Yet another long weekend is on the cards for Belgium, as most people will have a day off work on Monday thanks to the religious holiday Whit Sunday.
The weather might be a little dreary at the moment, but don't let the drizzle put a dampener on your weekend – there still plenty happening in Brussels to enjoy! From street markets to young musical talent, open air parties and more, here's what's on this bank holiday weekend.
Arts, music and culture
El Sistema Belgium & Brussels Philharmonic, Flagey, Sunday 8 June
After a year of intensive rehearsals, El Sistema Belgium orchestra will take to the stage alongside the Brussels Philharmonic this Sunday with their showstopper finale to end the school year. El Sistema Belgium brings together pupils aged 8 to 12 from primary schools in Brussels, who take violin, cello, viola and flute lessons twice a week, practising in small groups under the expert guidance of musicians from non-profit ReMuA, and working towards the annual end-of-year concert.
Credit: El Sistema Belgium: Family Day / ReMuA
This year, the concert promises a journey through dance-inspired music from around the world, from Brahms' energetic Hungarian Dances to the hauntingly beautiful Peer Gynt suites by Grieg, sultry rhythms of Piazzolla's Libertango, the vibrant Danzón No. 2 by Márquez, and the mesmerizing Persian Dance No. 2 by Molookpour.
Find more information here.
Piknik Elektronic, Place Poelaert, 7 June
Taking place on Place Poelaert, a free day party involving an entire afternoon of dancing with the most stunning view of the city. It is no wonder these events have consistently attracted thousands of people for the past 18 years.
Aside from serving up sets by an array of up-and-coming artists, Piknik Elektronik Records' event also has a social mission this weekend: uniting against racism.
Find more information here.
Hangar open air, Parc du Cinquantenaire, 7 June
The Brussels Hangar collective – which was founded by three friends and entrepreneurs and which is celebrating its seventh anniversary this year – is hosting an open-air concert on Saturday at the emblematic Parc du Cinquantenaire in the European Quarter, with Swiss electronic music duo Adriatique as headliners.
Credit: Hangar
Around 13,000 people are expected to attend the event in front of the arcades. Internationally renowned DJs and producers Adrian Shala and Adrian Schweizer will deliver a five-hour extended set. "After two unforgettable sold-out editions with Solomun, Hangar's Cinquantenaire Open Air has established itself as a key event in Brussels' annual calendar," the organisers stated.
Find more information here.
'Le C.A.S du siècle', Théâtre de La Vie, 7 and 8 June
Following four weeks of workshops, Théâtre & Réconciliation is presenting 'Le C.A.S du siècle' as part of their 'Le Super Grand Joyeux Show' in a theatre nestled in the heart of Schaerbeek this weekend – "a free and provocative portrait of our society, full of irony and vital energy."
Credit: Théâtre & Réconciliation
Three groups of participants, led by Loïc Leroy, Marius Lahaut, Florence Marchand, Kevin Lerat, Camille Léonard, and Fanny Bonifait, under the direction of Frédérique Lecomte, have created fragments of a show, brought together in a unique production blending popular theatre, cabaret, carnival and autofiction. But here, nothing is set in stone: the scenes change with every performance and the process of creating the show will unfurl before the audience's very eyes.
Find more information here.
Out and about
Flea market, Uccle centre, Sunday 8 June
The Uccle Centre Traders' Association are organising their annual flea market in the heart of the Brussels municipality this Sunday. The market stretches from Parvis Saint-Pierre, Place Vander Elst to the Globe, creating the perfect setting for a day of treasure hunting and meeting new people.
Credit: LesBrocantes.info
There will be a host of stalls offering a wide range of items, from antique furniture and vintage clothing to rare books, jewellery and decorative items. Stroll through the lively streets, get a taste of the vibrant neighbourhood and sample the food, drinks and hidden gems on offer.
Find more information here.
Brussels Makers Market, Gare Maritime, 8 June
One of Brussels' most unique craft markets returns to the stunning Gare Maritime in the city's Tour & Taxis district every month to showcase original products made by Belgian manufacturers. Its mission? To forge new connections between creators and customers.
Credit: Brussels Makers Market
Expect talented independent designers and distinctive handcrafted creations for every taste in one of the most beautiful covered spaces in the city. While at the Tour & Taxis site, enjoy a walk in the adjacent park which until 2014 was a fallow railway site, or grab a bite to eat at the food market.
Find more information here.
