Another sweltering weekend is around the corner for Brussels, so it's advised to find some distraction from the heat. Struggling to find inspiration due to the heat? Don't worry, we have you covered with our weekly weekend guide!
Exotic discoveries
Cubalandz, various locations in Brussels, Friday 16 and Saturday 17 June
For its sixth edition, the Cuban contemporary art festival CubaLandz, is shaking things up this year. The event will take place over two days, at two cultural venues in Brussels: namely Bozar in the centre (June 16) and LaVallée in Molenbeek (June 17).
Credit: Cubalandz
Like with past editions, this one-of-a-kind festival explores interculturality having multiple collaborations and partnerships with a wide variety of organisations. This has helped develop a rich programme of Latin jazz, electro-afro-ancestral sounds, cinema and performance. However, this year it will put an additional spotlight on women, giving them more space in the artistic landscape.
Find more information here.
Korean Culture Days: Hallyu Town, Place de Brouckère, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 June
The long-awaited “Korean Culture Days” Festival will return to the streets of Brussels this weekend. This year, Korean culture is back with a new two-day concept named “Hallyu Town”, a new Korea Brand Fair that organisers say will allow locals and tourists alike to discover everything related to Korean culture.
Tuck into some of the best Korean dishes. Credit: Korean Cultural Centre
Visit the 40 stalls to explore a variety of K-culture products from Korean dishes, experience Korean fusion traditional music performances, take part in one-day food classes to learn more about the local cuisine, and make sure you don't miss the K-Pop concerts by Paul Kim, OnlyOneOf, CSR, and Esang.
Find more information here.
Out and about
BXL Tour, various locations, Sunday 18 June
A cycling race that once attracted mainly avid cyclists is now becoming more accessible to the general public. Last year organisers added another category with a shortened course of 32km without classification, even allowing people with an electric bicycle to take part.
Credit: BXL Tour
The 40km competition, which as usual will start at Place Palais and finish at the foot of the Atomium, gives cyclists rare freedom to race through the streets of Brussels without having to worry about other traffic. Registrations are open until midnight on Saturday, so there's no excuse to sit this one out.
Find more information here.
Family-friendly
Mosaik Festival, Os à Moelle, until Sunday 18 June
A true cultural melting pot, this festival serves up stand-up comedy, concerts, burlesque, children's shows and street theatre, all in one plural festival.
Credit: Mosaik Festival
Above all, it is made as accessible as possible. There will be performances on the outdoor stage as well as free access to the designer market and dance hall. Performances on the indoor stage can be watched on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Find more information here.
Family Day, Coudenberg Palace, Sunday 18 June
As part of the Renaissance Festival which will return to Brussels this weekend, children are invited to plunge underground and discover the remains of Charles V's palace, and Brussels' prestigious past.
Credit: Coudenberg Palace
Dress up as a knight of the Golden Fleece or a lady of the court; discover ancient beauty secrets, shoot with a crossbow or handle a sword, this is true travel-back-in-time experience is aimed for the whole family. The visit finishes in the best way possible: with a buffer of cheese and old-fashioned bread.
Find more information and reserve your spot here.
