What’s on this week: 19-25 August

On the menu of the 6th edition of the Indian Food Festival is a culinary feast showing off the diversity of the country’s cuisine. From biryani to samosas, pav bhaji to masala dosa, chicken curry to chana bhature, visitors will be spoilt for choice (over half the dishes are vegetarian or vegan). There’s also live workshops and entertainment: music and dance with a touch of Bollywood and a kids village full of fun games for little ones. 20-21 August 12.00-20.00, Cinquantenaire Park (Etterbeek)

Belgium Beer Week kicks off on Sunday, incorporating some 150 events with over 100 participants, not only at home but around the world. Although this year’s edition focuses on beer museums in Belgium, look out for special tastings in local bars and cafes. One highlight of the week is the BxlBeerFest at Tour & Taxis on 27 & 28 August. It gathers 60 breweries who’ll be serving some 400 different craft brews to thirsty participants. 22-28 August, across the country

The beautiful hidden gardens of the Grand Hospice host Vintage Summer over the next couple of Saturdays. Organised by specialised stores Twoo-D and Obso, you’ll find original clothes, décor and plants all on sale. Adding to the ambiance are a patisserie stand and a travelling hairdresser! 20 & 27 August, 3 September 12.00-19.00, Rue du Grand Hospice 7

“Why do you stand at the door?” is a line from a Yiddish folk song that references the despair felt when someone is leaving the community. Ukrainian artist Nikolay Karabinovych uses this line as the name of his exhibition, in which he creates sound and video installations that enter into conversation with publications from the 1920s that relate stories of forced Jewish evacuations and migrations. Until 23 October, Jewish Museum of Belgium, Rue des Minimes 21

Escape those summer rain showers at Cinema Galeries, which has a film cycle devoted to expats. This basically means there’s a whole lot of new or recent international flicks with English subtitles. Coming up are Japanese film Asako I&II (pictured) which sees the titular character embarking on a relationship with the exact look-alike of her one true love, and Las Bestias, a Spanish psychological thriller in which a couple of locals do not take kindly to the simple organic farming strangers who have moved to their remote Galician village. Ongoing, Galerie de la Reine 28

Ancienne Belgique’s evening concert series Feeërieën returns to the stunning Gare Maritime at Tour & Taxis for its 2022 edition. Checkout the final line-up: Naima Joris+JFDR x Kieran Brunt x Benjamin Glorieux; Eddie Chacon+Abel Ghekiere; Hailu Mergia+Nyati Mayi & The Astral Synth Transmitters; Voetvolk+Brik Tu-Tok; Alai K+Guedra Guedra+Coco Em. Adding to the fun this year is a new programme of fringe activities and workshops on the AB summer terrace. Sister event Boterhammen in de Stad is also at the Gare Maritime, an opportunity to discover Dutch-language groups every lunchtime in the convivial setting. 22-26 August, Tour & Taxis

Duo Mona Moi and Maxime Moyearts share a love of groove, jazz and soul. They’re also great friends who play around with rhythm, swing and different musical styles, from jazz and gospel to groove and swing. Catch them at Full Circle’s Jazz Café on Friday for an intimate concert celebrating music and friendship. 26 August 19.30, Full Circle House, Chaussée de Vleurgat 89 (Ixelles)

Book now La Nuit des chœurs Stroll around the magnificent Cistercian abbey ruins from one atmospheric nook to another, soaking up the sounds of the following international choral ensembles and musicians before an impressive finale concert (repeat performances): The Kingdom Choir (UK), Natasha St-Pier and her chorists (Can), L’ensemble letton Maska (Latvia), Les polyphonies géorgiennes Rustavi (Georgia), The Royal Airforce Choir (UK) and Vox Anima et Almakalia (Bel). 26 & 27 August 18.30-23.45, Villers Abbey, Rue de l’Abbaye 55 (Walloon Brabant)

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Walloon capital Namur welcomes folklore societies from around the world for its 60th International folklore festival. Staged across the river Meuse in Jambes, some seven countries from four continents – including Chile and Thailand - will be displaying their colourful and convivial dances, song, tales and traditions. Don’t miss a free reception in the city hall’s Maïeur gardens on Saturday at 12.00 when each folklore company will perform a regional dance. Another free event is open to all on the Place de Wallonie in Jambes on Sunday at 11.30. 19-22 August, Athenée Royal sports hall, Jambes

While there are dance performances to enjoy at the three-day Dansen in ’t Park, it’s really you who’ll be doing the dancing. Ghent’s Azalea Park is your dance floor as you learn swing, Bollywood, hip-hop or salsa and then put your newly acquired skills to use at the big dance party. Good for all ages, the event’s convivial atmosphere is enhanced by food trucks and cocktails. 19-21 August, Azaleapark, Achterstraat, Sint-Amandsberg (Ghent)

Namur’s widely-respected literary gathering, L’Intime Festival, celebrates its 10th anniversary with films, concerts, performances, discussions and talks by emerging and established writers. Actors Emmanuelle Devos, Edouard Baer, Yannick Renier Anne Alvaro and Laura Sepul join authors Ahmet Altan, Stefan Hertmans, Julian Barnes, Laurent Mauvignier, Lucas Belvaux and Annie Ernaux. 19-21 August, Théâtre de Namur, Place du Théatre

Take a break from summer’s endless rock and pop festivals at Laus Polyphoniae, Antwerp’s festival of music from the middle ages and the Renaissance. When chant turned into two or more melodies sung or played simultaneously, polyphony was born. It has allowed music to branch into endlessly creative structures, as multiple strands become one piece. This year’s festival compares this process to society itself, with every life made up of multiple strands – many not so different today as they were 600 years ago. 19-28 August, across Antwerp

Tickets are still on sale for the giant music festival that’s Pukkelpop. The line-up is, as always, endless, with Arctic Monkeys, Slipknot, Selah Sue and Limp Bizkit a few stand-out names. As one of Belgium’s leading outdoor music events, organisers have launched the anti-sexism, bullying and racism campaign, We Care a Lot, with the creation of a safe zone within festival grounds. 18-21 August, Kiewit (Hasselt)

This family favourite event in the idyllically pretty village of Chassepierre returns for its 48th edition. The Festival International des Arts de la Rue  offers two days of entertaining theatre, circus, dance and music. Familiar childhood stories will be told in an engaging way, promising a magical weekend for children and adults in this beautiful village in the Gaume region. 20-21 August, Chassepierre (Luxembourg province)