What’s on this fortnight: 8 to 21 August

Brussels City Hall dresses up in its finery to host the 7th edition of Flowertime. The biannual event – it alternates with the Grand Place floral carpet - invites 30 Belgian floral artists to decorate the hallowed halls of the heritage building. This year’s theme ‘fashion & textile art’ is an artistic discipline in which Belgium has excelled on the international stage since medieval times. Some thousands of blooms brighten up the site's grandiose halls and rooms. Tickets: €12; €10 pre-sale. Until 17 August, City Hall, Grand Place

The Belgian capital moves to the rhythm of the Brussels Dance Festival (BDF) with 10 days of beats, bass and movement that will transform public spaces into open air dance floors. With concerts, workshops and performances taking place primarily at Place De Brouckère and Place de la Bourse, the festival is designed to be open to all: Brussels residents, tourists, families, committed dance lovers or those curious to learn. 14 to 24 August, city centre

Théâtres Nomades is an eclectic and free festival guaranteed to entertain all ages with four days of street theatre in the enchanting setting of Bois de la Cambre.  Although it has evolved over the years, the popular event by the Compagnie des Nouveaux Disparus remains committed to its original nomadic character and a programme that’s environmentally and socially engaged. It brings together more than 30 Belgian and international companies from various artistic disciplines, such as theatre, circus, storytelling, puppetry and dance. The festival kicks off with Brussels comedian Dena. 14-17 August, Bois de la Cambre

The Amazing Asia Festival is a lively travelling festival rolls into Brussels from 15 to 17 August and Antwerp from 21 to 23 November. At Tour & Taxis in the Belgian capital this weekend, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Far East with colourful and exotic decor, music, dance, an Asian market and tasty street food. 15-17 August (Tour & Taxis, Brussels) & 21-23 November (Waagnatie, Antwerp)

Curated by long-running Brussels nightclub Fuse, the XRDS Electronic Music Festival returns with a lineup of more than 50 artists performing on three separate stages. Held in a unique urban environment underneath the Anderlecht viaduct, it features renowned artists, from leftfield house to techno, with detours into breaks, drum & bass and beyond. Don’t miss after show parties at Fuse until 7.00 on both days. 15-16 August, Parc des Étangs, Vijverspark

Head on over to the Sablon for the totally free Sablon Music Festival, featuring jazz, salsa, rock and pop bands, as well as world food, beer and cocktails. There’s entertainment all day and evening, and you’ll also find local merchants with stands selling gourmet goodies. The artistic programme includes a JJ Goldman cover band, The Planes and Mylène Chamblain. 15-17 August, Place du Grand Sablon

Brigittines International Festival returns with its end-of-summer bonanza of contemporary performances. It’s a special edition this year as long-standing artistic director Patrick Bonté is passing the torch to his replacement Charles Vairet. The pair have collaborated on the programme, which encompasses 10 shows. They include seven Belgian premieres with artists and companies hailing from France, Greece, Italy, Croatia, Denmark and Switzerland, as well as Belgium. It opens with the Italian choreography ALL’ARME (pictured) by Panzetti and Ticconi, which questions the fine line between protection and aggression, strength and vulnerability. 15-30 August, Petite Rue des Brigittines

World music celebration the Hide & Seek Festival acquired its names from the quirky locations hosting the diverse event such as public buildings, a contemporary art gallery, Les Petits Riens depot and the Delhaize LionCity Museum. More than 40 Belgian and international artists perform in some 18 concerts for this 10th edition. The festival host is world music specialist Muziekpublique and the programme includes musicians from Zimbabwe, Palestine, Provence, Mexico, and Ghana. With some performances already selling out, it’s best to snap up tickets quickly. 17-23 August, across Brussels

Three cultural institutions in the capital throw open their doors for a new summer event combining twilight exhibitions, contemporary dance, live music and festive rooftops. The great news is that you only need one ticket to access the artistic experience Arts at night. This joint venture by the Magritte Museum, the Royal Library and Bozar. There’s food and drink options at all three venues to keep the party going. Tickets: €12. 21 August 17.00, city centre

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

The excellent OLT Rivierenhof concert series rolls all summer. Staged in the open-air amphitheatre at Rivierenhof park, it is a fantastic spot to soak up a variety of sounds from Joan As Police Woman, Gabriel Rios and Stef Kamil Carlens & The Swoon, to name just a few. That’s just a smattering of the enticing programme. Until 9 September, Turnhoutsebaan 246, Deurne (Antwerp)

Every summer, Aulne Abbey Farm in Thuin dons Caledonian decor for the popular Scottish Days. Four live pipe bands perform around the estate, The Hoggies traditional dancing group invites everyone to leap to their feet and sporting types can compete in Highland Games. Talks on Scottish clans, historic encampments, a Kilt & Kids village, storytelling, bagpipes and concerts all add to the atmosphere. As ever, a highlight of the weekend event is the opportunity to tie the knot in a clandestine wedding ceremony! 9-10 August, Rue Vandervelde, Thuin (Hainaut)

Each year, the Battle of Waterloo domain lays on a weekend celebration to mark the birth of Napoleon, the emperor who met his fate in the fields surrounding the Brabant Walloon town. The programme honours horses with various equestrian activities including cavalry demonstrations, plus historic reenactments and a spectacular fire show on Saturday evening (21.30). There’s also plenty to keep younger spectators entertained. 15-17 August, Route du Lion 1815 (Braine l’Alleud)

Head over to the Sint-Petrus-en-Paulusplein area of Ostend for the Paulusfeesten, the coastal city’s free summer street theatre and music festival. As the theme for this 52nd edition is ‘Strange’, visitors can also expect some surprise and other worldly decor! There are a wealth of activities for young and old, including stilt walking, acrobatics, DJs and dancing as well as a wealth of concerts. 12-18 August, Ostend

Knokke Art Fair marks its 50th edition with an additional celebratory flair while focusing on the interaction between different artistic periods and movements. As a highlight of the resort’s seasonal calendar, the modern and contemporary art and design fair welcomes collectors and enthusiasts; providing a platform for established names and emerging talent. Visitors will have the chance to admire works by iconic artists such as Hans Hartung (Sanary Galerie, France), Jeff Koons (The Vault, Brussels), and Bernard Buffet (Galerie de l’Élysée, Paris). Until 17 August, Grand Casino Knokke, Zeedijk-Albertstrand 509

The annual Night of the Stars at the Euro Space Center is a free event for children and adults dedicated to astronomy. Timed to coordinate with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, participants can observe the Sun via specialised telescopes and join interactive workshops dedicated to exploring the skies. The festive event also includes face painting and live music and the Voyager cafe will be open for refreshments. Reservation not necessary. 14 August 16.30, Rue devant les Hetres 1, Transinne (Luxembourg province)

Liège’s popular 15 August festivities transform the ardent city into a place to party all weekend long. The highlight is Friday’s folklore parade with various processions through the Outremeuse district, puppet shows featuring the famous Tchantchès, concerts, games, fun fairs and flea markets. Naturally, the local liqueur Pekèt will be flowing. 15-16 August, across Liège

Namur opens its arms to groups from four continents at its International folklore festival. The pacific island of Guam, North Macedonia, India, Mexica and Slovakia are all represented, along with delegations from Wallonia and Flanders. The festival boasts colourful displays of dances, song, tales and traditions. Don’t miss a free reception in Namur city hall Maïeur gardens on Saturday at 12.00 when each group will perform a regional dance. It follows a precession in the town’s market along the quayside of the Sambre river and an appearance in Place d’Armes. Indoor performances are staged in a venue across the river Meuse in Jambes. 15-18 August, Athenée Royal sports hall, Jambes, and other locations in Namur

Head down the Meuse valley for the Dinant International Bathtub Regatta’s annual big splash. The 43rd edition of the annual event invites teams to construct a floating craft on the theme of ‘video games’. A riverside flea market adds to the ambiance of the festivities in the popular tourist town. 15 August 15.00, Dinant (Namur province)

Family favourite The Festival International des Arts de la Rue is staged in the bucolic village of Chassepierre in the Gaume region. Set in the heart of the village – one of the prettiest in the country – it offers two days of entertaining theatre, circus, dance and music. For this 51st edition, more than 50 companies perform hundreds of shows, circus and street theatre acts, promising a magical weekend for all ages. Pictured: La Compagnie Butineuse. 17-18 August, Chassepierre (Luxembourg province)

As flea markets go, this is Belgium’s biggest! The annual gathering at the Brocante de Temploux attracts thousands of bargain hunters from around the country. With 900 stands set up along the rural roads of this pretty village, it’s the place to unearth quality objects, antiques and art. The pretty village is easily accessible via the E42 motorway, while extra buses will be running from Namur. 16-17 August, Temploux (Namur province)

Charming classical music festival Enghien International Musical Encounters (IMUSE) once again occupies the magnificent setting of Enghien castle. For its for its 33nd edition, young Belgian and international virtuoso musicians are honoured in chamber music performances and masterclasses with a series of respected musical teachers that are all  to the public. 16-23 August, Château d’Enghien, Parc d’Enghien 5 (Hainaut province)

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

Photos: (main image) Flowertime 2025 ©City of Brussels; Théâtres Nomades 2024 ©Hyou Diep;  Hide & Seek Festival 2023 ©Mathieu Golinvaux; Guam © Groupe Inetnon Gefpa’go