Belgium’s best non-music summer festivals: From street-theatre and performance to art and family events

There’s no shortage of chill summer activities in Belgium that provide cool vibes for all the family. Here’s our round up of upcoming non-music festival fun across the country.

Mons’ iconic offbeat summer event Festival au Carré transforms the Hainaut capital into a colourful hub of creativity with concerts, dance, theatre, circus, screenings, talks and walks. Following its launch in Jardin du Mayeur and venues around the city, the eclectic programme encompasses a Mons street party, a spectacular fire show at the Grand Large and a circus show that is performed in an artistic tour of local slag heaps. 1-10 July, across Mons

The fifth edition of Ooidonck Art Festival is a delightful summer programme of open-air contemporary art, nature and gastronomy. Providing an immersive experience, the artworks are integrated into the landscape to invite visitors to slow down, observe and reflect. More than 150 pieces by 34 artists are on display in the heritage site of Goedt te Réables, near Ooidonk Castle and its sweeping meadows and green spaces. Until 31 August, Ooidonkdreef 5, Deinze (East Flanders)

Drop by the daily parties at Antwerp’s biggest graffiti space, drink cocktails under trees, catch some “circus tango” or head to the docks for a bit of theatre. Everything is possible at Zomer van Antwerpen, a summer-long festival of endless activities. Some things require a ticket, but most of it is free of charge, so just set out whenever you want and start exploring. Until 30 August, across Antwerp

If your favourite part of summer festivals is the alfresco street food, we have good news for you. Chefs on Wheels is a dedicated food truck festival that travels around towns in Flanders. Well, there’s music, too, but its secondary compared to the grazing that is at the heart of this nomadic event. You’ll find everything here, from Asian to Mexican to Belgian frites. For info, it drops into Tervuren from 17-19 July.  Until 27 September, across Flanders

Leuven tells it like it is with the aptly titled summer festival Het Groot Verlof (the big holiday). The city puts on all kinds of entertainments, all absolutely free. These range from open-air cinema to musical performances for children a seniors ball and concerts by the likes of Jasper Steverlinck (10 July), The Sheila Divine (24 July) and Tourist LeMC (31 July). In the midst of all this is the music festival Beleuvenissen and outdoor sing-a-long Leuven Sings on 25 July. Foodies take note that a gastronomic route on 2 August is a chance to sample local delicacies. 10 July to 7 August, across Leuven

The eastern Belgium town of Stavelot – a charming Ardennes haven – has been hosting the street-theatre festival VTS (Vacances Théâtre Stavelot) for more than 50 years. Housed in one of the region’s outstanding heritage site, Stavelot Abbey, it stages some of the best francophone theatre and performances that has been shown in the country over the past season. Among the highlights are theatre performances La “veritable” histoire de Sigmund…, Des Cailloux plein le poches, music by Just Voix and comedian Laurence Bibot and plenty of street theatre acts for all ages in and around the site. 3-12 July, Stavelot Abbey (Liège)

Bursting back onto the capital’s summer cultural scene with some 25 shows is the annual Bruxellons! festival. Proudly presenting some of the best French-language productions of the past season, its big draw is a French-language version of the new musical comedy Kinky Boots. The feel-good musical pop show, complete with a live orchestra, runs from 11 July to 30 August, while a second musical, John & Jen, is staged in the intimate setting of the grange. The festival, now in its 28th year, is a city summer favourite, offering a perfect evening out, complete with a pre-show buffet to enjoy in a wonderful water-side setting. 9 July to 20 September, Château du Karreveld, Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Brussels

For its 40th edition, the annual outdoor theatre romp at Villers Abbey presents the Shakespearean comedy Le Songe d’une nuit d’été (Midsummer Night’s Dream). The atmospheric ruins of the Cistercian site are a perfect setting for this promenade theatre experience directed by Thierry Debroux. If weather conditions are unfavourable, the show is postponed to a later date – check the website for updates. 11 July to 10 August 21.00, Rue de l’Abbaye 55, Villers-la-ville (Walloon Brabant)

Gentse Feesten is the largest outdoor theatre and music festival in Europe. The sprawling 10-day event occupies numerous stages in parks and squares with concerts, performances and  street theatre, but it goes far beyond that. You’ll find food, guided tours, boat trips, circus acts, exhibitions, readings, sport and endless other curiosities day and night. Create a schedule from the detailed programme or simply play it by ear and let it surprise you. 17-26 July, across Ghent

Ostend’s performance festival TAZ is a multidisciplinary celebration that adds to the holiday attractions of the busy seaside resort. There are 500 theatre, musical theatre, literature and dance productions in 40 different locations, including a few in English, under the banner this year of ‘Message in a Bottle’. The festival also encompasses a separate programmes for children and for young people, while the WonderWaai in Leopold Park hosts a free daily programme of family-friendly performance and workshops. 29 July to 8 August, across Ostend

A free festival at the Belgian coast, Retro Sur Mer brings together a vintage market, old-timer cars, retro beauty makeovers and a family day with rock’n’roll, ices and waffles. Prepare to boogie on the boardwalk to local and international bands (line-up TBC), while vintage food trucks and a summer bar also serve up a slice of the period action for the 10th edition of this vintage summer festival. 7-9 August, Graaf Jansdijk, Wenduine (De Haan)

Listen to beautiful music in idyllic surrounds thanks to the Intra Muros Festival at Alden-Biesen castle. A full day of Belgian and international soloists and ensembles perform a diverse programme on lute, violin, harp and other early music instruments. Guests are also invited to explore the grounds and indulge in on-site food and drink. 1 August, Kasteelstraat 6, Bilzen (Limburg)

Belgium’s other big pride event is in the port city, where official and fringe events and activities take to the streets, culture centres and clubs for five days in August. Antwerp Pride’s theme this year is ‘Fearless’ to celebrate the courage of everyone who dares to be thelselves, day after day. The big Pride Parade and Love United Festival are on 8 August. 5-9 August, across Antwerp

It's the 53rd edition of the Paulusfeesten in Ostend, a music and street theatre festival that gets the whole city partying. The whole family will have a great time here amidst upbeat bands and playful activities against the backdrop of sand and sea. Free entrance. 11-17 August, Sint-Petrus & Paulusplein, Ostend

With four days of street theatre in the magical setting of Bois de la Cambre, Théâtres Nomades is an eclectic and free festival guaranteed to entertain all ages. The popular event by Compagnie des Nouveaux Disparus remains committed to its original nomadic character with a programme that’s environmentally and socially engaged. It brings together around 35 companies from various artistic disciplines, such as theatre, circus, storytelling, puppetry and dance and showcases in particular emerging Belgian talents as well as international artists. 13-16 August, Bois de la Cambre, Brussels

Now in its 14th year, L'Intime festival in Namur has firmly established itself on the Walloon capital’s literature and arts scene. The francophone event invites writers, actors and performers to read, recite and discuss contemporary literature, while there are also performances, dance, cinema and an exhibition. The convivial event is full of opportunities for the public to meet and chat with writers and artists. 26-30 August, Théâtre Royal, Galérie du Beffroi, Le Delta, Namur

Family favourite The Festival International des Arts de la Rue celebrates its 52nd edition in Chassepierre in the rural Gaume region. Set in the heart of the village – one of the prettiest in the country – it promises two days of entertaining theatre, circus, dance and music, as well as a craft and food market. Some 50 companies come to perform some 200 shows, promising a magical weekend for children and adults in this breathtakingly bucolic setting. 15-16 August, Chassepierre (Luxembourg province)

AfroDisiac is the biggest free cultural event in Belgium dedicated to Africa and children’s rights. Beyond the performances of traditional and contemporary music, children’s village, artisan stands and African cuisine, the festival is all about solidarity for the continent. 11-12 July, Carrefour des Attelages, Bois de la Cambre, Brussels

For 2026, the Brigittines Summer Festival may have changed its name but the annual contemporary performance celebration continues to welcome artists from Belgium and abroad. It presents some 10 choreographies (total of 23 performances), including two shows and a concert. Among them are Filipe Lourenço (Fr), Andrea Costanzo Martini (It), Naïf Production, Bérengère Bodin & Ivan Fatjo/Theater Malpertuis (Bel), Armin Hokmi (Ire/Den/Nor), Solène Weinachter (UK), Leïla Ka (Fr) and thr Collectif La Méandre (Fr). 14-29 August, Les Brigittines, Petite Rue des Brigittines, Brussels

Seek out theatre, concerts, art installations and other amusements in the streets and squares of Bruges during the Reie Festival. All 14 activities have been inspired by the city’s heritage and the theme “Flow” honours the city’s hidden corners along its many waterways. 4-6 August, across Bruges

Photos: (main image) Chassepierre; Ooidonk Art Festival ©Jeremi Vanderstichele/Hooked Visuals; AVZ YÉ! - CIRCUS BAOBAB; Stavelot VTS Les Ptits Festarts;  Entracte DEL Diffusion Abbaye Villers-la-Ville; courtesy Gentse Feesten; TAZ festival Bonkers Kidsrave Karolina Maruszak1 Nikolas Lestaeghe; L’intime festival ©Marie-Valentine Gilard