As the summer weekends fly by, there is hardly a better time to make the most of the Belgian summer, whatever the weather. And of course, there is always so much happening in Brussels (and beyond). This weekend is no different. Luckily, we have sought out the best events for you.
Arts, music and culture
Sablon Music Festival, Sablon, Friday 11 until Sunday 13 August
After a three-year break, the organisers of this local and intimate music festival are ready to get the show on the road once again. From midday to midnight, free concerts featuring rock, pop, salsa and other vintage-style acts will entertain music lovers of all ages.
Credit: Sablon Music Festival
People from all over the region tend to flock to the picturesque, historic square near Brussels' city centre for this occasion to enjoy free live music, endless drinks and quality produce from Sablon's finest restaurateurs and shops.
Find more information here.
Buji Festival 2023, Reset, Friday 11 until Sunday 13 August
This multidisciplinary celebration of art and culture – the festival's name refers to Buji which means "Art" in Luba (a Bantu language primarily spoken in Congo). The festival embodies the essence of interdisciplinary creativity. It will present the best of African music – from afrobeats, RnB, rap, Afrohouse to amapiano, taking clubbers on a vibrant journey filled with energy and culturally-immersive performances.
Credit: Reset
Aside from the stellar musical components of the line-up and talent shows, discussion panels will be held to reflect on wider societal issues and times of crisis. There will also be film screenings, theatre plays, inspiring lectures and art exhibitions.
Find more information here.
Out and about
Flowertime, Brussels City Hall, until Tuesday 15 August
Floral artists from all around the world have worked tirelessly to decorate the emblematic Brussels City Hall – a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Grand Place in Brussels' city centre – with beautiful arrangements and floral creations, transforming the iconic building into a living bouquet.
Flowers in the city hall in 2019. Credit: Belga/ Benoit Doppagne
The entire enchanting building will be transformed into an idyllic garden with dozens of arrangements, from the entry hall and the corridors to the offices, meeting and reception rooms. Can't get enough of the floral theme? Just walk out of the City Hall and follow the Brussels in Bloom trail, which departs from this point.
Find more information here.
Summer Pop, Marolles, Friday 11 until Sunday 13 August
Brussels' most eagerly-awaited neighbourhood party is back for another edition. Make your way to the region's trendiest neighbourhood, Les Marolles, where Summer Pop offers an entertaining programme tailored to all ages.
Credit: Summer Pop
The long list of free family activities includes sports and dance initiations, cultural events and children's activities, creative and participatory workshops, face painting, concerts and many other street shows and performances. The fun never ends!
Find more information here.
Further afield
Festival of Middle Ages and torchlight castle tours, Bouillon, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August
Bouillon, a town in southern Belgium near the French border, is about as far from Brussels as you can be in Belgium, but the trip is well-worth the visit. This weekend, the local Festival of the Middle Ages will take visitors back in time to explore what life was like to live in medieval times.
Credit: Ardennes Tourisme
Explore the city and marvel at the medieval troupes of fighters and falconers, a fire show and historical re-enactment camps showcasing 10 centuries of history in the company of society's highest and lowest classes. Stick around until the evening to join a torch-lit tour of the ancient castle.
Find more information here.
Emperor Napoleon I's birthday, Waterloo 1815 Estate, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August
Are you a history buff who can't quite face the 2.5-hour drive down to the Belgian border? Then head over to Waterloo, where a wide range of events and festivities will be organised to celebrate what would have been Emperor Napoleon I's 254th birthday.
French Frank Samson, acting Napoleon during the second re-enactment of the Battle of Waterloo in 2015. Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
Discover the site's most important locations, including the bivouac, learn from the detailed explanations of soldiers' lives and a practical talk on military surgery or marvel at the demonstrations of Empire cavalry, combat and Amazon riding. On Saturday evening, a barbecue, rifle shootings and a fireworks display will bring the day to an end.
Find more information here.
