With Belgium's long summer holidays nearly at the halfway point, Brussels is now fully in the summer mood. Many expats have left the city for a few weeks, but for those who stayed, there is quite a wide range of activities to enjoy this weekend.
From walking tours around Brussels' most beautiful districts to DJs and late-night jazz jam sessions, there is something for everyone. Find our favourite events over the coming days below.
Art, music and culture
Gems of the Square District, Square Marie-Louise, Saturday 26 July
At the end of the 19th century, the Maelbeek valley offered a unique setting for the development of a new residential district: its squares, water features, fountains and tree-lined avenues attracted wealthy middle-class residents who commissioned the most talented architects of the period to design their homes.
Credit: Visit.Brussels
The district became a veritable laboratory of late 19th-century architecture, with facades in a wide variety of styles, from unfettered Eclecticism to Art Nouveau. Until mid-November, urban planning activists Arau are offering guided tours of the district every weekend. The first one is this Saturday.
Find more information here.
Backstage tour at the King Baudouin Stadium, 26 July
With this tour, you can step into the shoes of Kevin De Bruyne, Usain Bolt, or Beyoncé and experience the King Baudouin Stadium from behind the scenes; explore the Red Devils' locker room, artists' dressing room, the players' tunnel, and the press rooms, and listen to countless anecdotes from expert guides.
The King Baudouin Stadium is home to the Belgium national football team. Credit: Belga
This upcoming grey Saturday afternoon makes for the perfect weather to delve into the stadium's underbelly and discover the rich history of its many sporting achievements, legendary concerts, and spectacular shows. It might be your last chance.
Find more information here.
Late Jam with Gabriel Moraes, Toots Jazz Club, 26 July
Just off the Grand Place, Brussels' newest jazz club is hosting a late jam session with Gabriel Moraes on Saturday evening. With the intimate, cabaret-style setting, dimmed lights, wooden-panelled walls and table service, some jazz might be the perfect way to end the evening.
A performance at Brussels' newly opened jazz club. Credit: Toots Jazz Club
It is not possible to reserve a table for the jam session. While donations are encouraged at the door, entry is free. At least one consumption is mandatory, but with the nice cocktail and drinks menu – that should not be an issue.
Find more information here.
Shake a leg
Euro Summer Jam: Brussels Rooftop Experience, Neder-Over-Heembeek, 26 July
For those brave enough to make the trek to Neder-Over-Heembeek all the way in the north of Brussels, six hours of non-stop partying on the rooftop of the Utopia Summer Bar awaits as the Old School R&B Brunch Live Experience is coming to Brussels.
Credit: OSR The Experience
Unlike its other events, this party will differ from its usual brunch format, and only kick off in the afternoon. The party aims to give people "a musical journey" that explores music genres dating back to the 90s up to the present day, featuring a carefully selected DJ lineup, live performances, dancers and surprises.
Find more information here.
Further afield
Muziek in de wijk, various locations in Antwerp, 25-26-27 July
If you're looking for a day out of Brussels, you can head to the squares in Antwerp to celebrate the summer this weekend. From African rhythms to French tango and street food from all corners of the world, there is something for everyone.
Muziek in de Wijk. Credit: Zomer van Antwerpen
This weekend, the main act is Sara Curruchic. She is the first indigenous Guatemalan singer and songwriter to sing in both Kaqchikel (her native language) and Spanish for an international audience. She will be playing in Wilrijk on Friday, in Berchem on Saturday and in Borgerhout on Sunday.
Find more information here.
