Best of Brussels in August

We hope you’re enjoying the summer, wherever you’re reading this from. There’s a general feeling that Brussels empties out for a couple of weeks as the city heads off to sunny Mediterranean destinations. But even during this quieter time, there’s so much happening in the city. In fact, this might be the perfect time to take it easy, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy the beauty of Brussels before the crowds return at the end of the month.

New this August

We start this month’s agenda with Flowertime, which is back for its 7th edition from 13-17 August at Brussels City Hall. For 5 days, some of the world’s finest floral artists will transform fifteen rooms in the City Hall. The theme of this edition is a tribute to another art form in which Belgium excels, fashion and textile design.

While at the spot, don’t forget that you can actually visit the amazing building of the Brussels Town Hall on the Grand Place. It is a perfect family activity – thanks to innovative interactive video guides, children aged 6 to 12 can embark on a journey through centuries of history, transforming a traditional tour into an engaging kids-friendly activity. More info here.

For more fun experiences, embark on a vibrant trail through the city centre, where streets have been transformed by stunning floral installations. Shops in Bloom creates a floral journey through shopping streets where transparency, mirrors, and reflections come together in perfect harmony. Expect a visual spectacle that plays with perspective and light, offering a whole new way to see the city. From 8- 24 August.

To continue urban exploration, the City of Brussels invites residents and visitors this summer to rediscover its shopping districts in a new light, thanks to Philippe Katerine‘s Brussels in Pink exhibition. A dozen monumental sculptures of his emblematic character Monsieur Rose can be seen on the streets of city’s Pentagon, from the Grand Place to the Rue Haute, via the Galleries Ravenstein. Until 30 September.

For some true local experience, don’t miss to see the Meyboom. Every 9 August, Brussels celebrates the Meyboom, or Tree of Joy, one of its oldest and most beloved popular festivals. This tradition, recognized as Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, commemorates Brussels’ victory over Leuven, which took place in 1213. According to tradition, the tree must be paraded through the streets of the city center and planted before 17h at the corner of Rue des Sables and Rue du Marais. Otherwise, the city would lose its right to celebrate. Walk around and join the fun!

Midi Fair 2025 is the place to be in August for families and friends with hundreds of attractions and food stands along the Boulevard du Midi. This edition is extra special, as fairground culture in Belgium and France has recently been listed as UNESCO Intangible Heritage. Open from 14h to midnight (weekdays) and until 1h during weekends.

Another family-oriented experience awaits for you at Brussels Expo. Dino World. 🦕 is designed with dino fans of all ages in mind: along an exciting and educational route, visitors will encounter the dinosaurs and their story, travelling millions of years back in time. Immersive expo and playful trail filled with life-sized, moving dinosaurs in an impressive indoor and outdoor jungle spanning over 5,000 m².

For ten days and one spectacular opening night, Brussels becomes the capital of dance. From classical ballet to hip hop, including contemporary and urban styles, let yourself be swept away by a wave of movement, emotion and creativity. Join one of the many shows, performances & dance encounters during Brussels Dance Festival. Free to attend, from 14 – 24 August.

(Re)discover the unique universe of Frida Kahlo with the immersive exhibition Viva Frida Kahlo. Dedicated to the work and life of the world-famous Mexican artist, dive into a new and emotionally powerful 360° experience right in the heart of Brussels, at the iconic venue, The Viage.

Cinema Palace’s summer programming blends must-see new releases with a wide array of classics, revivals, and special event screenings. Over forty titles will be featured, structured around three main thematic threads: the American Dream, the myth of beauty and eternal youth, and stories of sisterhood. Info here.

Starting on 29 August, the Maison Hannon invites visitors to a unique, sensitive, and intellectual exploration of the enchanting world of Belgian Symbolism with the exhibition Echoes of dreams.

Enjoy great music at lunchtime in the heart of Parc Royal / Warandepark during Boterhammen in het park. This unique festival offers free concerts with leading voices from the Dutch-speaking scene, such as De Toegift, Emma Bale, Sophie Straat, Guido Belcanto, and Prins S. & De Geit. From 25 – 29 August.

Global newsroom: Brussels in spotlight
Vogue magazine talks about Brussels having its moment, from design-forward hotel openings to natural wine spots and experimental art collectives. Read more in their article about new creative energy in Brussels.

New York Times has dedicated one of their popular travel guides to our capital, citing genre-defining restaurants and museums of fine art. Check more in 36 Hours in Brussels: Things to Do and See.

Another interesting take comes from the Wallpaper* magazine, portraying Brussels as one of the best places for creatives to live, operate and even sell. Read more in Postcard from Brussels:a maverick design scene has taken root in the Belgian capital.

Want to discover different parks this summer? 🌳 Explore one of our 29 favourite green spaces in Brussels! 

More great ideas for this summer:

Visit new expo which opened at the House of European History, Raising our roots – Bruxelles à travers onze ogen. Created by the Echoes collective, a group of 15 young adults from Brussels aged between 18 and 26, from different neighbourhoods, with a shared interest in Europe’s past, present and future. Together, they explored who is represented in history, how, and why, and what this means to young people today.

Grab the Art Nouveau Pass by Brussels Museums and explore city’s beautiful architecture. The pass has been extended to include several Art Deco gems and thematic exhibitions. As Belgian capital marks the 2025 Year of Art Deco, the special edition of popular Art Nouveau Pass now allows everyone to discover Brussels’ Art Nouveau and Art Deco masterpieces in one easy and affordable package.

Visit the Pavilion of Human Passions, exceptionally open this summer until 31 August. Hidden in Brussels’ Cinquantenaire Park, this neoclassical gem was the first public commission for the young Victor Horta. Inside, there is an impressive relief by Jef Lambeaux, a monumental Carrara marble masterpiece depicting the pleasures and misfortunes of humanity. The Pavillon has sparked imaginations since its completion in 1898. Free to visit, open daily from 10 to 18h. Get a sneak peek peek here.

Fancy a panoramic, 360-degree view of Brussels? Terraces of the Arcades du Cinquantenaire in the EU Quarter are open after 4 years, a perfect opportunity to see the city from a different perspective.

For those seeking some exceptional entertainment, Cirque du Soleil is back in Belgium with Alegría, a spectacle with iconic music, stunning acrobatics, vibrant sets, and whimsical humor. Show runs in Knokke until 24 August and then moves to Brussels from 12 September to 2 November. More here

Explore the new section dedicated to Belgian Art Nouveau and Art Deco in Art & History Museum Brussels. See long-hidden collections including iconic works by Victor Horta, Henry van de Velde, Paul Hankar, and others. Highlight: The fully restored Winter Garden of the House of Cousin, a true gem of Belgian design. More here.

See the landmark exhibition Amazônia – an invitation to see, listen, and reflect on the future of biodiversity and humanity’s place within the living world. Expo features works of Sebastião Salgado, celebrated Brazilian photographer who captured striking images of humanity and nature in the Amazon rainforest. Open every day during July & August at Tour & Taxis.

Another gem of Art Nouveau is open exclusively with guided tours this Summer. 1905’s Maison Cauchie, close to Parc du Cinquantenaire welcomes your curious passion for art and architecture. More info here.

Check the summer experiences at Bozar: a monumental installation by Michael Beutler transforms the architecture of the Hall Horta into a living sculpture. The new guided tour Horta & Beutler (in French or Dutch) celebrates Art Deco Year 2025 and will take you through Victor Horta’s Palace of Fine Arts, where the clean lines and geometry of Art Deco come together in an ingeniously labyrinthine building. Along the way, you’ll also stop at the Horta Hall, a monumental space designed in 1928 as a stage for sculpture. Info here. For more fun, an outdoor programme of activities takes over Bozar rooftop.

Get lost in the World of Mind (WOM) museum, an extraordinary fusion of science, magic, and sensory exploration. Spanning an impressive 1,500 m², WOM does more than showcase illusions – it immerses visitors in a world where perception and imagination intertwine, challenging our understanding of reality at every turn. Open every day during July & August.

For those craving some exquisite cocktails and atmosphere – check out the new bar in town, hidden behind the majestic staircase of the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels. Under The Stairs is a beautiful contemporary bar featuring art deco vibes and a spirit of classical speakeasy, designed by the prominent mixologist Hannah Van Ongevalle.

EU Quarter tips:
Summer Lunch Tours: Join one of the August lunch tours in the House of European History (on Tuesdays, from 12h15 to 13h) for a free guided tour. This month’s focus: Beach body! Explore on the topic of body parts throughout the museum collection with an historical perspective. The tours are in English and no booking required. Start at the Family Kiosk.

The House of European History hosts their first ever photography exhibition, titled Presence of the Past. A European album. The documentary photo expo reveals how people across Europe engage with the past in their everyday lives. Discover more

Want to learn more about the European Parliament? Guided tours of the Hemicycle take place from Monday to Friday at 11am and 3pm. (tours in English, French and Spanish).

Pavi’On is a multidisciplinary festival taking place in Parc du Cinquantenaire all weekends until end of August with concerts, dj sets, workshops and different activities for all ages. Check out the programme.

Brussels Music Agenda
At the end of the month, Brussels Open Air Festival is back for its second edition with electronic music parties around the capital – Place Jean Rey, Poelaert, Congrès, De Brouckère, and Vaux Hall.

To learn more about this and other music events, check the unique selection of festivals, concerts and parties all around Brussels & Belgium in our August music agenda.

Also happening this month:

• The Midis-Minimes Festival offers 35-minute classical music concerts during the summer. Performances take place Monday through Friday (at 12:15 p.m.) at the Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon church, the Cercle Royale Gaulois, and the Egmont Palace. Until 29 August.
• Bruxellons! is back to Château du Karreveld with openair theatre plays. Its ambition is to showcase the full diversity of French-speaking Belgian performing arts and to introduce musicals to Belgium. Plays and workshops running until September with full programme here
• Brigittines International Festival brings a programme of contemporary performances: innovative languages, bizarre universes, strange and original forms. From 15 – 30 August.
• POMPOMPOM – Brussels craft cider Festival 23 & 24 August, from 12.30 to 10pm. Two days of Cider, Music and BBQ. More here
• Into DIY? On 9 & 10 August you have a date with The Park To Be, a festival for crafty followers with plenty of workshops on knitting, jewellery, dried flower ornaments and more in Parc Josaphat.
• Travel to India on 15 August in Place de la Monnaie with Diversity Of India, a free event by Brussels’ Indian community to celebrate the 79th Independence Day of India with performances and other activities.
• Comic fans have a date with a new exhibition titled Comic books as livres-objets, hosted by the Comic Art Museum. Whether in the form of leporellos, pop-ups, folds, cut-outs, or books with other surprising formats, livres-objets are creations where form is just as important as content. More info
• Amazing Asia brings the magical atmosphere of the Far East to Belgium during a three-day festival.
• Classissimo 2025 is a classical music festival aiming to make classical music accessible to everyone. Take part in one of the concerts from 7 to 13 August. Info here
• Indian Food Festival takes place on 23 & 24 August in the Cinquantenaire Park. Enjoy India’s rich culture and culinary wonders with curated selection of regional dishes. More here
• Fashion & Lace Museum hosts an expo about STIJL, the iconic boutique located on Dansaertstraat, which played an important part in writing the story of fashion in our city. 40+ Years of Stijl is the story of a boutique, a neighbourhood, a burgeoning creative scene and an art movement with an international influence.
• All over at Horta Museum. From Art Deco to Modernism (1910-1945), this expo showcases decorative richness of textiles, carpets, wallpapers by Belgian and international artists. Until 2 November.
• They may come from different eras and disciplines, but Victor Horta, Henry van de Velde, Paul Delvaux, and Santiago Calatrava shared a common passion: trains. Draw Me A Train is an exhibition at Train World museum that celebrates this fascination, showcasing works by these exceptional artists who captured the beauty of rail travel. For the first time ever, the public can also view original drawings by Victor Horta linked to his work on Brussels Central Station. Until 30 August.
• Van Buuren Museum and Gardens celebrates a double anniversary: 50 years of the Museum and the 100th anniversary of the Art Deco movement. On this occasion, a new exhibition Around Art Deco. Interbellum Sculptures, presents sculptures from the interwar period in the Museum’s magnificent gardens. Until 28 September.
• Big in Japan expo at Autoworld museum takes us on a journey to the fascinating Land of the Rising Sun. Discover the richness of Japanese automotive history filled with iconic vehicles, fascinating stories, and wander through atmospheric scenes drawn from Japanese life – from vibrant cityscapes to tranquil temple gardens. Until 31 August
• ART DECO. Style in a changing society at Belvue museum. The King Baudouin Foundation is showcasing Art Deco pieces from its collection, offering a captivating journey through sculptures by renowned artists such as Marcel Wolfers and Oscar Jespers, vases by Charles Catteau, glassware by Val Saint Lambert, decorative tiles, stylised book bindings, furniture, medals, and much more.
• Art Deco 1925 >< Mode 2025 in Halles Saint-Géry offering a reinterpretation of Art Deco through the prism of 10 Brussels designers.
• At MAD Brussels, you can see “Come as You Are,” a fashion exhibition by Belgian photographer Laetitia Bica showcasing portraits of dancers, drag artists or DJs styled by local designers.
• Magical Realism: Imagining Natural Dis/order, running until September at Wiels, brings together over thirty visual artists in an exhibition offering new ideas and perspectives on the relationship with our planet. Info here
• The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium presents Spilliaert Room, a new room dedicated to the poetic and mysterious world of the Belgian painter, illustrator and draughtsman Léon Spilliaert.
• The exhibition WILD? at the Natural Sciences Museum, explores the tricky relationship via Belgian wildlife with a focus on the meaning and different perceptions of the wild: Exotic? Distant? Dangerous? Until 31 August. More info
• Several exhibitions are on display at Villa Empain – In the frame of the centenary commemoration of Art Deco in 2025, the Boghossian Foundation presents a thematic exhibition Echoes of Art Deco. Set against the lively musical backdrop of the era, the exhibition offers an immersive experience into the lifestyle of the Roaring Twenties.
• For the summer, Boghossian Foundation presents the works of the 2024 International Prize laureates at the Villa Empain. The selected artists were celebrated for their exceptional talent in the fields of visual arts, design, and jewellery. Until 17 August.
• Another expo at Villa Empain – Timeless Gazes: From Pharaohs to the present day celebrates ancient Egypt and contemporary art in relation to the African continent. For the first time in Belgium, approximately 130 works from the prestigious collection assembled by Jean Claude Gandur is exhibited in the unique setting of the Villa Empain. Until 7 September.
• The Design Museum Brussels presents the travelling exhibition Skateboard, a project of the Design Museum in London, until September 2025. The exhibition explores the development of skateboard design over seven decades, focusing on the technological and aesthetic evolution of the skateboard. More here
• Lucile Soufflet, Common Grounds at CID Grand-Hournu. As a regular showcase for Belgian design, the CID – centre d’innovation et de design is inviting industrial designer Lucile Soufflet to present her first solo exhibition. Until 24 August. More info
• Bozar hosts a solo exhibition by Berlinde De Bruyckere exploring humanity’s condition through her art. The show features 25 years of her work alongside pieces from the likes of Patti Smith and Pier Paolo Pasolini. Until 31 August. More info
• Napoleon, the Immersive Saga is a virtual reality experience at the Royal Military Museum. Under the dark clouds of the Atlantic, Napoleon welcomes you to his last abode on Saint Helena. The emperor, exiled and reclusive, takes you into his confidence and lets you delve into his memories. Info here
• Immersive exhibition focusing on writer Jules Verne. ‘Jules Verne 200’ experience in the Horta Gallery. Get acquainted with some of the writer’s work while being immersed in five of his stories.
• A world of thrilling adventures filled with fun and beloved characters! Dive into the immersive settings of Mundo Pixar and meet your favourites as you journey through Pixar’s most unforgettable movies like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc or Inside Out.
• Art Pops expo at the Belfius Art Centre on Place Rogier. These annual exhibitions on the top floor of Belfius building have become an unmissable addition to the art scene in the Belgian capital. Discover more