What's on this week: 22-29 July

Once a year, the royal family open the door to their Brussels residence, and visitors can wander through the public areas of the palace. As usual, there will be exhibits focused on science and culture, with a special exhibition, Maps and Cartography Through the Ages.
22 July-4 September 10.30-15.45 (closed Mondays), Place des Palais, Brussels, free

Following renovations, BELvue, the museum dedicated to the history of Belgium and the royal family reopens on 21 July. A weekend of special activities, including guided tours of the new permanent exhibition (in Dutch, French, German and English) and free fries. Reservations required for tours via the website.
21-24 July 10.00-18.00, BELvue Museum, Place des Palais, Brussels, free

Launched in 2015 by four friends, in association with visit.brussels, Coucou Brussels is a project that provides deckchairs and a bar at four tourist information centres (housed in old Belgian army containers) in key Brussels locations: Avenue Louise, Place Poelaert, the Mont des Arts and the Atomium. City residents are also welcome to use the deckchairs and to chat to the tourists. The project also involves temporary (small) swimming pools and weekend concerts.
Until 30 September

Every year, Bruxellons presents a series of summer evening productions, from the comic to the serious, from theatre to magic, in a romantic lakeside setting not far from the Koekelberg basilica, with an open-air buffet and bar. A highlight this year is the French-language performances of the musical Evita. Check the website for the full programme of events.
Until 27 September, Château du Karreveld

Brussels' biggest and oldest funfair, the Foire du Midi, continues until mid-August, extending over 2km between Porte de Hal and Porte d'Anderlecht. The organisers and the owners of the 130 attractions hope to attract more than the 1.6 million people who attended last year.
Until 21 August

Travel back in time at a reconstructed 15th-century fishing village on the coast. Hundreds of costumed re-enactors bring the middle ages to life with sword-fighting, archery, arts and crafts demonstrations and more.
23 July 10.30-18.00 and 24 July 10.30-17.00, Raversyde Provincial Park, Nieuwpoortsesteenweg 636, Ostend, €6

Looking for more ideas to enjoy summer in Brussels? Download our free 36-page e-book today in association with visit.brussels