What’s on this fortnight: 31 July to 13 August

Music festival Classissimo maintains its mission of staging a gloriously varied classical programme, which is staged in the beautiful Théatre Royale du Parc. For its 20th edition, the line-up is festive, inventive and designed to entertain all ages. For the opening concert, Transmission – Masters & Students (pictured) perform Mozart, Gounod and five extracts of Carmina Burana by Carl Orff. The festival continues with French Baroque, sounds from Spain and Latin America, Queen Elisabeth piano finalist Valère Burnon in a quintet playing Dvorak and Brahms, an evening of operatic pieces, Argentinian tango mausic, and for the final evening, Mozart and the Glassharmonica. 5-11 August, Rue de la Loi

Don’t miss out on an extraordinary barefoot experience at Bozar this summer. Internationally-renowned Colombian artist Delcy Morelos’s monumental installation Uterus in Uterus invites visitors to shed their shoes and step inside an enormous trapezoidal structure made from an ancient wattle-and-daub technique: hazel panels layered with red clay from Wallonia, sand and hay, and aromatic spices that release a pungent odour. With feet embracing the cool earthen floor, you are transported to another primeval world. Until 30 August, Rue Ravenstein 23

The Music Village hosts an evening dedicated to Latin standards that are given a jazzy makeover in Salsaddict - Latin Jazz and more on Saturday. It features Colombian singer Marcela Bohorquez, Oye como va, Quien sera, Guantanamera, La vida es un carnaval, Besame mucho, Bang Bang, Salsa du demon, and more acts that will have you on your feet! 1 August, 20.30, Rue des Pierres 50

The Fashion & Lace Museum invites visitors to its exhibition Simplicities to discover simple, natural and functional clothing spanning more than two centuries. It is a theme often overlooked in favour of luxurious and glamourous fashion, but everyday apparel is a revealing mirror of cultural and social change. Until 10 January, Rue de la Violette 12

The bicentenary of the iconic Belgian glass and crystal manufacturer is celebrated in the capital with the exhibition Val Saint Lambert & Design at the Design Museum Brussels. It focuses on the innovative dialogue between craftsmanship and design, and in particular the highly creative period from Expo 58 to the early 2000s. The show also examines the role of Studio Crystal and its bold designs that was launched in 1989. Until 25 October, Place de la Belgique 1 (Laeken)

SIDE by SIDE is the title of Botanique’s group exhibition featuring the 10 laureates of the Centrale for Contemporary Art prize awarded over the past four years by the art space forced to close at the end of last year. Each of the artists has a different approach but share a focus on gestures, narratives and the connections between bodies and places, individuals and systems, memories and objects. The music venue’s arts centre also presents the show Ivresse des rayons by Gabrielle Mogenet that blends painting and textile. Until 16 August, Rue Royale 236 (Saint-Josse)

SUPER is a playground area in the airy Gare Maritime hall of Tour & Taxis. The indoor play space for 1-6 year-olds is filled with wooden modulable blocks and is located conveniently next to the food hall. Reserve a spot online. Wednesdays, weekends, school holidays (Fr & NL)  and public holidays, 10.00-18.00, Rue Picard 9

With four days of street theatre in the magical setting of Bois de la Cambre, Théâtres Nomades is an eclectic and free festival guaranteed to entertain all ages. The popular event by Compagnie des Nouveaux Disparus remains committed to its original nomadic character with a programme that’s environmentally and socially engaged. It brings together around 35 companies from various artistic disciplines, such as theatre, circus, storytelling, puppetry and dance and showcases in particular emerging Belgian talents as well as international artists. 13-16 August, Bois de la Cambre

The Grand Place’s Flower Carpet is a highly-anticipated event in the city’s medieval square that attracts visitors from across the globe. This new edition is dedicated to the country of Japan. The cobblestoned-space will be transformed into a colourful artistic fresco by a team of floral professionals who will work almost around the clock to create the ephemeral display with thousands of dahlias and other annual blooms. 13-16 August, Grand Place

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Rudyard Kipling classic Le Livre de la Jungle is this year’s annual show at the château of Beloeil by world-renowned theatre director Luc Petit. Performed by around 100 artists — actors, acrobats, dancers and fire jugglers — and enhanced by magical effects, the heritage domain known as the Versailles of Belgium is transformed into a wild jungle. Until 16 August, Château de Beloeil (Orangerie entrance) Chemin du Major, Beloeil (Hainaut)

Each year, Antwerp’s photography museum FOMU supports 10 up-and-coming artists and photographers who live or work in Belgium through its .TIFF exhibition and magazine. The show Emerging Belgian Photography offers a fresh perspective on contemporary Belgian photography with the .TIFF programme providing opportunities to network with international professionals and receive coaching sessions. Until 23 August, Waalsekaai 47

World music extravaganza Esperanzah! boasts a programme of activities plus a feast of specialist food outlets who support the festival’s social and ethical mission. The line-up of musical artists performing on seven stage this year include La Nina, Rokia Traore, Kery James, Luiza Ana Frango Elétrico and Scylla. The historic abbey overlooking the river Sambre is an atmospheric backdrop for this relaxed and colourful event. 31 July to 2 August, Floreffe Abbey, Rue du Séminaire 7, Floreffe (Namur)

Bach lovers are well catered for at Bruges’s MA Festival  with cantatas, cello suites and other pieces by the German Baroque composer, plus events designed for new and young audiences. It opens with the outstanding Baroque orchestra Il Pomo d'Oro (pictured). Another highlight is The Postscript Ensemble and soprano Elisabeth Hetherington on 5 August who explore the voice of rejected women throughout the ages, inspired by Anne Sexton’s poem Her Kind in music by Handel, Purcell, Strozzi, Saariaho, and Fadael, interwoven with electroacoustic interludes by Tatiana Rosa. Listen out for a free carillon concert at the city’s historic belfry is on 1 August at 11.00.  31 July to 9 August, in and around Bruges

Just a week after the end of the Gentse Feesten, the city throws another free party. The neighbourhood Bermuda Festival is spread along the canal in Keizer Park, a lovely green space. After an happy hour party on Friday evening, the weekend action includes two stages – pop and urban – that take care of the chill vibes. There are also numerous food trucks, bars and a Kids Zone, filled with bouncy castles, storytellers, workshops and other attractions. 7-9 August, Vlaamsekaai & Brusselsesteenweg, Ghent

Retro Sur Mer is a free festival at the Belgian coast that brings together a vintage market, old-timer cars, retro beauty makeovers and a family day with rock’n’roll, ices and waffles. Prepare to boogie on the boardwalk to local and international bands performing for an Italian-themed evening and rockabilly, while vintage food trucks and a summer bar also serve up a slice of the period action for the 10th edition of this vintage summer festival. 7-9 August, Graaf Jansdijk, Wenduine (De Haan)

Listen to beautiful music in idyllic surrounds thanks to the Intra Muros Festival at Alden-Biesen castle. A full day of Belgian and international soloists and ensembles perform a diverse programme on lute, violin, harp and other early music instruments. Guests are also invited to explore the grounds and indulge in on-site food and drink. 1 August, Kasteelstraat 6, Bilzen (Limburg)

Belgium’s other big pride event is in the port city, where official and fringe events and activities take to the streets, culture centres and clubs for five days in August. Antwerp Pride’s theme this year is ‘Fearless’ to celebrate the courage of everyone who dares to be thelselves, day after day. The big Pride Parade and Love United Festival are on 8 August. 5-9 August, across Antwerp

It's the 53rd edition of the Paulusfeesten in Ostend, a music and street theatre festival that gets the whole city partying. The whole family will have a great time here amidst upbeat bands and playful activities against the backdrop of sand and sea. Free entrance. 11-17 August, Sint-Petrus & Paulusplein, Ostend

The sugar-producing town of Tienen hosts a music festival each summer inevitably called Suikerrock (Sugar Rock). Despite the name, it offers a varied music programme by local and international artists. Among the headliners this year are Editors, Clouseau, Sylvie Kreusch, Joost and Kate Ryan. Festivalgoers can also enjoy fun-fair attractions. Day tickets and three-day festival pass still available. 7-9 August, Industriepark 51, Tienen (Flemish Brabant)

If you’re looking for an all-star line-up on a more human scale, don’t miss Lokerse Feesten. Once the summer’s best-kept secret, it is now on any serious festival-goer’s list, with this year’s bill featuring a mix of classic rock and hip-hop acts, including The Human League, Lenny Kravitz, Gary Numan, Oscar and the Wolf and Xavier Rudd. A solidly urban festival, it takes place in the heart of Lokeren, near Ghent. 31 July to 9 August, Grote Kaai, Lokeren (East Flanders)

Do you like folk and acoustic music? If so Festival Dranouter will be right up your street with an array of local and international musicians. This year’s edition also offers a focus on Ireland with MOXIE, The Deadlians, Junior Brother, Huartan, Zoé Basha, Ríoghnach Connolly, The Wran and Ispíní na hÉireann (pictured). In addition, there are literally dozens of food options as well as three separate camping zones, all set in this quiet corner of Flanders, near the French border. 7-9 August, Dikkebusstraat 234, Dranouter (West Flanders)

Jazz and Blues musicians from around the world gather in rural Ferme Madelonne for the annual Gouvy Jazz & Blues Festival. Located near the Luxembourg border, the festival hosts Jazz on Friday, Blues and Rock on Saturday and Sunday. The 46th edition kicks off on Friday with an international line-up, including the Rosario Giuliani & Gerald Cannon quartet (It / USA), Emma Smith quartet (UK). The site offers free campsite and parking, and enticingly, local speciality beers and food. 7-9 August, Sterpigny 4, Gouvy (Luxembourg)

The Royal Festival of Spa attracts tourists as well as locals to its showcase of some of the best Belgian French-language theatrical performances of the past season, complemented by an array of international performances. For its 67th edition, the programme includes Mon Royaume by Le Cie Les P’tits Bras, Jouer sa vie by Vincent Hennebicq and comedian Bruno Coppens. There’s also circus shows, storytelling and concerts. 7-23 August, across Spa (Liège province)

A poetic stroll through the woods... Welcome to Silly Silence – Art in the Forest. This open-air exhibition presents 20 prints of masterpieces by major artists throughout art history, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Bruegel, Van Gogh, Monet, Klimt, Magritte. This artistic journey, spanning from the Renaissance to the 20th century, unfolds within the green setting of the woodlands. Until 27 September, entrance to Bois de Silly on the corner of Rue Brunfaut and Rue Haut Port (Hainaut)

Book now Knokke Art Fair  returns to the resort’s emblematic La Reserve hotel for its 51st edition. The exclusive boutique salon for art enthusiasts and collectors promises a renewed selection criteria and a sharper focus on artistic quality. Over three days, discover a mix of painting, sculpture, photography and special objects presented by art dealers from Belgium and abroad.  14-16 August, 15.00-20.00, La Reserve Hotel, Knokke

Book now: Villers Abbey is transformed into a choral festival in the traditional end-of-summer event Nuits des Choeurs. Six different choirs, each with a distinctive style and from countries including Scotland, Bulgaria and Ukraine, perform in various atmospheric nooks and crannies of the ruins of the Cistercian abbey. The evening shows are brought to a close with a spectacular finale as all of the Belgian and international ensembles take to the stage before a firework display lights up the skies above the heritage site. Booking necessary. 29-30 August, Rue de l’Abbaye 55, Villers-la-Ville (Walloon Brabant)

Discover more upcoming events at The Bulletin's events page.

Photos: (main image) Classissimo ©City of Brussels; Delcy Morelos ©Maddalena Gussetti; Simplicités exhbition, courtesy Fashion & Lace Museum; archive VSL 1962; Side by Side exhibition, courtesy Le Botanique; Le Livre de la Jungle, courtesy Luc Petit/Nocturnale; Emerging Belgian Photography, courtesy FoMu; courtesy Esperanzah; Spa Mon RoYaume @ArnaudWittamer; courtest Nuit des choeurs