What’s on this week: 17 to 23 July

Belgium celebrates its national day on 21 July with activities around the country. In the capital, the festivities start with the popular evening National Ball on Monday in Place du Jeu de Balle, which is also the scene of the Resto National and traditional musical entertainment on Tuesday evening. The annual civil and military parade on 21 July begins at 16.00 opposite the royal palace, while Brussels park and Place Poelaert is filled with stands and activities, including demonstrations by police and firefighters. The party continues in Cinquantenaire park with a concert at 21.00, followed by a laser and drone light show and firework display from the site’s esplanade and arcades. 20 & 21 July, multiple locations in the city centre

Brussels’ summer fair returns to the downtown Midi district. Foire du Midi offers some 130 attractions, from traditional carousels and stomach-churning rides to simple old-fashioned fun. New attractions include a Halloween Horror Show and Hawaiian themed Tiki Ville. The website offers a helpful map and splits the attractions up by “for thrill seekers” and “for the whole family”. Another big draw is the array of food stands... delicious deep-fried, sugar-coated croustillants and bowls of steaming mussels! 18 July to 23 August, daily from 14.00 (11.00 for food stands), Boulevard du Midi

International Urban Arts event Detours Festival stages dance battles (Detours Cyphers) in different styles – funky, power moves, abstrakt, juggling, pole dance, swing and more. The winners of these battles come together in the big all-star battle at Théâtre National at the end of the summer. The festival also features neighbourhood projects, street performances and an exhibition of photos, Detours Street is Yours, at Halles Saint-Géry, which traces the history of the event, now in its 17th year. Until 24 October, across Brussels

Enjoy an evening of samba jazz with trombonist and multi-instrumentalist Roberto de Oliveira and his quartet who take to the stage of  Sounds Jazz Club on Friday evening. The musicians celebrate the spirit of legendary Brazilian trombonist Raul de Souza—a key figure in samba-jazz—while performing a repertoire which blends original compositions and Brazilian influences with modern jazz. 17 July 20.30, Rue de a Tulipe 28 (Ixelles)

This first-of-its-kind immersive experience, The Mind of a Serial Killer: The Experience takes visitors inside the inner thoughts of the world’s most notorious serial killers, through documentaries, virtual reality (VR) experiences, case files and psychological profile boards. The 90-120 minute psychological journey is designed to entertain fans of true crime dramas, criminal investigations, psychology and immersive storytelling. The experience may offer answers to why killers like Ted Bund said, “What’s one less person on the face of the earth anyway?” From 18 July, Tours et Taxis, Shed 3.2, Avenue du Port 86C

Adventure nature park Sortilège offers medieval fantasy experiences for families in Bois des Beguines on the edge of the capital. The three-hour game for children and their parents - or groups of friends and colleagues – is an urban forest trail animated by various fantasy characters. There’s also aerial adventure with tree climbing trails and storytelling events. Note: you need to reserve in advance.  Until 1 November, Saturday & Sunday 13.00-18.30; Wednesday & Thursday during school holidays, 11.00-17.00, Trassersweg 345 (Neder-over-Hembeek)

Are you over 65 and confused or underwhelmed by Artificial Intelligence and digital technology? Fear not, a multilingual AI Café discussion at Pavi’on in Cinquantenaire Park is designed to demystify and explore good practices “without stress, without jargon,” say organisers. The free event is in French and Dutch, but presenters also happy to also respond in English. More info from info@warned.plus.  23 July 14.00-16.00, Pav’ion, Parc de Cinquantenaire 15

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

The Formula One circus descends on Belgium this weekend as the mythical Spa-Francorchamps circuit hosts the Belgian Grand Prix. This lauded but challenging track boasts fast straights, hair-raising corners and blind elevations, which requires supreme control and expertise from drivers. If 19-year-old Mercedes racer Kimi Antonelli is still leading the drivers’ rankings, the Italian’s last three outings only garnered 15 points, which means teammate George Russel and Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are hot on his heels. There’s currently a risk of slight rain at the Ardennes track on Sunday, which is notorious for its unpredictable conditions in bad weather. Last tickets available. 17-19 July, Route du Circuit 55, Stavelot (Liège province)

If your favourite part of summer festivals is the alfresco street food, we have good news for you. Chefs on Wheels is a dedicated food truck festival that travels around towns in Flanders. Well, there’s music, too, but its secondary compared to the grazing that is at the heart of this nomadic event. You’ll find everything here, from Asian to Mexican to Belgian frites. For info, it drops into Tervuren from 17-19 July.  Until 27 September, across Flanders

The annual summer theatre romp at Rixensart château stages this year La Legende du Roi Arthur. This open-air production is freely inspired by the adventures of the medieval king and the fairytale world of Merlin. Until 8 August, Château de Rixensart, Rue de l’Eglise 40, Rixensart (Walloon Brabant)

Gentse Feesten is the largest outdoor theatre and music festival in Europe. The sprawling 10-day event occupies numerous stages in parks and squares with concerts, performances and  street theatre, but it goes far beyond that. You’ll find food, guided tours, boat trips, circus acts, exhibitions, readings, sport and endless other curiosities day and night. Create a schedule from the detailed programme or simply play it by ear and let it surprise you. 17-26 July, across Ghent

Walloon favourite Les Francofolies de Spa is staged in squares and parks all over the picturesque Ardennes town of Spa. Encompassing French chanson, rock, pop, electro and hip-hop, it is played out on a series of outdoor stages in a relaxed atmosphere. The big draw this year is British singer songwriter Sting, while Hooverphonic, Axelle Red and Alice on the Roof are among Belgian artists appearing. 20-26 July, across Spa (Liege)

Sfinks Mixed has the same laid-back vibe as Couleur Café with its colourful parades, world market and fun Kidz Village, except Sfinks is free! All four days of this diverse world music line-up from Afrobeat, world and folk sounds require no prior reservation. Headliners for 2026 include Alain Pérez y La Orquesta, Cesaria Evora Orchestra, La Delio Valdez, Madé Kutti & The Movement, Zap Mama & K Zia. 23-26 July, Welvaartstraat 81, Boechout (Antwerp province)

Take a tour of one of Bruge’s cultural temples this summer. The Theatre recounts explores the Royal Municipal Theatre, a magnificent monument dating from 1869. It includes hidden corners like catacombs, artists' lodges and an interactive children's trail (15 July to 29 August). Meanwhile, Concertgebouw Circuit, delves into the art and architecture of the imposing concert hall with an interactive trail, tailored to children and adults, that includes its lofty rooftop (pictured above).

The coastal town of Zeebrugge is the setting for annual Movie on the Beach summer screenings. Three open-air films are shown near Icarus surfing club every Thursday during the summer months. Films for young children at 14.00; older children at 16.00; the evening screening at 20.00. Until end August, Zeedijk 50, Zeebrugge

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

Photos: (main image) Belgian National Holiday courtesy City of Brussels; Courtesy Foire du Midi; Roberto de Oliveira ©Milena Strange; Mind of a serial killer © ; Courtesy Sortilège; Movies at Zeebrugge beach Pano©jandarthet