This year’s edition of Summer Wonders is all about dancing! After a great start in 2023, this summer festival (known as Plaisirs d’Été in French / Zomerpret in Dutch) is evolving and will transform the City of Brussels into a giant dance floor. The idea behind? Make Brussels even more attractive and offer innovative way to the residents and visitors to experience the city.
Dance as the central theme
From July 26 to August 18, the festival will highlight dance as a universal language that transcends linguistic barriers and geographical boundaries. Dance embodies the dynamic and diverse spirit of Brussels, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and artistic diversity.
I am enthusiastic at the idea of seeing dance and its unifying values continue to evoke the DNA of Brussels in its most festive forms. Summer Wonders in its concept of Brussels Dance Floor is therefore a reference agenda from July 26 to August 18 in Brussels!
Delphine Houba, alderwoman for Culture, Tourism and Major Events
Dance is also a celebration of movement and expression, cutting across cultural lines and bringing people together. Summer Wonders will introduce the public to the world of choreographic arts through festive moments and unique social encounters, bringing dance out of traditional theaters and into the public space, making it accessible to everyone.
What’s on the programme
The opening event takes place on Friday 26 July with many different activities from 18h to 02h! Firstly, don’t miss the preview of the amazing new activity called Heritage in Motion which will happen at 18h in the courtyard of Brussels city hall (address: Grand-Place 1) with a performance by Back Pocket.
At 19h, join the opening show by Felipe Garcia at the Bourse with a spectacle specifically made for this edition of Summer Wonders!
At 20h, also at the Bourse, there will be two singers invited by Borders: Lyna & Kunta
From 21h, there will be an After Party at Viage, a perfect way to kick off the Summer Wonders!
Imagine Brussels as a dance capital, where this universal art form is honored and celebrated in every corner of the city.
Dancing around the city: Main stage at the Bourse + Travelling dance floor
The Bourse will be the “main stage” with many activities during four weeks but there will be so much more dancing across the city thanks to the Travelling dance floor programme. Different type of activities such as initiations, dance battles and free dance floors will be on offer this summer so that everyone gets a taste of dancing magic. To check the daily programme on the main stage at the Bourse, click here.
Especially interesting programme will take place on the Travelling dance floor which will visits three different neighbourhoods, each time from Thursday until Sunday. Find more info for each neighbourhood below:
- Dansaert, Place Jacques Brel (01.08 > 04.08) The programme
- Mont des Arts (08.08 > 11.08) The programme
- Marolles, Place de la Chapelle (15.08 > 18.08) The programme
Discover the City Hall of Brussels with Heritage in Motion
Heritage in Motion is a brand new way to discover the magnificent building of Brussels City Hall on the Grand Place. A new video guides are available in French, Dutch and English (and soon Spanish & German) offering an immersive and interactive experience adapted for both adults and young audiences.
From 27 July, the “Heritage in Motion” will also come to life at the City Hall, orchestrated by the Brussels acrobatic company Back Pocket. Four characters, playing roles such as alderman, advisor, or diplomat, will guide visitors through a tour filled with acrobatic and choreographic scenes. This dreamlike and immersive experience will highlight iconic locations such as the Council Chamber, the Mayor’s Office, the Alexander the Great Room, the Wedding Hall, and the Gothic Hall.
Dates and Times:
27/07 : 19h, 20h, 21h
02/08 : 19h, 20h, 21h
03/08 : 19h, 20h, 21h
04/08 : 15h, 16h, 17h
07/08 : 15h, 16h, 17h
09/08 : 19h, 20h, 21h
10/08 : 19h, 20h, 21h
11/08 : 15h, 16h, 17h
Duration of each performance: 45minutes. Price: €20.
Whether you are living in Brussels or simply visiting, these new interactive tours of the City Hall, enriched by the performances of Back Pocket offer a truly unique opportunity to discover this architectural gem from a new and captivating perspective. Get your ticket here.
Crave more ideas? Visit the Belgian Beer World!
While you enjoy in one of the great dance performances at the Bourse, take the opportunity to step inside and visit a unique place dedicated entirely to beer – Belgian Beer World. As many Brusseleirs already know, the former Bourse (Stock Exchange) building was recently renovated and transformed into the world’s largest interactive experience center dedicated to beers. It is a perfect spot to learn many new things and enjoy the summer with a true Belgian flavour.
To get more inspirations and latest programme updates, check the website of Summer Wonders.
