Arts and crafts, food and festivals: What's new in Brussels in August?

Arts and crafts, food and festivals: What's new in Brussels in August?
Credit: Alona Mykhailenko & Hanna Nochovna / AB / Classissimo

Whether you prefer to indulge in a hearty meal, spend a day drafting or listening to music outdoors, our monthly cultural guide has you covered.

Here are our top picks of what to discover on Brussels' vibrant cultural scene this month.

Food & drink

Shiri

Meet Flagey's newest food spot: 'Shiri' (meaning 'close friend' in Moroccan Arabic), which is a Breton crêperie. Founder Tarik Briki decided to open Shiri "because nothing like it existed in Brussels", and he wanted to bring a flavour of Paris' Latin Quarter to the Belgian capital. After training in Brittany, he brought the best organic flour from the region to create his signature fusion-style crêpes, inspired by flavours from around the world.

Credit: Alona Mykhailenko & Hanna Nochovna

As well as the classic egg, ham, and Emmental, and salted butter caramel, the team offers vegetarian creations (such as the scamorza cheese, red pesto, and baby spinach), an Indian-inspired version with Masala chicken and a Raita sauce and a Moroccan crêpe with kofta, salsa sauce, and Emmental. Everything on the menu is also very affordable, ranging from €4 to €9.50.

Rue du Nid 1, 1050 Ixelles. Find more information here.

Corinthia Spa Brussels

Housed beneath the majestic vaults of this Belle Époque building designed by Henri Van Dievoet, this new 1,200 m2 spa exudes excellence in every way. The hushed atmosphere, luxurious materials and soft lighting transport offers guests a first class oasis of calm. On top of the sauna, hammam, sensory showers, ice fountain, vitality pool, and the elegant nine-metre swimming pool, there are also six treatment rooms, a private thermal suite, gym, tea lounge and spa café serving up healthy and tasty dishes. The list of treatments on offer includes a selection of exclusive face and body rituals.

Credit: Corinthia Spa Brussels

The spa is not reserved solely for hotel guests: outside visitors are also welcome. A 90-minute treatment (which costs between €180 and €290) includes access to the thermal area for one hour, which can be extended for an additional €30.

Rue Royale 103, 1000 City of Brussels. Find more information here.

Art, music and culture

Craft Studios

Having only opened at the start of summer, Craft is a brand new concept on Brussels' cultural scene and is already generating a buzz. The social club allows visitors to create art in all its forms – acrylic painting, mosaics, embroidery, or pastel drawing – while enjoying a delicious meal, drinks or coffee. People can work independently or opt for a supervised workshop, such as life drawing, 'paint your date' evenings, customising clothes, making autobiographical comic strips and much more.

Credit: Craft Studios

The three founders opened Craft to create a space for all generations and give people the time to slow down and reconnect with art, try something new, and leave feeling a little lighter and happier.

Rue du Viaduc 66, 1050 Ixelles. Find more information here.

Classissimo, from 7 August to 13 August

Classical music aficionados are in luck as the countdown to Classissimo is finally over! The popular festival is returning to the Théâtre Royal du Parc for its 19th edition this month, hosting established artists as well as emerging talents with a different theme each night.

Credit: Classissimo

Pergolesi's legendary 'Stabat Mater' will open the festival on Thursday 7 August, followed by a Baroque and world music fusion 'Korabarok' on Friday and a serene 'Night at the opera' on Saturday, featuring Mozart, Schubert, Verdi, Ravel and more. A family-friendly performance will take place on Sunday, a Ukrainian musical showcase on the final night and there will be plenty more in between. Get your tickets before they go!

Find more information here.

Brussels Dance Festival, from 14 to 28 August

Brussels will once again transform into the capital of dance for ten days this month, bringing to life Place de la Bourse and Place De Brouckère in the city centre as part of the wider annual Plaisirs d'Été programme. From classical ballet to famous TikTok dances, contemporary, hip-hop, salsa and house dance, there is something for everyone.

Credit: Plaisirs d'été

At Bourse, tourists and locals alike can expect free performances and concerts, while De Brouckère will host workshops, dance battles and installations. There will also be immersive sound experiences, dance walks, museum nights and afterparties.

Find more information here.

Ancienne Belgique's free summer festivals, from 25 to 29 August

Brussels' iconic music venue AB is once again taking over Parc Royal with its free music festivals at the end of the month: 'Boterhammen In Het Park' ('sandwiches in the park' in English) during the day and 'Feeërieën' ('fairytales') in the evening under the trees, as well as Bar Chaud. Expect the best Dutch-speaking artists of the moment and a whole range of activities, such as free dance workshops, skate classes, jams and battles, to mark the end of the summer season.

Credit: AB

'Boterhammen In Het Park's 2025 line-up features the magical indie pop of De Toegift, the explosive energy of Prins S. en De Geit, the return of iconic group Madou with Vera Coomans, and Flemish music icon Guido Belcanto inviting rising star Kaat Van Stralen, and others. Feeërieën also promises another diverse programme, with the unique trio Merope, Irish collective ØXN, Elijah Minnelli, Fulu Miziki and the New York-born, Berlin-based rapper Sorvina, Brussels DJ M I M I, and much more. All activities are free and no booking is necessary – just turn up on the day!

Find more information here.

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