What’s on this week: 25 to 31 July

Raise your eyes to catch a sight of St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral’s grand organ. Known as a “swallow’s nest organ”, it is mounted high on the wall in order to optimise the acoustics in the gothic building. The cathedral shows off its organ’s sublime sound during Ars in Cathedrali, a series of weekly summer concerts every Tuesday evening under artistic directors Xavier Deprez et Bart Jacobs. The opening concert by Lorenzo Ghelmi is devoted to the music of Bach. 29 July to 26 August, Esplanade de la Sinte-Gudule

Digital art space iMAL celebrates its 25th anniversary with an exhibition reflecting on its history while determinedly looking to the future. I am vertical (but I would rather be horizontal) is more than a retrospective in that it mixes previous works alongside recent creations, says the cultural organisation. The group show is named after the famous poem I am Vertical by US writer Sylvia Path. Pictured: Organism + Excitable Chaos by Navid Nabav with Garnet Willis. Until 21 September, Quai des Charbonnages 30 (Molenbeek)

Now in its final weeks, Bozar’s flagship exhibition When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting is an exuberant and kaleidoscope display of black art. More than 150 paintings by some 120 artists worldwide are on display in this itinerant exhibition, originally produced by the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town. A vivid and inspiring show that focuses on the power and political dimension of Black joy. Until 10 August, Rue Ravenstein 23

Peter Downsbrough and Ann Veronica Janssens are just two artists who printmaker and publisher Bruno Robbe  worked with over the last 25 years. Some 50 others are represented in this striking exhibition, including Charlotte Beaudry and Bertrand Bélin. Wittockiana gave carte blanche to this surprising printer and his unique work. All exhibits originate from Robbe’s ‘image laboratory’ – in operation since 1950 and bequeathed by his grandfather. In addition, Robbe has invited one of his accomplices, Boris Beaucarne, to present a selection of books and prints produced in the famous Hainaut studio. Until 25 September, Rue du Bemel 23 (Woluwe-Saint-Pierre)

Artcade is a brand-new interactive art and technology experience opening its doors in the city centre. Installed in Plein Publiek, the one-hour exhibition also explores gaming and AI and a world where the lines between reality and the digital world are blurred (adult tickets: €15.90). 1 August to 31 December, Wednesday to Sunday, Mont des Arts 5

Book now Arts at night. 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. It’s a 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

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

The largest outdoor agricultural fair in Europe celebrates rural life in the Belgian Ardennes and beyond. Libramont Fair once again shows off its farming know-how to visitors from home and abroad with animals, sustainable farming, forestry and food - including local vineyards - all on display. The 89th edition with some 700 exhibitors and 2,800 animals offers a busy programme of activities. 25-28 July, Rue des Aubépines 50, Libramont (Luxembourg province)

World music extravaganza Esperanzah! boasts a programme of activities plus a feast of specialist food outlets who support the festival’s social and ethical mission. An exceptional line-up of musical artists this year include Comombian Bomba Estéro, French rapper Médine, Ukrainian group Dakhabrakha, Balkan Paradise Orchestra, Palestinian Bashar Murad, Japanese Mitsne, and from Senegal, Def Mama Def. As ever, the historic abbey overlooking the river Sambre is an atmospheric backdrop for this relaxed and colourful event. 25-27 July, Floreffe Abbey, Rue du Séminaire 7, Floreffe (Namur)

David Linx returns to the Dinant Jazz Festival on Friday evening for a special 60th birthday concert. His appearance is just one of many star names in the world of jazz descending on the Mosane city for the 24th edition. There’s also plenty of other musical gems lined up, including the festival’s special guest John Scofield, who performs three concerts, plus Jazz Station Big Band with Stéphane Mercier, Pauline Leblond Double Quartet, Theo Jackson and Anna Winquin and Philip Catherine and Nicolas Fiszman. The abbey turned brewery is also a perfect setting. 24-27 July, Abbaye de Leffe, Dinant (Namur province)

Rixensart Château’s summer theatrical show this year is Le Bossu de Notre-Dame. Inspired by the original Parisian tale, it is performed by 20 actors in the courtyard of the stately home. Until 9 August, Rue de l’Eglise 40, Rixensart (Walloon Brabant)

The Formula One circus is in town this weekend with the mythical Spa-Francorchamps circuit hosting the Belgian Grand Prix . Reputed to be the world’s most challenging track with fast straights, hair-raising corners and blind elevations, the 7km-heritage circuit requires supreme control and expertise from drivers. Unofficial home driver Max Verstappen (Red Bull) will be cheered on by his army of largely Dutch fans. But its the orange Maclaren stable that are hot favourites for success on the Ardennes track, although with rain threatening, the tricky piste is likely to be even more unpredictable. Tickets available for Friday and Saturday only. 25-27 July, Route du Circuit 55, Stavelot (Liège province)

Ostend’s performance festival TAZ offers some 500 theatre, musical theatre and dance productions in 40 different locations, including a few in English. This year’s theme ‘Le Temps d’une chanson’ injects a musical air to performances and events. There are separate programmes for children and for young people, and the WonderWaai in Leopold Park hosts a free daily programme of family-friendly performance and workshops. 30 July to 9 August, across Ostend

The Venetian Galleries in Ostend presents It’s a Sunday on the sea , a summer exhibition about what draws artists – and the general public - to the sea. Inspired by Emile Verhaeren's poem Vers la mer, the show is a poetic journey through the Mu.ZEE art collection, from 1880 to the present day. Artists on display include James Ensor, Léon Spilliaert, Lili Dujourie and Guillaume Bijl. The exhibition also offers a focus on Maarten Vanden Eynde's work Plastic Reef. Until 22 February, seafront corner/Parijsstraat, Ostend

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

Photos: (main image) Ars in cathedrali; iMal/Organism + Excitable Chaos by Navid Nabav with Garnet Willis; Bozar exhibition ©Wangari Mathenge Sundials and Sonnets, courtesy of the artist and roberts projects los angeles california photo Robert Wedemeyer; Esperanzah! ©Olivier Rinchard; Château Rixensart ©Sébastien Roberty; courtesy TAZ25; courtesy Spa Grand Prix; Jean Brusselmans ©Het Onweder 1938