What’s on this week: 14 to 21 August

The Flower Carpet is finally unveiled to the public! Inspired by Katsushika Hokusai’s world-famous Japanese woodblock print The Great Wave of Kanagawa, the unique floral extravaganza is now on display in the capital’s medieval square. Some 750,000 heat-resistant dahlias recreate the iconic design by Japanese artist Hiro Sugiyama and his collective “Enlightenment”. This ephemeral artwork can be viewed for free in the medieval square, or from the city hall’s balcony with tickets available at the entrance. The 2026 edition honours 160 years of Japan-Belgium diplomatic relations. 13-16 August, Grand Place

With four days of street theatre in the magical setting of Bois de la Cambre, Théâtres Nomades is an eclectic festival for all ages that is entirely free. The popular event by Compagnie des Nouveaux Disparus is environmentally and socially engaged, bringing together some 35 companies from various artistic disciplines, such as theatre, circus, storytelling, puppetry and dance. The opening show Shéhérazade et les 1080 nuits by Voyageurs sans baggage is a family comedy blending dance, chanson and storytelling. 13-16 August, Bois de la Cambre

The Belgian capital moves to the rhythm of the Brussels Dance Festival (BDF) with 10 days of beats, bass and movement that transforms public spaces into open air dance floors. With concerts, workshops (salsa & rumba class by Terra Brasil pictured) and performances at Place De Brouckère, Place de la Bourse, Place de la Monnaie and the City Hall, the festival is designed to be open to all: locals, tourists, families, committed dance lovers or those curious to learn. And don’t miss out on the rooftop afterparties! 14 to 23 August, city centre

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 stages some 10 choreographies, among a total of 23 performances, including two shows and a concert. Among them is AMAZIGH, a dazzling performance by five artist inspired by the traditions of the Amazigh tribes of Morocco’s Middle Atlas Mountains (pictured). 14-29 August, Les Brigittines, Petite Rue des Brigittines

The Sablon Music Festival brings pop and rock sounds to the usually genteel city-centre square. Performed by Brussels and Belgian musicians, the event is totally free. Stands offering global cuisine, beers and cocktails all add to the festive occasion. 14-16 August, Place du Grand Sablon

Curated by long-running Brussels nightclub Fuse, the XRDS Electronic Music Festival returns with a lineup of more than 50 artists performing on three separate stages. Held in a unique urban environment underneath the Anderlecht viaduct, it features renowned artists, from leftfield house to techno, with detours into breaks, drum & bass and beyond. There are also after show parties at Fuse until 8.00 on both days. Day tickets still available: €70. 14-15 August, Parc des Étangs/Vijverspark, Avenue Marius Renard (Anderlecht)

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Each year, the Battle of Waterloo domain lays on a weekend celebration to mark the birth of Napoleon, the emperor who met his fate in the fields surrounding the Brabant Walloon town. For this summer’s edition, thrill seekers can enjoy a zip line suspended from the top of the emblematic Lion’s Mound, which promises spectacular views. Other family activities include bouncy castles, a climbing wall and pony rides, as well as historical reenactments and musket and cannon firing demonstrations. Access to all the entertainment will be included in one entrance ticket with admission free for under-10s. 15-16 August, Route du Lion 1815 (Braine l’Alleud)

Knokke Art Fair  returns to the resort’s La Reserve hotel for its 51st edition. The exclusive boutique salon for art enthusiasts and collectors promises a renewed selection criteria and a sharper focus on artistic quality. Over three days, discover a mix of painting, sculpture, photography and special objects presented by art dealers from Belgium and abroad. 14-16 August, 15.00-20.00, La Reserve Hotel, Knokke

WECANDANCE on transforms the sandy expanse of Zeebrugge beach into a magical world of hypnotic colours, psychedelic prints and, of course, the best DJs. The dress theme for this year’s editions is embracing transparency in all its forms... from sheer fabrics and see-through details to bold, statement looks that let your individuality shine.  14-16 August, Zeebrugge beach

Family favourite The Festival International des Arts de la Rue celebrates its 52nd edition in Chassepierre in the rural hilly 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)

Liège’s popular 15 August festivities transform the ardent city into a place to party all weekend long. The highlight is Friday’s folklore parade with various processions through the Outremeuse district, puppet shows featuring the famous Tchantchès, concerts, games, fun fairs and flea markets. Naturally, the local liqueur Pekèt will be flowing. 15-16 August, across Liège

The splendid Château d’Enghien hosts once again the classical music festival IMUSE. With a programme dedicated to concerts and masterclasses, audiences can appreciate music by Schubert, Liszt, Janacek, Brahms, Bach, Mahler and Mozart, all in a fabulous setting. A special concert for children is staged on 19 August at 11.00. 17-23 August, Château d'Enghien (Hainaut)

Two itinerant francophone theatre companies Les Baladins du Miroir and Arts Nomades join forces to entertain theatregoers at an idyllic open-air spot atop Namur citadel. The former present new show Europa, which is currently playing at the Théâtre au Vert festival in the Hainaut village of Thoricourt until 16 August. Meanwhile, Arts Nomades stage Charlatans imaginaires. Both pieces are presented under the banner Pour un monde à refaire. 19-21 August, entrance via the esplanade of the citadel, Route Merveilleuse 64, Namur

Discover more upcoming events at The Bulletin's events page.

Photos: (main image) Flower Carpet 2026 ©Jeroen Willems; courtesy Théâtres Nomades; Brigittines summer festival: AMAZIGH ©Ernest Mandap; Lion's Mound Waterloo ©Regie des batiments; 15 August Liège ©CGT Alex Kouprianoffla; Imuse ©Sophie Lukersmith