For the next 11 days, the very first edition of Quai d’Été is setting sail from the banks of Brussels' canal. Open-air DJ sets, daily cruises, aperitifs on the water and much more is in store.
From 3 to 13 July, the City of Brussels is organising a brand new event to mark the start of the summer holiday season: Quai d’Été. During the festival, the Quai des Péniches is being transformed to offer a holiday break to those staying in the city and revitalise the canal district.
"Every summer, Brussels undergoes a transformation. The city becomes more relaxed, more vibrant and more accessible. It is a precious time to reclaim public spaces in a different way: by infusing them with poetry, celebration, reflection and, above all, culture for everyone," said Delphine Houba, City Councillor for Culture, Tourism and Major Events.
"This summer breeze invites us to break out of our routine, rediscover our neighbourhoods in a new light, and create unexpected encounters and moments of sharing. Quai d'été is the embodiment of this vision."
Whatever floats your boat
All the activities on the quay are completely free of charge and set against a post-industrial backdrop of shipping containers, disused cranes, barges and street art that "reflect the soul of the neighbourhood."
The activities on offer range from mini golf, pétanque and yoga, to children's activities, Mölkky (Finnish skittles), urban tennis and trampolining. There will also be deckchairs to unwind in, and a bar with food available throughout the day.
Perhaps the most exciting item on the agenda, however, are the festive cruises, with Brussels DJs performing aboard The Boat every day as it sails along the canal, allowing visitors to see Brussels in a new light.
The floating dance floor will be powered by a lively mix of Brussels collectives who know how to get the party started. Notably, the Brussels DJ trio behind the iconic Hangar parties will serve up an energetic mix of deep beats and melodic intensity, perfectly tailored to the unique setting.
The full cruise programme.
The music will range from electro and funk to house and hip-hop depending on the day, complete with drinks and dancing on the decks. Each cruise lasts 2.5 hours and costs €15.60 (except for the Thé Dansant cruise on 4 July, which is €30.60).
Thursday's opening night and inaugural cruise will feature speeches, performances and poetry to set the tone for the 11-day event. Club Maté will also celebrate its anniversary on Saturday 5 July, with an open-air on the quay from 12:00 to 22:00, featuring performances from Belgian artists Ezekiel25:17 and Rick Baguette & Rozevelt.
'The destination of choice'
Quai d'Été forms the first part of the City of Brussels' wider summer programme, 'Plaisirs d'Été' – the counterpart of the capital's Christmas event 'Plaisirs d'Hiver'.
The dance-themed 2024 edition of 'Plaisirs d'Été' was a huge success, and is back this year under the name 'Brussels Dance Festival', from 14 to 24 August. From ballet to krump, the organisers have planned something for everyone and hope to show that Brussels is the place to be this summer.
"Spending the summer in Brussels means choosing to stay in a city that's always on the go. With Quai d'Été, we offer a real moment of relaxation and entertainment to everyone who stays here. Even in July, the City of Brussels remains a destination of choice," said City of Brussels Mayor Philippe Close (PS).
Find more information and the full programme here.
