Best of Brussels in July

The sunny season seems to be playing hide and seek here in Brussels these days but the summer atmosphere can definitely be felt around the city, especially on many buzzing urban terraces. As we all slowly prepare for the holidays, mark your agenda for some of the cool events that take place in our city during the coming weeks.

These are some of our favourite Brussels events and festivals in July:

Ommegang. This historic procession is back on 3 and 5 July at the Grand-Place, as well as many other activities from 3-6 July: The renaissance Village in Sablon, The Renaissance Market and Crossbow Archery Contest. The parade and show are a special part of the Brussels folklore with more than 1,400 actors, folk and historic groups, horses, puppet theatre, giants, flags… The event honours the coming of Charles V to Brussels in 1549. More info

Summer readings in the Citizens’ Garden. On Tuesdays and Thursdays during the first two weeks of July, discover European literature with summer readings in the beautiful Citizens’ Garden in European Quarter. Immerse yourself in thought-provoking stories in a serene green space on your lunchbreak. 2-7 July. Discover more

Horizon 2030: Discover the Cinquantenaire Park. Continuing the all summer activities, do not miss a chance to rediscover the treasures of Cinquantenaire Park through Horizon 2030 initiative. This July & August, there are many activities open to public, offering an unparalleled chance to explore the park’s richness. From leisurely strolls to engaging events, Horizon 2030 blends historical charm and futuristic allure. Check our suggestions to make the most of your visit and uncover hidden gems such as Pavillion of the Human Passions, Peristyle and Mosaics of the Hemicycle.

Here are some specific activities not to miss this July:

• The science truck on Saturday, 6 July, a fun activity for kids. (info)
• The exceptional opening of the Pavilion of Human Passions on Sundays (info)
• The last two guided visits of the Cinquantenaire mosaics (info)
• Discovery lunches – an opportunity to enjoy a sandwich during a free, accessible and popularised scientific lecture. No need to register (events take place from 12:00 to 13:00). Upcoming lectures:
• Discovery Lunch – The science of anthropogenic climate change explained, 5 July. (info)
• Discovery Lunch – ReSoXy: Re-Sounding the Xylophone Collection of the Royal Museum for Central Africa, 11 July. (info)
• Discovery Lunch – Black swifts: between sky and stone (in FR), 13 July. (info)
• Guided Park tour, on 7 and 14 July. (info)

Brosella festival. This is a two-day music event held in the shadow of the Atomium, at the beautiful Theatre in the Ossegem Park. Discover jazz and urban ethno artists from around the world during this iconic festival held annually in Brussels since 1977. On 6 & 7 July. More

Fluctuations impact festival near the FLOW swimming pool in Anderlecht. In partnership with Urban Boat barge, the event will offer pop, hip-hop, electro concerts and DJ sets with renowned artists such as GUTS, Gaël Faure, Pö, and many more. There will be also non-profit organizations from Anderlecht, Belgium and Europe with participatory round tables and a village featuring ethical brands, a zone for kids, and delightful food and drinks. 13 & 14 July. More details

Walden Festival 2024. Enjoy music in all its diversity on various stages in & around Leopold Park, in the green heart of the European Quarter. Expect a mix of classical, contemporary, non-Western music and jazz. On 13 & 14 July. More info

Summer activities on the Bozar rooftop. Dive into a stunning musical universe and an artistic installation on the rooftop of the Palace with Festive Wednesdays (performances, open-air film screenings and lively after-works), Electro Thursdays, Hip-Hop Fridays, Eclectic Saturdays and Chill Sundays. More details

Vaux-Hall Summer. Annual summer season is marked in the Brussels Park with many activities during the Vaux-Hall Summer programme. Expect DJ sets, movie projections, ateliers & more in this hidden beautiful corner of the Royal Park. From 13 June to 25 August. More info

Bal National & Resto National. Every year, Bal National creates an amazing atmosphere of dancing together in the streets, on the square and on the terraces of Place du Jeu de Balle in the authentic Marollen district. Join the party from 7pm on 20 July or take part in Resto National on 21 July (17-22h) for a Grand “Moules-Frites” dinner on the square. More details

Celebrate Belgium: National Day – Fête au Parc. A host of free events, parades and visits await you from 10am to 8pm. The ‘Fête au Parc’ will take place from the Palais de Justice to the Parliament, passing through the Parc de Bruxelles and the Rue de la Régence. At 9pm, at the Cinquantenaire, a concert followed by a fireworks display brings the festivities to a close. The civil and military parade starts at 4pm in Place des Palais. On 21 July. More info

Tuesday lunchtime: Guided tours at The House of European History. Every Tuesday (from 12.15 to 13.00), the museum offers thematic tours. In July, the focus is on certain parts of the body (hair, eyes, hands, covered parts, feet) in the museum collection, from a historical perspective. Tours are in English, last 45 minutes, and are free of charge. No booking is required. More info

Midis Minimes Festival. The 38th edition promises an immersive musical experience this summer in two emblematic Brussels spots: the Royal Conservatory and the Notre-Dame des Victoires church in Sablon. Until 30 August. More info

New expo: Fiat 125 Years – La Dolce Vita. Autoworld Museum presents a unique collection of more than 30 Fiats. In 125 years, this car has become the engine of the Italian automotive industry and has embodied the brand ‘La Dolce Vita’ like no other. Until 1 September. More

Bellum et Artes – Europe and the Thirty Years’ War. The House of European History has a new temporary exhibition Bellum et Artes (War and Arts), about the role of the arts during the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648). More info

’Chantal Akerman. Travelling’ in Bozar. This expo traces the atypical trajectory of Belgian filmmaker, writer, and artist Chantal Akerman, from the very beginning in Brussels to the Mexican desert, from her very first films to her last installations in 2015. Until 21 July. Details

Need more ideas? Check some of these ongoing events and expos:

TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition in Brussels. Real objects, real stories. Get a new perspective on the fate of the largest and most luxurious ship of its time. Expect to see authentic artefacts recovered from the wreck of the Titanic at a depth of almost 10,000 feet, the reconstruction of the ship’s rooms and poignant accounts of the passengers present at the time of the shipwreck. Until end of summer at Tour & Taxis.More info

IMAGINE! Hundred years of International Surrealism. 2024 marks a hundred years of international surrealism and there are many important events lined up to celebrate this. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Brussels is collaborating with Centre Pompidou in Paris for a touring exhibition on surrealistic art. From Dali, Chirico, Pollock, Miro to Belgian surrealists like Khnopff, Spilliaert, Delville and Minne – discover more than 130 works until 21 July. Info

Folon – A Trip to Brussels. 2024 marks the ninetieth birth anniversary of legendary Belgian artist, illustrator and sculptor Jean-Michel Folon. In retrospect, the Folon Foundation, along with three museums in Brussels has arranged for exhibitions showcasing Folon’s works. There is also a route with twenty Folon sculptures which can be followed from Galleries Royale Saint-Hubert to Mont des Arts and the Sablon square. Info

The Sand Sculpture Festival Middelkerke 2024. Take your summer escape to the Belgian coast and discover this unique festival that will take you on an imaginary trip around the world. Until 8 September. More info

New expo: Multitude – VHILS. MIMA museum presents a solo exhibition by Alexandre Farto aka Vhils. Spread across the museum, visitors can encounter wall carvings, billboards, cityscapes, videos and installations offering a compelling insight into the Portuguese artist approach to the relationship between people and cities. Until January 2025. Info

GIANTS, temporary exhibition at Institute of Natural Sciences. A journey through time – a chance to feel small next to 11 gigantic animals that lived after the dinosaurs. Until 25 August. More

Josef and Anni Albers, Iconic Couple of Modernism. The Boghossian Foundation hosts the first exhibition in Belgium of the work of Josef and Anni Albers, two pioneers of modernism who produced pivotal artworks that marked the history of 20th century art. Until 8 September in the Villa Empain. More info

Jules François Crahay. Fashion & Lace Museum in Brussels hosts the first exhibition devoted to Jules François Crahay. This Belgian is one of the last geniuses of couture. For the first time, and thanks to extensive research, the expo offers an opportunity to discover this undeservedly forgotten couturier. Until 10 November. More info

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