The end of rainy days in Brussels is in sight, with the sun finally predicted to reappear from next Wednesday. But until then, the skies over the Belgian capital are expected to remain gloomy and yet again dampen the mood this weekend.
However, there is still plenty going on for those strong-minded enough to brave the elements, as well as those fancying cosier, indoor activities.
Arts, culture and music
Classissimo Festival, Théâtre Royal du Parc, until Thursday 10 August
Nothing shouts rainy day activity more than enjoying a classical music performance in one of the city's most beautiful venues. The 17th edition of the esteemed festival, which aims to draw an audience of all ages and music tastes, features seven headline performances that will span genres from opera arias and lyrical cabaret to film soundtracks.
Credit: Classissimo
On Friday, the event starts with a 'Classic and Folk' evening, followed by a Saturday of 'Romantic Pearls'. Closing the weekend is a double concert 'Hommage à Liège' and 'L'Histoire du Tango', highlighting the close relationship between Argentine tango composer Astor Piazzolla, Belgium and Liège in particular.
Find more information here.
Free museum days, various locations across Brussels, first Sunday of each month
Some people have lived in Brussels for years before finding out that there is a long list of museums which welcome visitors for free on the first Sunday of the month. However, on this particularly rainy Sunday, we recommend a trip to Bozar's CINEMATEK.
Credit: CINEMATEK
In addition to its wide range of films dating back several decades, this unique cinema also has a collection of important pre-cinema objects and cinematographic objects, such as magic lanterns, shadow theatres and cameras. Discover the history of film in just nine objects, and if you have the time, stay to watch one of the many classics it screens every day.
Find more information here.
Out and about
Brussels in Bloom flower trail, the city centre of Brussels, until Tuesday 15 August
First organised during the pandemic, this alternative floral event is providing the brightness much lacking in Brussels at the moment. The flower trail is divided into 18 stages with sight-seeing spots dotted around the capital's most famous tourist hotspot: the Grand Place.
'Brussels in Bloom' 2021. Credit: Eric Danhier
When following the floral itinerary, visitors and locals alike are invited to rediscover Brussels through the plant installations designed and created by a dozen renowned artists in the flower world.
Find more information here.
Geberit Beach Tour, the city centre of Brussels, Friday 4 to Sunday 6 August
Have you noticed the two beaches in central Brussels this week in front of the Bourse and on Place de la Monnaie and wondered what it was all about? The beaches, created using 780 tonnes of sand, will host the Belgian volleyball championship: the Geberit Beach Tour.
The 2022 beach volleyball championships in Brussels. Credit: Belga / Hatim Kaghat
Some of the best volleyball players in Belgium will be competing against each other this weekend in the centre of Brussels, starting with the qualifiers and first round on Friday and ending with the finals for both men and women on Sunday afternoon.
Find more information here.
Further afield
Ronquières Festival, Braine-le-Comte, Friday 4 to Sunday 6 August
Since its first edition in 2012, this Walloon festival has grown to become one of the key events of Belgium's summer festival calendar, featuring diverse acts from new, local talent to international headliners.
The first day of the Ronquières music festival in 2022. Credit: Anthony Malagoli
The festival organisers have already announced they will be taking various measures to protect festival goers from rain showers this weekend, so the weather doesn't dampen the mood.
Find more information here.
