After a few days of rain and colder temperatures, the sweltering heat is returning to Brussels on Friday, right on time for the weekend. Not sure how to spend yours yet? Find our recommendations below!
Arts, music and culture
Brosella Festival, Osseghem Park, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 July
For almost 50 years, this authentic festival has been paying tribute to the great names in 'urban etno' music and the national jazz scene, challenging Brussels locals to discover the unknown.
Credit: Brosella
What to expect? Two days jam-packed with live concerts, DJ sets, local food stands, workshops, a children's corner and a summer bar curated by La Fourmilière,. The highlight of this cultural event is the performances at the magical Théâtre de Verdure hidden among the trees.
Find more information here.
Summer XL, Ixelles, until 31 August
Similar to the recent project launched in the neighbouring City of Brussels, the municipality of Ixelles is also organising a broad range of events for its residents as part of its festive summer concept to create the sense of being on holiday at home.
A young boy playing with water in a fountain in Brussels. Credit: Belga/ Herwig Vergult
Summer XL, introduced as a successor to Ixelles' previous initiative Staycation XL, is back until the very last day of the summer holidays. On the agenda: performances, exhibitions, concerts, clowns, creation workshops and much more.
Find more information here.
Kiosk Radio x Crevette Records - Open-Air, Circle Park, Saturday 8 July
Brussels' favourite local radio station Kiosk Radio is once again teaming up with Crevette Records for a sun-soaked day party in Anderlecht's urban playground Circle Park, just by Studio City Gate. What better way to spend a Saturday in the city?
Credit: Kiosk Radio via Facebook
This edition aims to be the most inclusive as the organisers are offering cheaper or free tickets to those who are tight on money – people can email info@kioskradio.com to find a solution that they can afford!
Find more information here.
Camera, lights, action
Bruxelles Fait Son Cinema, various locations in Brussels, until Saturday 15 July
A series of free open-air screenings organised in the less well-known spots around the city, which makes a great opportunity to discover untapped parts of Brussels, such as the peaceful surroundings of Parc Wolvendael in Uccle and Watermael-Boitsfort's Place Gilson, while also experiencing cinema in a whole new (and more adventurous) way.
Credit: Bruxelles Fait Son Cinema
All screenings start at just after 22:00, as night falls, and are free and accessible without reserving your spot.
Find more information here.
Mriya International Film Festival, Cinéma Vendôme, until Sunday 9 July
Mriya is a unique festival born out of a desire to assist Ukraine following the invasion of Russia in February of 2022. Since then, it has raised funds for humanitarian aid organisations on the ground, but also by showcasing its diverse cinematography scene.
Credit: Mriya Festival
Over the five-day festival, fiction, documentary and animation short films from Ukraine and further afield will be screened at the city's beloved and unique Cinéma Vendôme, and all for a good cause.
Find more information here.
Further afield
Beleuvenissen, Leuven, Friday 7 July
Discover the old squares, parks and tucked-away streets of this historic Flemish city in a new light during Beleuvenissen, a celebration which brings Leuven to life on Fridays in July with free live concerts by some of the country's finest talent.
Credit: Stad Leuven
Can't make the trek to Leuven this week? Don't worry, Beleuvenissen will also take place on Friday 14 and 21 July (Belgium's National Day), giving you plenty of time to experience this unique event.
Find more information here.
