The first weekend of the summer holidays has arrived, and with it come many exciting and unusual events across the city.
From travelling back in time at Ommegang during the Renaissance Festival to exploring the canal district and enjoying an entire day dedicated to Italian food, culture and music, here's what's on in Brussels this weekend.
Art, music and culture
Brussels Renaissance Festival, various locations, until Saturday 5 July
This week sees Brussels transformed into a Renaissance celebration for the Ommegang folk festival, complete with jousting knights, crossbow demonstrations, and the famous procession through the city culminating with the grand spectacle on Grand Place.
The Ommegang parade in 2022. Credit: Belga/ Hatim Kaghat
Brussels residents and visitors line the streets of the city to watch the procession, which can be viewed for free. For a good view of the performance, it is recommended to reserve a spot in the seating area, which can be done on the organiser's official website. The main show, parade and crossbow competition take place on Wednesday and Friday this year, while the Renaissance market, village and horse jousting will end on Saturday.
Find more information here.
Brosella festival, Parc d'Osseghem, from 4 to 6 July
This urban jazz festival has been holding outdoor concerts in picturesque surroundings in Brussels since 1977. This year's international line-up features Mayra Andrade, Oded Tzúr, Lakecia Benjamin, SALIF KEïTA, Jaga Jazzist and more.
Credit: Brosella
The weekend event offers a unique array of jazz and blues music and a programme specifically for children in the enchanting setting of Osseghem park in northern Brussels.
Find more information here.
Festa Italiana, Place Marie Janson, Sunday 6 July
Lovers of all things Italian are in for a treat this Sunday: Saint-Gilles is celebrating the first edition of the Festa Italiana – an entire day dedicated to Italian food, culture and music.
From 12:00 to 20:00 on Place Marie Janson, people of all ages are welcome to come along and sample the very best of Italian gastronomy, participate in a raffle and family activities, browse the various stalls, and dance along to live music. Entry is free.
Find more information here.
Out and about
Brussels Urban Sessions, Parc du Cinquantenaire, from Friday 4 July to Sunday 6 July
For its fourth edition this weekend, Belgium's largest urban sports event is moving to the iconic setting of Parc du Cinquantenaire, having previously been held at the Crossing Stadium in Schaerbeek.
Get ready to see the best BMX Freestyle athletes perform spectacular tricks on specially designed ramps. There will also be parkour, skateboarding and even 3x3 basketball – a major new addition this year – as well as street art, interactive activities and the Partenamut Sports Village. The event will also get the capital buzzing to the beat of urban music, with live concerts, DJ sets by Romain Kuntz and Calumny, and hip-hop performances.
Find more information here.
'Quai d'Été', Quai des Péniches, until 13 July
On Thursday, the very first edition of Quai d’Été set sail from the banks of Brussels' canal, marking the start of the holiday season. All the activities on the quay during the 11-day event are free of charge and 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. 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. 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.
Find more information here.
Mid-week activities
Les Escales Estivales, Anderlecht Cultural Centre, every Thursday until 28 August
For its eighth edition, Les Escales Estivales is once again offering weekly concerts throughout the summer, from 3 July to 28 August. Every Thursday, visitors can enjoy an evening of world music in the garden of the EDN Bar, in the shadow of the Church of Saint Peter and Guy in Anderlecht.
Tropicant will perform on 10 July, followed by Kolonel Djafaar on 17 July and Las Baklavas on 24 July and Kit & Caboodle on 31 July. In August, Diese Mbangue will be taking to the stage on the first week, followed by Ayekan, Gaïsha and O'Tchalaï in the weeks after. Entry is free.
