Summer exhibitions, nights out, music festivals… a couple of things to do in Belgium this August.
Exhibition: Summertime…and the living is easy at Geukens & De Vil
Until 6 September
© Courtesy of Geukens & De Vil
If you happen to be at the Belgian seaside in these last weeks of summer, do make sure to check out Geukens & De Vil’s colorful, multifaceted summer expo “Summertime…and the living is easy”, a fascinating group show featuring many different Belgian and international artists including some of our personal favorites such as Manor Grunewald, Paul Wackers and Ann Veronica Janssens.
Night out: Brussels Summer Festival after party at BIP
Monday, 17 August, 22h30
The Brussels Summer Festival continues throughout this week, and for the occasion it teams up with online music platform 22tracks to throw a huge after party this Monday night. A selection of 22tracks DJs are set to heat up the dancefloor with house, disco and their newest discoveries from recent crate-digging adventures.
Music festival: Pukkelop 2015
From 19 to 22 August
© The War on Drugs // Press image
Pukkelpop, undoubtedly one of Belgium’s finest festivals, kicks off this Wednesday with a line-up that is bound to impress, featuring Belgian upcoming talents as well as international big-shots such as Tame Impala, The War on Drugs, Alt-J or Interpol as well as smaller indie outfits such as Django Django, Beatsteaks or Allah-Las. It’s been sold-out for a while, but on site or via Pukkelpop’s official meet-up page you might still be able to get your hands on one.
Living room concert: Wand at Homeplugged
Thursday, 20 August
© Courtesy of Homeplugged
Small, intimate gigs are becoming more and more popular, be it on Brooklyn rooftops or in Brussels gardens (check out Belgian garden concert initiative “Oh My Garden” here). Homeplugged is another concept championing musical performances in cozy settings, organizing concerts in living rooms. This time they’ve managed to get the great Wand, a Californian band signed on Ty Segall’s label marrying melodic dreamscapes with psych and garage rock. The address of the night is 31 rue Moris 1060 Brussels, and to make sure you’ll get in, send a quick message here.
Shopping: Stock sale at Nome Furniture
From 22 to 23 August, 11-18h00
Normally Nome Furniture sells all its gems online, but this week you can come check out their gorgeous vintage pieces in the center of Antwerp when they throw a two-day stock sale. Nome specializes in European and Scandinavian furniture and has a big selection of wall units on sale, but also sofas, chairs, cabinets, tables and more, some of which will need restoration.
Summer hangout: Alhambra Summer Rooftop at BAM
Saturday, 22 August, 14-20h00
Special summer hangouts have popped up all over the country this sunny season, and one of them is Alhambra Summer Rooftop on top of Mons’ Fine Arts Museum, BAM. Alhambra is one of the city’s best musical venues, and this Saturday they team up with Electronical Reeds for a party with a view featuring Felix Cage, Souldust, and others behind the decks. It all closes for good this Sunday, so make sure to pay it a visit before that.
Opening: Listen to the stones and think like a mountain at Galerie Tatjana Pieters
Sunday, 23 August, 15-18h00
© Courtesy of Galerie Tatjana Pieters
Ghent’s Galerie Tatjana Pieters invites you to the opening of “Listen to the stones and think like a mountain” this Sunday, a multifaceted group show exploring non-human materials with a nod to French philosopher, sociologist and stone collector Roger Caillois. With works by Rachel de Joode, Nicolás Lamas, Cathérine Lommée and others.
Outdoor party: Country Club #4 at Tour & Taxis
Sunday, 23 August, 14h00
© Lara Gasparotto for Country Club
This Sunday sees another edition of summer concept Country Club, a fruitful collab between Catclub and Libertine Supersport. This time it’s all going down on the former train platforms of Gare Maritime at Tour & Taxis, an almost forgotten industrial site standing out through its rough charm. Lokier, Rick Shiver and others will provide the musical background, Burgers will be served, and there’s even an indoor alternative in case of rain.
Launch: La Palette at Bistrot Urbain
Sunday, 23 August, 11-22h00
© Courtesy Bistro Urbain
Don’t know how to spend your lazy, possibly hungover Sundays? Now there’s a new option hitting town with La Palette, a fresh, varied concept offering you everything from the obligatory brunch to jazz concerts, board games and comfy beach chairs. You can check out the very first edition this Sunday at Brussels wine bar Onze Quatre-Vingt Bistrot Urbain.
