourful and bustling urban amusement park with dozens of attractions. Last year, the fair attracted almost one million visitors of all ages.
Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
A total of 123 attractions will be set up on the large 1.6 km-long fairground along Boulevard du Midi, stretching from Arts et Métiers to Porte de Hal. This year, funfair enthusiasts can enjoy two new rides: the Hurricane, a breathtaking attraction combining speed and spinning, and the Mission Impossible Tower, which reaches a height of 80 metres and offers a panoramic view before a dizzying free fall.
Find more information here.
Les Berges Poétiques, Étangs d'Ixelles, Sunday 20 July
Across three Sundays this summer, poetry, circus and live theatre will take centre stage in Ixelles for the Les Berges Poétiques festival – street art at its best, popping up where least expected and transforming the urban space.
Credit: Les Berges Poétiques
This Sunday, expect a circus performance from Les Lulus, poetry and puppetry from El Caracol and immersive wandering theatre from Scraboutcha – all completely free of charge and suitable for all ages, making it the perfect day out for all the family.
Find more information here.
Bruxellons!, Château du Karreveld, until Saturday 27 September
Every summer for the past 25 years, this unique festival brings theatre to life at the magical green haven of Château du Karreveld in the Brussels municipality of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, showcasing the diversity of French-speaking Belgian performing arts and introducing musicals to Belgium. Major musicals have been put on every summer for the last decade, ranging from 'The Sound of Music' and 'Blood Brothers' to 'My Fair Lady' and 'West Side Story'.
Credit: Gregory Navarra
This year, visitors can look forward to two French-language world premieres: 'Rebecca', a romantic, suspenseful and captivating musical based on the famous novel by Daphne du Maurier and the legendary Alfred Hitchcock film, and 'Goodbye Norma Jeane', which explores the enigmatic last night of Marilyn Monroe and the secretive life of the woman behind the legend.
Find more information here.
Further afield
Gentse Feesten, various locations in Ghent, until Sunday 27 July
One of the highlights on the country's calendar is the Gentse Feesten, Ghent's annual ten-day cultural folk festival which last year attracted some 1.6 million visitors. Numerous established and emerging national and international artists take to stages scattered across the East Flemish city as well as the streets for music and theatre performances.
The official opening of the 179th edition of the 'Gentse Feesten' city festival in Gent, Friday 15 July 2022. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Highlights of the event – one of the biggest folk festivals in Europe – are the Bal 1900, the International Puppet Buskers Festival, the Polé Polé stage at the water in the city centre, the International Street Theatre Festival, the Funfair on the Vrijdagmarkt and the cosy Baudelopark.
Find more information here.
