What’s on this week: 13-19 August

Every Wednesday in August Place Bockstael turns into a cycle city, with loads of bike-related activities for all ages. There is a cycle parcours, a crazy bike ride, cycling trainings and information stands. It’s all about (re)discovering biking in Brussels. 18 & 25 August 16.00-21.00, Place Bockstael

Get ready to see the centre of Brussels awash in colour as Brussels in Bloom takes to Grand Place and surrounding streets. An alternative to the Flower Carpet, Brussels in Bloom will see magnificent floral installations staged in strategic sites, such as the façade of the city hall, around the Manneken Pis and in the Royal Galleries. Start at city hall’s inner courtyard and follow the signposted route. 15 August to 5 September, across downtown Brussels

Check out Passa Porta’s summer podcast series, which has some great talks with local and international authors. French writer Hervé Le Tellier drops a few hints to help unravel the riddle that opens his new book L’anomalie, while Irish novelist Maggie O’Farrell reveals that she “never found a shred of evidence” to support the well-worn notion that Shakespeare was not fond of his wife, which inspired her brilliant novel Hamnet.

Many people don’t realise that the National Bank of Belgium has its own museum, all about the history of exchanging various forms of currency for goods and services. But now visitors can catch a temporary exhibition as well. Georges Houtstont and the Ornamental Craze of the Belle Epoque show us the titular French artist’s major influence on the architectural and urban history of Brussels. He created the glorious trimmings inside this esteemed building, so you see them in their rightful spot as you wander around his studio – recreated right inside the museum. Entrance to the museum and temporary exhibitions is free. Until 1 October, Rue Montagne aux Herbes Potagères 57

There are free concerts every Friday and Saturday at Place de la Vieille Halle aux blés. Live aux blés features local musicians like Bai Kamara Jr, Natasha Wuyts and Belgo Cowboys and has been launched to support local cafes and restaurants. You can just wander through, but booking a spot on one of the terraces that surround the square give you a seat and a place to order beer. Until 3 September 18.00-22.00

The Africa Museum in Tervuren has plenty to keep the whole family busy this summer. A special parcours takes kids through the grand halls as if they’re in a plane flying from the north of Zambia all the way to Kinshasa. Or perhaps they’d prefer a workshop on what it’s like to grow up in central Africa or to join a professional musician for a jam session they create themselves. There are also guided tours of the museum, both inside and in the magnificent grounds. This weekend is your last chance to visit the temporary exhibition Mabele eleki lola: The Earth Brighter than Paradise. Leuvensesteenweg 13, Tervuren

British film director, video artist and professor Isaac Julien was a pioneer in the art of the dramatic documentary, using creative visuals and narrative stories to shed light on historical and cultural movements, for instance, or remarkable people. His breakthrough film Looking for Langston (1989) brought him international acclaim, with its look at being both black and gay through the life of Harlem Renaissance writer Langston Hughes. Cinematek screens several of Julien’s films this month, Cannes critics’ prize-winner Young Soul Rebels (1996) and Derek (2008), a biopic of filmmaker Derek Jarman, featuring Tilda Swinton. Until 29 August, Baron Horta 9

Brussels oldest cabaret, L’Os à Moelle, hosts Summer Sassy Cabaret in its courtyard, complete with food truck, bar and an outdoor stage. Move downstairs later in the evening for burlesque. This weekend is already sold out, so keep an eye on the Facebook page to be on time for tickets to weekend shows later this month. 20-21 & 27-28 August, Avenue Emile Max 153 (Schaerbeek)

Register now: BXL Tour  Pull out your Lycra, the fifth edition of this 40km bike race hits the Brussels streets at the end of the month. It requires a little advance planning, so check requirements now to take part either as a semi-professional or simply an enthusiast. 29 August, across Brussels

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Imuse stands for International Music Encounters, and this event in the commanding Enghien castle lives up to the name. Student musicians and vocalists from around the world descend on this beautiful domain in Hainaut province to perfect their technique under the tutorage of a team of international professors. At the end of the two-week period, they perform concerts together with guest musicians. 18-27 August, Château d’Enghien, 5 Parc, Enghien

It’s the perfect time to visit the repurposed heritage site C-Mine in Genk, what with the summer festival Zomerslag (a play on the words ‘summer’ and slag, as in slagheap, a reference to the coal mining activities that once took place here) and its associated art installation Shout! The latter lives up to its name, with brightly coloured, monolithic graphic designs by absolute geniuses in the business taking to the space, inside and out. As for the rest of Zomerslag, there are concerts, dance parties, open-air cinema, kids’ activities and, naturally, a summer bar. Until 26 September, C-Mine 10, Genk

Théâtre de Liège kicks off every evening of the Scenes d’ete festival of theatre and dance with an open-air bar on the square out front. You will be pulled into a dreamy atmosphere with music and flowers that decorate the front of the building’s magnificent façade. The installation has been designed by no less than world-famous floral decorator Thierry Boutemy. (Theatre dialogue in French) 18 August to 3 September, Place du 20-Août, Liège

And finally … don’t forget to check The Bulletin’s summer travel suggestions and ultimate guide to summer music festivals!

Photos, from top: Courtesy Vollenbike/Facebook, ©Philippe de Formanoir, courtesy Cinematek, courtesy Imuse, ©Boumediene Belbachir