Chaotic traffic, packed offices and crammed metros: the summer break is clearly over in Brussels. Luckily, there is still plenty of fun to be had during the weekends.
Whether you are looking to dance the days away, unwind on a Brussels rooftop or discover new beers, the wide range of activities planned in the coming days will offer something for everyone.
Arts, music and culture
Forest Sounds, Abbaye de Forest, Friday 30 and Saturday 31 August
For its eighth edition, Forest Sounds is moving to another of the municipality's landmark green spaces: Abbaye de Forest. The set-up will be as exceptional as always, with four stages bringing a wide range of music genres and styles, from global sound to contemporary traditional and electro.
Credit: Forest Sounds
The organisers make it their mission to select artists for their originality: the line-up includes local legends such as Brussels' beloved Turkish Kebap and international talents such as the mesmerising music of Alostmen, an award-winning group of musicians from Ghana.
Find more information here.
Cameristica Festival 2024, Hoofdstedelijke Kunstacademie, until Sunday 1 September
This festival, marking its inaugural edition this year, is orientated towards student, advanced amateur and professional string and piano musicians from the age of 18. They have been receiving chamber music classes and individual masterclasses over the last few days to form an ensemble. Parts of this journey are accessible to the public, including the Free Listener Classes and the concerts.
Credit: Cameristica Festival
On Friday evening, Latin American music will be in the spotlight during the concerts, while on Saturday, all the participants who followed a week of masterclasses with the NGO's maestros will perform. The event will culminate in a concert by the festival's chamber orchestra, which will perform a classical repertoire.
Find more information here.
Festival l'Afrique En Couleurs, Tour&Taxis, Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September
The ninth edition of this free event will once again showcase African artistic and cultural riches from across the continent, immersing a Belgian audience from taste to sound and movement.
Credit: Festival l'Afrique En Couleurs/ Teroubi
Musicians and dancers will amaze audiences with electrifying performances, from Brima Dondon, who for 30 years has been singing in his native Guinea Conakry, to the iconic Tambours du Burundi. Workshops in Batuqueria, Djembé and Zumba will encourage visitors to push their boundaries. Food trucks will serve up the best of African gastronomy, reflecting the diversity of the continent.
Find more information here.
Alternative festivals
Brussels Open Air Festival, various locations in Brussels, Saturday 31 August
The Belgian capital has made a name for itself in recent years when it comes to hosting eminent open-air dance events. But this weekend, the city's first Open Air Festival will likely outshine all previous parties. On Saturday, five "Open Airs" will be taking over the city's most iconic squares: Place Poelaert, Vaux Hall, Place d'Espagne, De Brouckère, Allée du Kaai and Congrès.
One of the events will be held on Place Poelaert, a much-loved Open Air venue. Credit: deepinsayd
Every gathering is organised by a different promoter or music collective to reflect the diversity and richness of the capital's various subcultures and music genres.
Find more information here.
Belgium Beer Week, various locations in Brussels, until Sunday 1 September
This weekend marks the end of an entire week dedicated to celebrating Belgian beer culture, with events taking place in Belgium, but also as far as Mexico, Poland and Hong Kong.
Credit: Belga / Christophe Ketels
The initiative brings together craft beer bars, brewers, beer clubs, event organisers and traditional haunts frequented by pint lovers to create quirky and distinctive experiences that put the spotlight on the beverage in all its forms. The final Brussels-based events of the fifth edition include a guided tour of the De la Senne Brewery, accompanied by a Beer & Sweets Tasting by Hoppiness Brussels.
Find more information here.
Out and about
Bozar Rooftop, Centre for Fine Arts, until 29 September
While summer is coming to a close, the fun has only just begun at Bozar, Brussels' Centre for Fine Arts, which has reopened its rooftop on top of one of the city's most beautiful buildings. Locals and tourists alike are invited to enjoy a drink, take in the magnificent skyline views and explore the various cultural activities on offer.
Credit: Bozar/ Solar
At Bozar, there is no waiting until the weekend to get the party started: events begin on Wednesdays, with performances, open-air film screenings and lively after-work activities. Thursday revolves around electro, while the focus is on hip-hop on Fridays. Saturday is for all-day dancing, while on Sunday, Bozar creates a relaxed ambience with yoga sessions, cosy brunches and outdoor acoustic concerts.
Find more information here.
120 years of Saint-Gilles' Town Hall, Saint-Gilles, Friday 30 August
The monumental Town Hall of Saint-Gilles, a neo-Renaissance style building, is celebrating its 120th anniversary, and the commune is inviting everyone to come and mark the occasion.
Credit: Belga/ Thierry Roge
During the afternoon, the commune will entertain crowds with a zip wire, monkey bridge, brass band and food trucks on Place Van Meenen, while later in the day, there will be a large dance party.
Find more information here.
