What’s on this week: 30 July to 5 August

Hop along to the free nomadic festivity Summer Pop in different areas of the capital over the next three weekends. A fun programme for all ages awaits at Laeken, Neder-Over-Hembeek and the city centre thanks to a collaboration between the city of Brussels and local community organisations. Enjoy a village atmosphere with cultural activities, creative workshops, sport and dance classes, concerts and performances. Place Willemsplein (until 1 August), Versailles (5-8 August), Place Annessensplein (12-15 August)

The Royal Palace opens its doors to the public once again this summer with the additional pleasure of a walk around its gardens. Visits of the grand state rooms and corridors of the prestigious building include the majestic vestibule and stairway designed by architect Alphonse Balat for King Leopold II (pictured above) as well as the throne room and other historic interiors and objects. Since 1965, the palace – which serves as the royals’ office – opens to the public between 21 July and the beginning of September. Reservation necessary. Until 29 August

Calling all jazz cats! Musical duo Elias Schiva (sax) and Bastien Jeunieaux (guitar) pay homage to jazz standards with the addition of their own harmonies to create familiar yet original melodic sounds. The Jazz4you concert is hosted by Ixelles club Full Circle. Check the programme for a batch of other concerts scheduled for the end of August. 30 July, 20.00, Chaussée de Vleurgat 89

Classissimo 2021 celebrates its 15th anniversary with a wonderfully diverse and multicultural programme entitled ‘Couleurs Croisées’. The very accessible classical music festival welcomes a host of artists who perform works by Belgian composers and renowned names from the world of film music and opera. You can also listen to some of the concerts on BX1 and Musiq’3. 5-13 August, Théâtre Royal du Parc, Rue de la Loi 

Don’t miss out on the Escale Estivales free concerts organised by Anderlecht Cultural Centre Escale du Nord in the EDN.Bar garden (Saint-Guidon area). Each week dishes up a different musical style and next Thursday’s serving is fanfare with the Gustave Brass Band. Reservation recommended: 0496.94.43.18 or info@escaledunord.net. 5 August, 19.00, Rue du Chapelain 3 

Take advantage of the Stoemp! concert series to tune into well-known and emerging musical talents all in the relaxed setting of the city’s summer bars. There’s no need to reserve for the 10th edition of the free event which kicks off next Thursday with music collective Speak Easy (STACE, G Massa & Jean Paul Groove) at Manchester Plage at 17.00 in Molenbeek (in collaboration with VK). 6 August to 8 September, multiple venues

Book now: Tickets are now on sale for Muziekpublique’s Hide & Seek Festival 2021 from 22 to 28 August, all staged in some of Brussels’ more unusual and surprising locations.

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

The triennial contemporary art project Beaufort 21 is currently on display along the beaches, promenades and dunes of the Belgian coast. In total, 21 works of art can be viewed for free in various outdoor locations, alongside pieces commissioned for earlier editions of the international event. On Sunday 1 August, Nieuwport stages a performance of The Long Parade, an original piece of music by American composer Ari Benjamin Meyers. It’s played by a marching orchestra in 10 coastal municipalities on various dates. Until 7 November

Early music is revived in the MA Festival and stylishly set against the picturesque backdrop of Bruges. The renowned international event presents a diverse programme of concerts and events, including the prestigious International Competition Musica Antiqua for young baroque soloists plus other initiatives to support younger musicians such as a series of fringe concerts and the musical bike ride VéloBaroque.  6-14 August, Concertgebouw and other venues, Bruges

Charleroi’s contemporary art museum BPS22 presents no fewer than five exhibitions this summer. Among the most eye-catching, is first solo show Jolly Roger by local street artist ELNINO76. It’s joined by Lettres de misarchie. Charleroi-Chicoutimi, the result of an exchange project between BPS22 and the Canadian BANG Art Center, Mail Art project Metallic Avau & Ben Tripe and The Papier Carbone Festival Summer Exhibition (pictured), which showcases artists, publishers and collectives working with the printed image and desk-top publishing. Until 12 September, 22 Boulevard Solvay Charleroi

Dinant Jazz Weekends is in full swing in the Mosane city and birthplace of inventor and musician Adolphe Sax. Brazilian sounds are on the programme this weekend with Goiabada Braziian Jazz and Osman Mertins Band on Saturday, guitarist Maxime Bélsin on Sunday. See the full line-up for other concerts and themes. Until 29 August, Dinant

And finally … don’t forget to check The Bulletin’s ultimate guide to summer music festivals and summer travel guide agenda!

Photos: Summer Pop Place Anneessens (main image); Royal Palace © visit.brussels, Jean-Paul Remy ; Classissimo 2021 ; Beaufort21 The Long Parade - Ari Benjamin Meyers ; BPS22 exposition été carbone-la-colonie-de-vacances © Leslie Artamonow