Culture beat: 14 August

Brussels residents are proving hard core fans of spicy curries as literally thousands are descending on the Indian Food Festival this weekend at Cinquantenaire Park. On the menu is a feast of regional street food, curries, savoury, vegetarian and sweet snacks, accompanied by a diverse programme of entertainment and Indian culture. The first event of its kind is organised by non-profit Indian Confluence, promoting the country’s culture while improving life in a rural village in India. Annapurna and Anarkali, are among the Brussels’ restaurants serving up their specialities as well as a host of other eateries. Indian music, dance, a cookery class, stalls selling handicrafts and a yoga workshop provide additional colour to the event. Saturday and Sunday, from 12.00 to 22.00.

Gamers meanwhile, are congregating in the city centre over the weekend for the third edition of Brussels Games Festival 2015. Table-top board games of all types, shapes and sizes are on the menu in indoor and outdoor venues around Rue d’Enseignement. During the day (10.00-18.00) family games will be mainly played while an overnight session from Saturday at 18.00 until Sunday morning allows scope for the more enthusiastic to play advanced games and group games. Fort all ages and levels.

There’s no comedy respite over the summer fortunately as English Comedy Brussels will be pulling in the punters again on Tuesday 18 August at The Black Sheep pub in Flagey. Paul Taylor from the UK is programmed to headliner the stand-up evening. Here’s hoping he doesn’t suffer the same fate as last month’s final act who dried up in front of a packed and impressively well-behaved crowd. Fortunately MC Paddie Lennox proved a safe pair of hands and saved the evening. For Tuesday’s show, Taylor (also half of double acts Short & Curly and Helm and Taylor ) is joined by one-liner pundit Sean Hegarty from Northern Ireland and David Morgan from the UK. Presale €16, €20 on the door. The Black Sheep serves tasty baskets of fish, chicken and chips and burgers, along with a hefty selection of craft beers and all delivered with the speed of a perfectly-timed gag.

Outside Brussels

Jazz cats move north this weekend for the prestigious Middelheim Jazz festival (until Sunday) near Antwerp. This evening, Belgium-based saxophonist Archie Shepp performs a new version of his legendary album Attica Blues with a 26-piece big band, while tomorrow sees Dr John interpreting Louis Armstrong. Preceding him on the stage are artist-in-residence, pianist John Moran and vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant. Moran returns on Sunday, with his vocalist wife Alicia Hall Moran and guitarist Bill Frisell.

Delve into the wartime history of Belgium in a tour of the Aubin-Neufchâteau fortress near Liège on Sunday at 14.00. During 11 critical days in May 1940, the fort was besieged while under attack by the advancing German army. Visitors can explore the fort every third Sunday of the month, taking a tour in English, French, Dutch and German. Visits include the exterior as well as underground tunnels and rooms. €5 for the tour and museum entrance.

Music from the Middle East, Sardinia, Finland, Madagascar, Ireland and Scotland are among the sounds to be played during the Festival d’Art de Huy, which starts on Wednesday 19 August. The picturesque Walloon town lies on the Meuse river between Liège and Namur and every summer hosts the world music festival. A total of nine concerts will be performed in the magical setting of the Frères Mineurs convent and deconsecrated Saint-Mengold church. Among the musicians, are Aurélie Dorzée (pictured) who plays violin and sings, Celtic ensemble Grand Air, Au Pied Levé and festival regular accordionist Didier Laloy.