What’s on this week: 24-30 June

See art in a whole different light – literally – as local residents open up their homes to works from the Ixelles Museum’s exquisite collection. This is the seventh edition of Musée Comme Chez Soi, and this time all the hosts are located around Place Raymond Blyckaerts and Rue Malibran. The idea behind the free event is to put a selection of works on show to the public while the museum is closed for renovations. 26 June 13.00-18.00 (Ixelles)

Reasons to attend a concert or an opera (or both) during the annual festival Midsummer Mozartiade are many. It takes place at Place des Martyrs, a large, beautiful and historically significant square, which is nevertheless underappreciated. It puts more than 20 local opera singers and conductors (such as Thibaut Lenaerts, pictured) in the spotlight. The concerts are totally free. And finally, it was inspired by Mozart’s stay in what would become the capital of Europe – when he was six years old. 26 June to 3 July, in and around Place des Martyrs

The festival season is warming up with the return of Couleur Cafe and its magical mix of urban world music in the verdant setting of Osseghem Park, near the Atomium. Over three days, festivalgoers will be transported around the world thanks to its unique blend of musical influences. More than 60 concerts and DJ-sets are programmed, from hip-hop, soul and funk to reggae, dub, Afro, electronic and Latin. 24 to 26 June, Osseghem Park, Atomium Square (Laeken)

The capital welcomes a brand new festival and one that offers an intriguing mix of sport and street culture. Urban Sessions Brussels is set to be the largest festival of its kind ever organised in Belgium. Free of charge, it’s focused on urban lifestyle and action sports. The highlight is the first international UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup in the country, but there’s plenty of other distractions, including demonstrations of street art, music, plus food trucks. 30 June to 3 July, Josaphat Park (Schaerbeek)

The starting point for this illuminating photo reportage by Liège photographer was Nobel prize winner Dr Denis Mukwege’s pioneering treatment of victims of sexual violence in the DRC. Sakife is a photo project from the provinces of North and South Kivu in the eastern region of the country that highlights the role of women in the health care system. It captures snapshots of the lives of female health care providers, patients, and victims to reveal the importance of different aspects of women's health, including sexual violence. Texts by Olivier le Bussy (free entrance).  28 June to 28 August, 10.00-18.00, BELvue Museum, Place des Palais 7 

After a successful first edition, Jette is launching the street art project Yes We Can for the second year under the stewardship of artist Kool Koor and with a surrealist theme. Three XXL frescoes were unveiled on 22 June, in addition to some 30 litter bins that have been transformed into works of art to guide visitors along the trail. With new works added to the route, the municipality confirms its mission to become a landmark of urban art in the city. 25 & 26 June, 14.00-18.00; 28 & 29 June 14.00-17.00; 30 June & 1 July 16.00-19.00, CBO Chaussée de Jette 407 (Jette)

Originally produced by the Abbey Theatre in Ireland, Arán & Im is a theatrical performance that provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of the wonders of the Irish language. The show at The Warehouse Studio Theatre is a celebration of language, land and local Irish food that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their knowledge of Irish. Audiences will be invited to taste some delicious freshly-baked traditional sourdough bread, sliced and spread with butter they churn themselves from Irish cream. 24 & 25 June, Rue Waelhem 69A (Schaerbeek)

It’s your last chance to catch The Schuman Show before September, so grab tickets for this live send-up of the European institutions and all its many colourful personalities. (Well, they are colourful on this stage, at least, if not always on the global one). 30 June 20.30, Espace Lumen, Chaussée de Boondael 32 (Ixelles)

Book ahead BWC Cruise And Wine-Tasting Excursion Brussels Women’s Club organises this fun excursion to the Meuse Valley in Wallonia with a 45-minute cruise on the river, lunch at your leisure in Dinant and visit of the Domaine du Chenoy vineyard plus wine tasting. The €49 fee includes the coach, cruise, guided tour plus wine tasting. Limited seats available so register before 28 June. 7 July 9.00-19.00

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Celebrated New York artist N Dash presents new work in the exhibition Earth, her first solo show in Europe. She uses organic and found materials like plastic bottles, soil, netting and Styrofoam to create complex works that explore the tension between ecology and industrially produced goods. 25 June to 6 November, Smak, Jan Hoetplein 1, Ghent

The second exhibition at Namur citadel’s Le Pavillon looks at the challenging relationship between nature and technology. Via some 30 photos and videos by Belgian and international artists, scientists and engineers, the Biotopia collective explores in an interactive and poetic display how we interact with both plant and human life around us. Following its inaugural exhibition last year, this new space – dedicated to creative and digital culture – once again stages a show with a unique presentation and viewpoint. Until 27 November, Le Pavillon, Esplanade, Namur citadel

While we would never suggest that you not step inside Mechelen’s spectacular Predikheren library – a renovated 17th-century monastery – it’s the garden where you will find Predikheerlijke Zomer, a series of concerts, theatre, movies and other activities. A chill summer spot amid gorgeous architecture in a delightful city. 24 June to 16 September, Goswin de Stassartstraat 88, Mechelen

Photos: (main image) Musée Comme Chez Soi 2021 edition © Musée d'Ixelles - photo Clémentine Roch; Midsummer Mozartiade  ©Gabriel Balaguera; ©Couleur Café; Jette KUNLO@stef_prod; The Schuman Show (c)Seb Devienne; N. Dash © the artist and Zeno X Gallery, Antwerp; Predikheerlijke Zomer ©Mechelen Feest