What’s on this week: 2 to 8 August

Les Cœurs de Bois welcomes families to its annual summer season of theatrical adventures. Guignolet dans le parc stages a variety of shows (in French) in the open air with shelter in case of rain. Free entrance and suitable for ages 3+. Until 25 August, Wednesday-Sunday 15.00 (gate opens at 14.45), Chemin de l’Ombre, Bois de la Cambre

For its 18th edition, Classissimo once again maintains its mission of staging a gloriously varied musical programme. The festival offers a different theme for each of its seven evenings. They include Seul contre basse + Les Joyeuses Facéties de Tijl with the Ensemble Kheops, a classic and folk evening courtesy of A Road to Belfast and a Balkan evening. 7-13 August, Rue de la Loi

Bask in the sounds and atmosphere of Peruvian Afro-creole music in a special concert by legendary musical dive Eva Allyon. The evening at the  Claridge celebrates the South American country’s national month with Peruvian specialities and other musical acts on the menu. 2 August (doors open 20.00), Chaussée de Louvain 21 (Saint-Josse)

English Comedy Brussels’ next summer serving of live stand-up is Ric Diez & Friends. The Spanish one-liner comedian has created quite a buzz on the circuit since winning the golden ticket at the ‘Kill Tony’ podcast in the US. For his second show in the capital, the razor-sharp funny man takes to the stage for another display of dark humour and self deprecations with a couple of comic buddies. Note: the venue is cash only. 4 August 20.00 (doors 19.00), Chaussée de Boondael 8 (Ixelles)

Book now Korean Culinary Classes Autumn 2024 Discover the techniques and  flavours of the fascinating cuisine of the Asian country at evening classes starting at the beginning of September. Focusing on traditional fermented dishes, it is a rare opportunity to learn more about the food culture of South Korea. Registration from 5 August, 12.30. 4 September to 27 November, Korean Cultural Center Brussels, Rue de la Régence 4

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

If you could see music, what would it look like? Music videos have been exploring this idea for as long as most of us have been alive, but they are viewed on a screen, heard through a speaker, and never change. Bruges’s MA Festival wants to know what you see when you hear a live rendition of Brahms’ sonatas, for example, or an English ballad played on the lute. Performances – including a countryside cycling tour of concerts and an opera for children (pictured) – invite you to use all of your senses. 2-11 August, in and around Bruges

Just a week after the end of the legendary Gentse Feesten, Ghent throws another party. The free Bermuda Festival is spread along the canal in Keizer Park, a lovely green space but little-known to out-of-towners. Two stages – pop and urban – take care of the chill vibes, and there are also numerous food trucks, bars and a Kids Zone. Head to the Disco Ball area to show off your best ’70s moves. 2-4 August, Vlaamsekaai & Brusselsesteenweg, Ghent

Tienen is known for its nearly two-centuries of sugar production, so of course its resident music festival is called Suikerrock (Sugar Rock). Despite the name, it’s short on rock, with its main stage and two smaller stages – including a cosy mirror tent – featuring a nonetheless excellent programme of hip-hop (Brihang, Dikke), pop (Bluai, Joost) and electronica (Compact Disk Dummies, Faithless). You’ll also find some fun-fair attractions, including a 32-meter-high big wheel. 2-4 August, Industriepark 51, Tienen (Flemish Brabant)

Besides music festivals, summer means street theatre in Belgium. Celebrating its 20th anniversary is Hasselt’s Theater op de Markt featuring a bountiful selection of performers and troupes from around the world. There is musical circus (complete with high-speed chases and techno beats), urban sport acrobatics (see bars and dogs in a whole new light) and the spellbinding Amoukanama (pictured) – who are rushing from Limburg to Paris to perform in the Olympic closing ceremony. 7-11 August, across Hasselt

Discover the magic of night skies at Euro Space Center’s Stars Night. The annual astronomy event coincides with the precise moment of the Perseids meteoric shower. With the new moon a few days later, this is also the occasion to appreciate the galaxies in a clear sky. In addition to stargazing and workshops, new activities for this edition are the performance Musique et Astronomie and poetic and humourous theatre about the impact of pollution on animals, humans and the visibility of the sky. The centre’s Voyager cafe is open all evening. Free event; reservation not necessary.  8 August from 16.30, Rue devant les Hêtres 1, Transinne (Luxembourg province)

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 and dance productions in 40 different locations, including a few in English. A separate programmes caters to children and youngsters and the WonderWaai in Leopold Park hosts a free daily programme of family-friendly performances and workshops. Until 10 August, across Ostend

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. 5 August, Kasteelstraat 6, Bilzen (Limburg)

If you’re looking for an all-star line-up on a more human scale, don’t miss Lokerse Feesten. Once the summer’s best-kept secret, it is now on any serious festival-goer’s list, with this year’s bill featuring a mix of classic rock and hip-hop acts, including De La Soul, The Pixies, The Damned, Jah Wobble, Massive Attack (pictured) and an appearance by renowned Belgian Techno band Front 242. A solidly urban festival, it takes place in the heart of Lokeren, near Ghent. 2-11 August, Grote Kaai, Lokeren (East Flanders)

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 ‘Many Voices. One Pride’ to reinforce inclusivity and the power of the collective voice. The big Pride Parade and Love United Festival are on 10 August. 7-11 August, across Antwerp

Do you like folk and acoustic music? If so Festival Dranouter will be right up your street with an array of musicians from many nations. This year has a real Nordic focus with artists comprising Fränder, Gangar, Suistamon Sähkö, as well as internationally famous names such as The Waterboys, Suzanne Vega, In addition, there are literally dozens of food options as well as three separate camping zones, all set in this quiet corner of Flanders, near the French border. 2-4 August, Dikkebusstraat 234, Dranouter (West Flanders)

Jazz and Blues musicians from around the world gather in rural Ferme Madelonne for the annual Gouvy Jazz & Blues Festival. Located near the Luxembourg border, the festival hosts Jazz on Saturday, Blues and Rock on Sunday. The line-up for the 44th edition includes Belgian jazz great Philip Catherine as well as Dawn Tyler Watson. The site offers free campsite and parking, and enticingly, local speciality beers and food. 2-4 August, Sterpigny 4, Gouvy (Luxembourg)

Cocktails and Caribbean music both flow in abundance at Antilliaanse Feesten, a fun and upbeat festival featuring internationals bands with roots in Cuba, Chile, Curacao and other Caribbean locales. The festival has been ruling for over 40 years and continues to provide sunny Caribbean vibes, helped by authentic street food and cigars! 8-10 August, Hal 3, Hoogstraten (Antwerp)

This countryside ramble includes a tour of art installations that reflect their natural surroundings. In a 160km circuit through the picturesque villages of the Condroz and Marche-en-Famenne region, some 60 artists have created a series of works for this year’s Sentiers d’Art summer display. The installations hark back to the land art movement that was established in the 1960s. It centred around the use of natural materials found in woods and fields. Some of the ephemeral works then evolve over time, changing in form and appearance. The signposted tour is free and open daily; a map is on sale for €5. Maison du Tourisme Condroz-Famenne, Place Monseu, Ciney (Namur province)

Check out The Bulletin’s guides to music festivals and theatre, performance and family events this summer.

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

Photos: MA Festival ©Olympe Tits; Gouvy ©José Nicolas