The city might seem a little bit quiet during August but we assure you there are plenty stuff to do! As usual, we bring you the best of Brussels this month with our selection of interesting events, festivals and activities to fill your summer days.
Last month, we brought you a sneak peek into Brussels’ newest hotels that are nothing short of spectacular. Combining modern elegance with impeccable service, these new additions to the city’s hospitality landscape promise a refreshing experience – discover more about Fleur de Ville, housed in a former bank building and Cardo Brussels, located next to Rogier.
If you feel like exploring and wandering this summer, we recommend our guide to the Green Walking Ring of Brussels – the ‘Promenade Verte’ as well as our selection of 29 favourite green spaces around the city.
The second edition of Summer Wonders returns, transforming Brussels into a vibrant dance floor. The program will showcase dance initiations, a variety of dance shows and jams for all ages, featuring styles from salsa to hip-hop. The Place de la Bourse will serve as the main hub for the dance program, while various neighborhoods across the city will also host their unique activities. This celebration underscores the cultural richness and diversity of each area, providing both visitors and residents with a range of activities to enjoy. Explore more and dance through the summer!
Heritage in Motion at the City Hall. Have you already visited this jewel of flamboyant Gothic architecture on the Grand Place? As from 27 July, a new type of video guides will be offered at the City Hall, providing immersive and interactive experience adapted for adults and young audiences. Additionally, during the Summer Wonders, the “Heritage in Motion” tours will come to life, 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. 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. Find all activities here.
Brussels Flower Carpet returns from 15 to 18 August for its 23rd edition, featuring a design inspired by Brussels, Art Nouveau, and street art, crafted by Océane Cornille, a street artist from Liège. Spanning 70 meters in length and 24 meters in width, adorned with 1,680 m2 of begonias, dahlias, and other vibrant flowers. Fun fact: A hundred volunteers will assemble this masterpiece in less than six hours! Learn more about this spectacular event…
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
Expo: Murmures Urbains. This showcase brings together the works of five talented artists, displayed at Bourse metro station until December. Paying homage to the vibrant city of Brussels, the exhibition captures its essence through the artistic lens, portraying its rhythms, influences, and interactions. More info
Cathedral concerts. Like every summer, “Ars in Cathedrali” offers its organ festival at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels, every Tuesday evening at 8 p.m., from July 16 to August 20 and on Monday evening, August 26. More info
Classissimo. This 18th edition of the festival will be hosted in the magnificent Théâtre Royal du Parc under the theme “Classics without Borders”. The public will discover the timeless works of Strauss, Debussy, Ravel, Sarasate and Mozart, with the help of leading artists and ensembles. From 7 to 13 August. More info
Brussels Flower Carpet. Every two years the giant carpet of flowers covers the Grand-Place! From 15 to 18 August. More details
‘Fashion Moves’ at MAD Brussels. This new exhibition explores the multifaceted relationship between fashion and dance. Open from Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Until 31 August. 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
Bruxellons! Every summer for 26 years, this theatre festival at the Château du Karreveld offers almost a hundred performances of around fifteen shows. From 10 July to 28 September. More
Brigittines International Festival 24 brings a collection of contemporary performances: innovative languages, bizarre universes, strange and original forms with special focus on dance. From 6 to 31 August. More info
Hide & Seek Festival offers a chance to discover Brussels in a new light – enjoy seven days of traditional music concerts in some of the most unusual locations across the city. From 18-24 August. More info
Sablon Music Festival. Enjoy the sixth edition of this festival in Sablon with free concerts – from pop and rock to blues & jazz. From 15 to 18 August. More info
Indian Food Festival celebrates cultural diversity through arts and cuisine with two themes: Indian Cuisine and Indian Mela. Indian Cuisine showcases India’s diverse culinary traditions for the public to taste and enjoy. From 17 to 18 August in Cinquantenaire Park. More info
Feeërieën 2024. Last week of summer holidays brings the new edition of Ancienne Belgique’s free evening festival that takes place in the Brussels Park from 26-30 August. Info.
Forest Sounds. A true end of the summer festival at Forest Abbey brings two days of experience on 30 & 31 August. More info
The Brussels Games Festival comes back for the 9th edition. This summer festival is dedicated to board games in all their forms and for the widest possible audience: families, game enthusiasts, seasoned players, casual gamers, or simply the curious. From 23-25 August at The EGG in Anderlecht. 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
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
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
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
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
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
Triënnale Brugge. Every three years, Bruges Triennial brings contemporary art and architecture to the streets of the UNESCO world heritage city of Bruges. Until 1 September.
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