Ready for Belgium's big day? We have lined up the best National Day and alternative celebrations: from neighbourhood jazz and nomadic print workshops to one of the biggest folk festivals in Europe and beer-BBQ bonanzas, here's what's on in Brussels and beyond this weekend.
Arts, music and culture
Recyclart Holidays, Recyclart Molenbeek, until 26 July
While most events come to life during the weekend, Recyclart takes the weekend to catch its breath, but not before ending with a party on Fridays. After a Wednesday centred around children and a Thursday of live music (including an open mic), the Friday programme features workshops before the start of its famed club nights and parties.
Credit: Recyclart
This Friday, a three-hour session will focus on Press Play, a nomadic printing service equipped with various print techniques operated by Bebe Books which reimagines the idea of printing by featuring slow, low-tech, and hacked print techniques. From 22:30 until the early hours (05:00), the dance floor will open, with music provided by a wide range of artists including Geneva-based DJ, producer and curator chaos clay, Colombian producer, DJ and sound artist Genosidra and the radically diverse Lifeonvenus.
Find more information here.
National Day alternatives
To mark the National Day, the state and its partners are putting on a wide range of free events throughout the day (keep an eye out on our coverage to hear all about them), however, for those who want to escape the large crowds, there are plenty of alternatives.
'Jazz dans le quartier', Koekelberg, Sunday 21 July
For this special occasion, the Brussels commune of Koekelberg is treating locals and visitors alike to six free jazz concerts. A travelling caravan stage (Caravane du Jazz) will be touring various locations across the municipality with artists from all over Belgium, bringing various neighbourhoods to life with their passionate music.
Credit: Caravane du Jazz
From Joséphine & Ze Manouches's gypsy jazz love songs at Jardin Tisserands in the early afternoon to Kalypso Nation bringing festive Caribbean versions of world-renowned music (from Tchaikovsky and Serge Gainsbourg to David Bowie and the Beatles) at Sentier du Wegske later in the evening, there are few better ways to spend your Sunday.
Find more information here.
Summer 58, Camping 58, Sunday 21 July
The weather may not have got the memo, but summer is in full swing at Camping 58 in Laeken at the foot of the Atomium. Every Sunday, organisers serve up refreshing drinks at the beach bar next to the camping pool, where people unwind while listening to live music – and even take part in the free podium concept inviting people to show their talents – or challenge each other to a pétanque match.
Credit: Camping 58
This Sunday, head to Camping 58 for two live shows, including the first live performance of Godard Jamaïca – the cold reggae, synth-dub, post-punk project by Grégoire Brunol. Bringing the day to an end will be DJ bisou, playing back-to-back with Very Disco Channel.
Find more information here.
Ceci n'est pas du Disco w/ @Shaft Crew, Bozar Rooftop, Sunday 21 July
Get ready for the best disco tunes, all night long! One of the most beloved rooftops in Brussels, on top of the Centre for Fine Arts (Bozar) in the city centre, is once again opening its unique space for passionate dancers and music lovers to let off some steam with good views of the city this weekend.
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Credit: Bozar[/caption]
The groovy disco vibes will be provided by Shaft Crew, bringing the latest sounds from disco and funk scenes to the Belgian capital which will doubtless nurture a crowd of smiling, happy faces.
Find more information here.
Brussels Beer Project National Day Barbecue, BBP Port Sud, Saturday 20 July
One of the capital's best known breweries, Brussels Beer Project, is so excited to get celebrations for the National Day started that it is organising a giant barbecue to get people fired up for Sunday's festivities.
Credit: BBP Port Sud
As well as serving its freshly brewed Terra Pils, grilled meats, fresh salads and Belgian fries will be on the menu at the event in the beer garden of the BBP Port Sud brewery, on the Anderlecht canal.
Find more information here.
Further afield
Gentse Feesten, various locations in Ghent, until Sunday 28 July
Arguably one of the highlights of Belgium's year is the Gentse Feesten, Ghent's annual ten-day cultural folk festival which last year attracted some 1.6 million visitors. Numerous well-known and up-and-coming national and international artists take to stages scattered across the East Flemish city as well as the streets for music and theatre performances.
Credit: Belga
Highlights of the event – one of the biggest folk festivals in Europe – are the Bal 1900, the International Puppetbuskers Festival, the Polé Polé stage at the water in the city centre, the International Street Theatre Festival, the Funfair on the Vrijdagmarkt and the cosy Baudelopark.
Find more information here.
