What’s on this week: 9 to 15 August

Théâtres Nomades is an eclectic and free festival guaranteed to entertain all ages with four days of street theatre in the magical setting of Bois de la Cambre.  Although it has evolved over the years, the popular event by the Compagnie des Nouveaux Disparus remains committed to its original nomadic character and a programme that’s environmentally and socially engaged. It brings together more than 35 companies from various artistic disciplines, such as theatre, circus, storytelling, puppetry and dance and showcases in particular emerging Belgian talents as well as international artists. 15-18 August, Bois de la Cambre, Brussels

It’s the turn of artists from the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel to entertain audiences at Vaux-Hall Summer this Sunday. The classical music duo of Héloïse Houzé (viola; pictured) and Kojiro Okada (piano) will entertain audiences with a varied programme in the renovated historic building  – located behind Théâtre du Parc. This free and vibrant cultural programme encompasses dance, music, cabaret, cinema and games until 25 August. 11 August 18.30-19.30, Vaux-Hall, Rue de la Loi 3, Brussels Park

Head on over to the Sablon for the totally free Sablon Music Festival, featuring jazz, salsa, rock and pop bands as well as world food, beer and cocktails. There’s entertainment all day and evening, and you’ll also find local merchants with stands selling gourmet goodies. The artistic programme includes BJ Scott and October plays U2. 15-18 August, Place du Grand Sablon

Book now Brigittines International Festival returns with its end-of-summer bonanza of contemporary performances. For this year’s edition, 11 shows explore the theme of ‘Drifting zones and whirlwinds’ as “points of uncertainty create the sensation of entering into an unknown, albeit wholly our own, world,” explains director Patrick Bonté. The festival kicks off with an opening concert by Bérenger 2000, an electro-punk, syntho-pop crooner from the 1980s. 16-31 August, Petite Rue des Brigittines

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

A free festival at the Belgian coast, Retro Sur Mer brings together a vintage market, old-timer cars, retro beauty makeovers and a family day with rock’n’roll, ices and waffles. Prepare to boogie on the boardwalk to local and international bands like Lucy & The Heartbreakers (NL), Mike Sanchez & Drew Davis Combo (Sp/Fr) and Rob Heron & the Tea Pad Orchestra (UK) on Saturday, and Harvesters, The Caezars (UK ), Los Moustros (Mex) and Memphis Rose on Sunday. Vintage food trucks and a summer bar also serve up a slice of the period action. 9-11 August, Graaf Jansdijk, Wenduine (De Haan)

Head over to the Sint-Petrus-en-Paulusplein area of Ostend for the Paulusfeesten, the coastal city’s free summer street theatre and music festival. There are a wealth of activities for young and old, including stilt walking, acrobatics, DJs, swing dancing and a bit of accordion. Don’t miss Schelpenman (Shell Man), who creates music using giant conch shells – backed by beatbox and guitar. 13-19 August, Ostend

Street theatre, puppet theatre and a play village for kids are the highlights of Markt op stelten XL in the centre of Diksmuide near the coast. But there’s also a used books market and a huge summer terrace. Live music completes a great family day out. 15 August, across Diksmuide (West Flanders)

The Belgian coast is also a cultural destination in the summer with Knokke Art Fair one of the highlights of the resort’s seasonal calendar. The modern and contemporary art and design fair is a boutique event for collectors and enthusiasts, focused on quality international exhibits. Among the international stands are galleries from Amsterdam, France, Germany, Andorra, Italy, UK (Avison Gallery pictured) and Seoul. For the third year in a row, curator Alexander Tuteleers presents a special selection of works from private collections in the iconic Magritte Hall 10-18 August, Grand Casino Knokke, Zeedijk-Albertstrand 509

Let your legs lead the way during Benenwerk, where concert halls and public squares across Bruges turn into dance parties. Every stage offers a different style – folk, tango, Latina and silent disco just to name a few. Dance lessons are offered early in the evening, so you can learn something new to show off later. Or just go to the ever-popular Classix stage where DJs spin pop, rock and electro and everyone dances however they want. 10 August, across Bruges

The Bijloke site in Ghent is home to myriad arts and culture organisations, among others the Stam Museum, the KASK school of arts and the famous LOD Muziektheater. They all come together to create Bijloke Wonderland, a captivating programme of indoor and outdoor concerts, theatre, installations and interventions. Have a conversation about what music means to you in the caravan hosting a lute player and pianist or enter an inflatable circus to eavesdrop on the bizarre characters inside. 15 August to 1 September, Godshuizenlaan 2, Ghent

Bang your head at Alcatraz, Kortrijk’s big metal bash. For over 15 years it’s been the festival that likes to look scary but which actually draws some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, all here to see death, glam, punk, thrash and avant-garde heavy metal bands. Big names this year are Europe, Saxon and the welcome return of Gene Simmons, formerly the flamboyant frontman of the much missed heavy rock stalwarts, Kiss. 9-11 August, Bad Godesberglaan 22, Kortrijk

Gaume Jazz in Luxembourg province famously provides  a stage for artists’ performing new works and inspirations. This air of originality and openness to a variety of jazz styles extends to the 40th edition’s festival theme, Jazz for Peace. Listen to Yun Sah Nah, Rémy Labbé, Aleph Quintet, Martin Salemi Quintet, Johan Dupont, Tania Giannouli, Mathilde Renault and Antoine Dawans, Astoria and its Piazzolo revistations, and more. 9-11 August, Rue Camille Joset 1c, Rossignol, Tintigny (Luxembourg province)

Liège’s popular 15 August festivities transform the ardent city into a place to party all weekend long. The highlight is Thursday’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

Head down the Meuse valley for the Dinant International Bathtub Regatta’s annual big splash. The 41st edition of the annual event invites teams to construct a floating craft on the theme of ‘Tour de Belgique’. A riverside flea market (from 6.00) adds to the ambiance of the festivities in the popular tourist town. 15 August 15.00, Dinant (Namur province)

Book now NAOW Festival is the only floating festival in Belgium dedicated to theatre, poetry and music! The second edition of the Nature Arts on Water (NAOW) Festival invites audiences to sound and light shows and a range of music (via individual headsets) and artistic events presented from a floating stage. The beach site is a popular summer pop-up staple in the city, offering a holiday air with a bar, food and activities. 31 August to 3 September, Boulevard de Meuse 160, Jambes (Namur)

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: (main image) courtesy Théâtre Nomades; Heloise Houze ©Michel-Garcia; Markt op stelt ©Compagnie Charlie; ©Knokke Art Fair: Avison Gallery, picture Daltons Hilgemann; Benenwerk ©Alex Vanhee; Alcatraz ©Claus Christa; Ville de Liège/M Verpoorten