Brussels is particularly quiet this time of year, but the city's cultural agenda is still packed with activities. From classical music festivals to beach open-airs and local folklore, here are all our favourite events lined up in the coming days in Brussels and beyond.
Art, music and culture
Classissimo, Théâtre Royal du Parc, 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.
'When We See Us', Bozar, until 10 August
The last weekend of Bozar iconic exhibition 'When We See Us' is finally here. Don't miss this unique opportunity to discover a century of pan-African figurative painting and delve into the richness and diversity of African art and its diaspora.
Credit: Sonia Perrin / Facebook
The exhibition brings together some 150 works by 120 artists around six themes ('Everyday life', 'Joy and happiness', 'Rest', 'Sensuality', 'Spirituality' and 'Triumph and Emancipation'), and ends with an extensive timeline of artistic movements associated with the featured artists. There is also a reading corner with additional resources for curious visitors.
Find more information here.
Out and about
Meyboom, Grand Place, Saturday 9 August
The planting of the Meyboom (Tree of Joy) is one of Brussels' many folkloric traditions, which takes place on 9 August every year and is a calendar highlight. This year's 717th edition will once again feature the cutting down of the tree in the Sonian Forest, followed by a picturesque parade to the Grand Place.
The Meyboom festival. Credit: Belga / Hatim Kaghat
The Meyboom was first planted in 1213, when Brussels won an important victory over Leuven (although history is unclear about what the dispute was about exactly, with legends ranging from a disrupted wedding party to a beer tax). The annual local tradition has now been recognised as an intangible heritage by UNESCO.
Find more information here.
Free salsa and bachata classes, Mont des Arts, Friday 8 August
Summer is the perfect time to try something new, and Youdance are hosting free salsa and bachata classes atop the scenic Mont des Arts this Friday. Both beginners and more experienced dancers are welcome to come and have a go at the two styles, which originate from Cuba and the Dominican Republic, either with a partner or solo.
Credit: Youdance / Facebook
The classes provide the perfect way to unwind outdoors after a busy week at work and get to know new people during the quiet, midsummer lull of August. Registration is required to maintain a balanced group.
Find more information here.
Further afield
Hangar open airs, Knokke-Heist, Friday 8 and Saturday 9 August
Brussels' ultimate electronic music experience Hangar is heading off to the Belgian coast this weekend for its annual beach open airs in Knokke-Heist, attracting more than 8,000 visitors, summer vibes and world-class music.
Credit: hangarbe
Up-and-coming live duo Jersey and popular hard techno artist Adrián Mills will be taking to the stage on Friday, while on Saturday, French electronic music pioneer Laurent Garnier will take over the decks. With stunning sunsets and sea views, it is sure to be an unforgettable weekend.
Find more information here.
Antilliaanse Feesten, Hoogstraten, until Saturday 9 August
It's worth making the trek to Hoogstraten in the province of Antwerp this weekend, as one of the biggest Caribbean events in the world is currently taking place: the 42nd edition of the vibrant Antilliaanse Feesten.
Credit: Antilliaanse Feesten
The otherwise quiet Kempen region comes to life during this festival for three days of dancing salsa, zouk, bachata, reggaeton and reggae to southern rhythms, drinking the finest rum-based cocktails, and sampling delicious food from diverse world kitchens.
Find more information here.
