8 things to do this week in Vilvoorde, Ghent, Antwerp, and Brussels from open air audio theatre to street art tours and courtyard swing dancing. See you there!

Open air cinema: Rebelle at Manchester Plage

Wednesday, 15 July Brussels

VK and Recyclart team up for a joined program during the sunny season at Manchester Plage, a holiday-feel summer location freely accessible every week from Wednesday till Saturday. An open air restaurant, performances, concerts, art on windows and facades, DJ sets…there are a lot of different things on the menu. And every Wednesday, VK Ciné invites movie buffs to enjoy a film on the big screen with popcorn and beer under a starry sky. Up next: Kim Nguyen’s “Rebelle”, a Canadian war feature blending the experiences of child soldiers with the supernatural.

Audio theatre: De bevrijding van het edelhert at Hetpaleis

Thursday, 16 July Antwerp

Thomas Bellinck and Khalid Koujili El Yakoubi‘s first production for young audiences was supposed to premier this March. Due to Covid-19, the play got postponed to the next season. But the theatermakers came up with a creative alternative instead: this Thursday, you can take a seat on the square in front of the theatre, put on headphones and listen to an audio version of it, taking you to the Hertenbos where a group of animals revolt…

Exhibition opening: Buy Local at Kunsthal Gent

Opens Friday, 17 July Ghent

Together with more than 50 cultural partners, Kunsthal Gent is hosting the first edition of the so-called “Summer Salon”, an initiative in the tradition of the historic Paris Salons to support Ghent’s vibrant local art scene. Boasting various reputed art schools and a growing number of galleries and art spaces, the city  holds a strong attraction for young artists at the beginning of their careers. The massive response of no less than 587 applications speaks volumes. Entry conditions: artists who live, have a studio, went to art school in Ghent, or can prove another clear artistic link with the city. The group exhibition ranges from paintings, prints and sculptures to photography and textile works, and everything is on sale – a great opportunity to directly support the artists, who have been struggling due to postponements and cancellations of art shows during the corona crisis. Prices already start at 55€ and go up to 11.200.

Food meets music meets art: Horst Restaurant Club

Saturday, 18 July Vilvoorde

Horst, normally a festival concept, has found a different formula for this crowd-free summer: the Horst Restaurant Club. Located in the stunning setting of an open-roof warehouse complete with pond and garden, guests can enjoy a three-course vegan or vegetarian dinner by BarBouf accompanied by the so-called “masters of ceremony” who range from DJs to performance artists, adding a dash of playfulness to the shebang. This Saturday, you’re in for a treat with Belgian DJ legend LEFTO, Fatoosan, and Belgian artist Marijke De Roover. Make a reservation here.

Grand Opening: La Terrazza at Plein Publiek

Friday, 17 July, 17-01h00 Brussels

DJ sets (including a 6-hour non-stop set by ATTARI), live painting and more surprises await at the launch party of La Terrazza at Plein Publiek, surrounded by beautiful architecture at the foot of the Mont des Arts in the heart of Brussels. A great spot to enjoy the sun, drinks, and food: book your table here.

Opening: Stroomplein at Onder Stroom

Saturday, 18 July Antwerp

Antwerp project Onder Stroom, a playground for creatives located in a former buoy shed at the Scheldt river, transforms the concrete desert at Stroomplein into a colorful summer location featuring food, music, and performances starting this Saturday. A lovely urban oasis for the sunny season!

Street art: Guided tour at Place Sainctelette

Sunday, 19 July Brussels

Brussels’ Canal neighbourhood is a fruitful breeding ground for graffiti at the moment, giving a home to artworks by street artists Sozyone, Steve Locatelli, CNN, Denis Meyers, Dzia, and others. Non-profit initiative Fais le Trottoir offers a guided tour through the area this Sunday, helping to decode signatures, explain techniques, and more. The organization with the goal to raise awareness for the art form and do away with clichés also produces documentaries, fanzines and conferences.

Dance: Live Swing at Kumiko

Sunday, 19 July Brussels

No matter if pro or beginner: everybody’s invited to make it swing on Kumiko‘s lovely backyard dancefloor this Sunday. A live swing band will be there to get your feet moving, and if you’re a total newbie with stage fright, you can come an hour before the concert to get some tips in an introductory Lindy Hop class.

Cover photo Ulrike Biets