What’s on this week: 21 to 27 August

Sample the rich culinary heritage of the sub continent at the Indian Food Festival in Cinquantenaire park this weekend. The popular event celebrates its 10th edition with delicious regional and authentic food prepared by street food vendors and passionate chefs. Enjoy live music, DJS, Bollywood dance, yoga sessions, workshops, live music and DJs. Family-friendly activities transform this food festival into a colourful carnival for all ages. 22-23 August 12.00-21.00, Cinquantenaire park (Etterbeek)

The title says it all: HappyLIFE is a feel-good festival at Ferme Nos Pilifs this weekend. The family-friendly, inclusive and sustainable event at the urban farm on the outskirts of the capital offers four worlds to explore: a creative market, a food village, a nature and garden area and a kids village. On the programme are concerts, sustainable shopping, workshops, tastings, nature discoveries and activities for children. 22-23 August, Trassersweg 347, Neder-Over-Heembeek

The seventh edition of Belgian Beer Week is a celebration of the country’s Unesco-recognised heritage and includes events around the world. Participating bars, breweries and guides across Brussels and Belgium open their doors for tastings, brewery visits, guided beer walks, food pairings and “plenty of good company,” they promise. “Whether you're a lambic devotee, a trappist traditionalist or simply curious, there's a glass with your name on it.” Beer My Guest, Otomat – Ste Cath, Hoppiness Brussels, Tipsy Tribe Brewery & Distillery, La Tana, Zennebar (Brasserie de la Senne) are among local participants.  24 to 30 August, multiple venues around the country

The wildly popular world music celebration Hide & Seek Festival concludes this weekend with a concert by the Iranian Gardan Ensemble (pictured above) at the Van Volxem site on Saturday evening. Blending traditional secular music with a contemporary vision, the group is inspired by the poetic rhythms of classical Persian music. 22 August 18.30, Avenue Van Volxem 164 (Forest)

The summer classical music festival Midi-Minimes concludes next Friday with a vibrant flourish for its final concert of the season. Ensemble orchestral de Bruxelles conducted by Jacques Vanherenthals is accompanied by pianist Xavier Locus for a performance of Rachmaninov’s Concerto pour piano n°3, op. 30. The festival is staged in city centre venues daily at lunchtime. 28 August 12.15, Rue Ravenstein 23

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

As flea markets go, Belgium’s biggest is the annual gathering at the Brocante de Temploux just outside of the city of Namur. Attracting thousands of bargain hunters from around the country with some 750 stands set up along the rural roads of this pretty village, it’s the place to unearth quality objects, antiques and art (but no clothes). There is also a comic-strip festival in the village square plus entertainment for all ages. The site is easily accessible via the E42 motorway, while extra buses will be running from Namur. 22-23 August, Temploux (Namur province)

The green belt to the south and east of Brussels is known as a grape-growing region, so there’s no better name for Overijse’s big summer event than Druivenfeesten (Grape Festival). The multi-faceted and completely free festival includes concerts as well as guided tours, fun runs for kids and adults, a book sale, a fun fair and a Sunday parade. Expect plenty of grape-related products at the ongoing markets. 21-26 August, across Overijse

Hats off to Mechelen for maintaining Maanrock, Belgian’s largest free city-centre based music festival. Multiple stages host big and up-and-coming local bands, including Clouseau, The Human, Ciska Ciska, Amber Broze, Zornik, Mommy’s Jacket and The Tricks. There’s also DJ sets and plenty of activities, such as circus performances. 27-30 August, across Mechelen

Antwerp’s festival of old music Laus Polyphoniae is dedicated to ‘Voices of Europe circa 1600, continent of counterpoint’. Part of the Festival of Flanders series and organised by AMUZ, concerts are performed by Laus favourites: Collegium Vocale Gent, Vox Luminis, Paul O’Dette, Stile Antico, Huelgas Ensemble, The Gesualdo Six and New York Polyphony, as well as festival newcomers Tenebrae, Ensemble Irini, Les Meslanges and Près de votre oreille. 21-29 August, across Antwerp

Even if some dates are already wait listed, check out the extensive line-up of the excellent OLT Rivierenhof concert series. The open-air amphitheatre at Rivierenhof park is a fantastic summer spot to hear a variety of artists, from US alternative rock band Wilco to Dressed like Boys, a solo project by Ghent singer songwriter Jelle Denturck. That’s just a smattering of the enticing programme. Until 13 September, Turnhoutsebaan 246, Deurne (Antwerp)

La Boverie in Liège's fêted 10th anniversary exhibition Behind the Scenes of a Collection closes on Sunday with a festive programme of activities for all ages. Giant puzzles, a collaborative pixel art project, and a ‘Museum Flowers’ workshop are among the highlights of the day. Visitors can also join a guided tour of La Boverie Park at 11.00 and 14.00 to discover public artworks. Until 23 August, Parc de la Boverie, Liège

Now in its 14th year, L'Intime festival in Namur has firmly established itself on the Walloon capital’s literature and arts scene. The francophone event invites writers, actors and performers to read, recite and discuss contemporary literature, while there are also performances, dance, cinema and an exhibition. The convivial event is full of opportunities for the public to meet and chat with writers and artists. 26-30 August, Théâtre Royal, Galérie du Beffroi, Le Delta, Namur

NAOW Festival is the only floating festival in Belgium dedicated to theatre, poetry and music. The third edition of the Nature Arts on Water (NAOW) Festival invites audiences to sound and light shows and a range of music (via individual headsets) and artistic events presented from a floating stage. Riverside beach site The Flow is a popular summer pop-up staple in the city, offering a holiday air with a bar, food and activities. Until 29 August, Boulevard de Meuse 160, Jambes (Namur)

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

Photos: (main image) courtesy Indian Food Festival; Gardan Ensemble ©Riccardo Fanelli; Maanrock ©FURIES 2025 Theresa Kuhn Øblik ©Vincent Muteau; Les coulisses d'une collection 2026 ©La Boverie Ville de Liege