Exhibitions in Antwerp, a photo festival in Mechelen, open air movies in Brussels, a music festival in Liège…see you there!

Exhibition: Miriam Bäckström at Extra City

Runs until 10 August Antwerp

Antwerp’s Extra City Kunsthal, founded in 2004, reopened in autumn last year in a bigger, brand new space near Berchem train station including not only a larger exhibition space but also artist studios, a cinema and a café. For the moment there are three exhibitions on show, one of which presents an overview of the work of Swedish artist Miriam Bäckström. The Stockholm-based artist explores the boundaries between the documentary and the fictional, the notion of character, and more. By the way: there are free guided tours on Sundays!

Festival: Photo Event 2014 at De Garage and CC Mechelen

Runs until 24 August Mechelen

Mechelen’s cultural center and art gallery De Garage team up for a photography festival featuring works by a number of fascinating Belgian and international artists. This year’s theme is “The human form”, which they all explore in their very own way. We especially like the dreamy, somber and mysterious images by Julie Calbert as well as Kurt Stallaert’s spellbinding creations. You also shouldn’t forget to check out the photographs by renowned Belgian multi-disciplinary artist Hans Op de Beeck.

Exhibition: Wilfredo Prieto at SMAK

Runs until 21 September Ghent

With “Speaking Badly about Stones” Ghent’s SMAK presents the work of Cuban artist Wilfriedo Prieto, described by Art in America as “the most internationally acclaimed Latin American artist of his generation.” The exhibition looks back on his practice of the last 15 years, which intertwines socio-political issues such as energy waste or overconsumption with playfulness and humor. The winner of the 2008 Cartier Award at Frieze London is also known for his narrative power and extremely minimalist approach.

Outdoor movies: Bruxelles fait son Cinéma

From 9 to 19 July Brussels

Let’s hope the sun will stay with us this week to enjoy all these great outdoor summer-inspired initiatives. One of them is “Bruxelles fait son Cinéma”, a project by Libération Films organizing 11 (free!) open air film sessions in 11 different Brussels communities. Screenings start around 22h15 and drinks and snacks are available for purchase. The 14th edition kicks off this Wednesday with French spy thriller “Möbius”. Have a look at the full programme here.

Music festival: Les Ardentes

From 10 to 13 July Liège

After the massive crowds at Rock Werchter last weekend, festival lovers can relax a bit at the more intimate Les Ardentes. Liège’s biggest music bash located at the city’s riverside offers an excellent mix of newcomers and more established artists. This year’s highlights: British rockers The Horrors, who recently released the quite brilliant “Luminous”, Massive Attack, electronic one-man project Caribou from Canada and the great Panda Bear, Animal Collective member Noah Benjamin Lennox’s magnificent solo venture.

Street party: The Sequence

Saturday, 12 July, 21h00-2h00 Brussels

For six years now Belgian conceptual artist Arne Quinze’s head-turning wood installation “The Sequence” has been gracing the streets of Brussels, using the city as his personal open air museum. Unfortunately the sculpture located right outside the Flemish Parliament will be taken down shortly, but not without a proper goodbye. This Saturday you can enjoy it one last time on the occasion of a massive street farewell party featuring a special light show and a five hours DJ set by Belgian DJ legend Lefto.

Music festival: Cactus at Minnewaterpark

From 12 to 14 July Bruges

The Notwist

This weekend you have not one, but two music festivals on offer: besides Les Ardentes there’s also Bruges’ Cactus Festival, taking place in the city’s lovely Minnewaterpark. It’s organized every year by the people running Bruges’ Cactus Muziekzentrum. The festival is rather small-sized, offering an intimate atmosphere with only one stage – this way you don’t have to miss out on a single gig! We highly recommend The Notwist, one of Germany’s most renowned and prominent indie bands who are mainly known for the awesome “Neon Golden”, released back in 2002.

Rooftop party: Les Jardins suspendus

Saturday, 12 July, 15h00-00h00 Brussels

If you go up all the way to the roof of Parking 58, a multi-storey car park in the center of Brussels, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view over the capital. The organisers of the initiative “Les Jardins suspendus”, one of the city’s many special summer projects, have called dibs on the exceptional spot for their weekend hangouts. Don’t miss the grand opening event this Saturday which will be followed by an after party at Mr Wong.

Open air party: Forest Fever at Abbaye de Forest

Sunday, 13 July, 14h00 Brussels

Yes, we’ve already talked about Forest Fever, the brand new summer collab of Brussels party giants Catclub and Libertine Supersport, in last week’s agenda – but unfortunately the opening event we were so excited about was cancelled due to the unpredictable Belgian weather. This week they’ll give it another try; let’s hope the weather gods will be kind! Check for updates right here.