The theme for this weekend's list of events in Brussels is very clearly 'Alternative Festivals' – perfect for those who want to soak up the festival atmosphere without reaching too far into their wallets.
Arts, music and culture
Brigittines International Festival, Les Brigittines in the centre of Brussels, until 2 September
The much-anticipated Brigittines International Festival will return to the Belgian capital this weekend, bringing audiences a programme of contemporary performances. This year's theme is 'Flight and Vertigo', exploring the desire to fly and spread one's wings.
Credit: Les Brigittines
Through dance and music, the audience is challenged to reconsider the issues and topics at hand in a new light. "On the basis of their own impressions and insights, spectators can find a connection between performances that vary greatly in style but touch on quite similar topics," says Patrick Bonté, the festival's general and artistic director.
Find more information here.
Hide and Seek Festival, various locations across Brussels, until Saturday 26 August
Hide and Seek Festival opens up Brussels' most unique and unusual venues where it hosts original concerts, bringing traditional music from all four corners of the globe.
Credit: Mathieu Golinvaux
From flamenco in a boxing ring to Congolese rumba in a china shop and Persian melodies in the heart of Maison Cauchie: be prepared to discover a treasure trove of hidden gems, even if you think you know Brussels like the back of your hand.
Find more information here.
Out and about
Festival Théâtre Nomades, Bois de la Cambre, until 20 August
Make your way to Brussels' Bois de la Cambre this weekend, as it will be transformed into a dynamic stage for performers who are ready to dazzle their audiences. This free festival, dedicated to street arts and theatre, aims to generate surprise and curiosity by constantly reinventing itself.
Credit: Festival Théâtre Nomades
Over 35 Belgian and international show companies come together in the woods to present a wide range of artistic fields, from street arts, theatre and circus to storytelling, dance, puppetry, stilt walkers and more.
Find more information here.
XRDS festival, Parc des Étangs, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August
A particularly unique festival location in Brussels, the Parc des Étangs is a verdant oasis under the famous bridges of Anderlecht, where the motorway looms overhead. This weekend, iconic dance venue Fuse will venture to the outskirts of the region to offer a festival experience unlike any other.
Credit: XRDS
With a line-up that encompasses more than 40 artists, both young talents and established artists, as well as local and international DJs, XRDS Festival – pronounced as 'crossroads' as a nod to its location – will bring you on an unusual journey through the city's diverse music scene.
Find more information here.
Further afield
Théâtre du Festival International des Arts de la Rue, Chassepierre, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August
Back for its 49th edition, the Festival International des Arts de la Rue de Chassepierre will once again take to the picturesque streets and meadows of the little village in Gaul (Luxembourg province) with an endless list of street entertainment ranging from theatre, dance and circus to music, puppetry and plastic art.
Credit: Théâtre du Festival Chassepierre
The theme of this year's family-friendly festival, which describes itself as "full of emotion, humour and fantasy", is 'delusions with clear ideas'.
Find more information here.
Le Royal Festival de Spa, until Sunday 20 August
Since its creation almost 65 years ago, the Royal Festival de Spa has become a must-see summer theatre event in French-speaking Belgium.
It represents all forms of theatre, from classical and contemporary theatre to musical theatre, visual theatre, and even children's theatre. In recent years, it has also added street theatre, circus and dance to the line-up.
Credit: Le Royal Festival de Spa
The festival takes place in the heart of the small tourist town of Spa, widely recognised as the pearl of the Ardennes region, taking over its quaint streets, town squares and historic venues.
Find more information here.
