A music festival in Antwerp, another one in Ghent, a pop-up library in a Brussels park, and more. See you there!

Music I: Borgerwood festival

From 22 to 24 July Antwerp

When it comes to music festivals, Belgium has a lot to offer. The festival landscape includes much more than the famous big shots from Werchter and Pukkelpop to Dour, boasting a few local gems that are definitely worth a visit. One of them is Antwerp’s Borgerwood, which launched its (unfortunately rainy) first edition last year. Now they’re giving it another shot, with a Belgium-heavy line-up featuring Vuurwerk, Tom Barman, Faces on TV and a super cool wooden stage.

Eat & drink: L’Apéro de CHYL

Thursday, 21 July Brussels

CHYL is a rather new kid on the block, offering not only a great spot for a Sunday brunch but also a shop featuring a great selection of sustainable products and a beauty corner. It’s slogan “Change your lifestyle, cherish your life” gives you a bit of an idea. This Thursday CHYL organises its first apero, so if you haven’t checked out this lovely place yet, it’s the perfect occasion to do so!

Music II: Boomtown festival

From 19 to 23 July Ghent

Although Ghent’s Boomtown festival has been around for quite a while now, it’s managed to keep its alternative touch. The five-day music bash includes free outdoor shows as well as affordable club gigs at Handelsbeurs. This week sees the 15th edition of the festival, which also features a music summer school and a line-up consisting of Slow Magic, The Black Heart Rebellion, The Girl Who Cried Wolf, and many others.

Artsy sports: Recyclart Holidays presents jogging in the Marolles

Thursday, 21 July, 19h00 Brussels

Can’t find the motivation to put on those running shoes? Then Recyclart’s special holiday initiative combining sports and culture might be for you. This Thursday culturally interested runners are invited to participate in a run exploring Brussels’ Marolles neighbourhood in a relaxed atmosphere. An original and fun way to discover this interesting part of the city!

Exhibition: Invisible Beauty at SMAK

Until 4 September Ghent

“Invisible Beauty” was originally developed for the Iraq Pavilion at the 2015 Venice Biennale, and Ghent’s S.M.A.K. has now translated this initiative into a fascinating exhibition.  In a time where Isis is continuously destroying the country’s cultural heritage, it is more important than ever to focus on Iraq’s artists. The show features both recent and rediscovered works by five different contemporary artists from Iraq: Latif Al Ani, Akam Shex Hadi, Rabab Ghazoul, Salam Atta Sabri and Haider Jabbar. A captivating group show with a very political feel to it, revealing the many different ways of approaching art when coming from a country continuously subjected to war and human rights violations.

Reading time: Pop-up library at Bar Eliza

Sunday, 24 July Brussels

Bar Eliza and De Oplichters, a project by Jan Ducheyne and Tim Coene, joined forces to bring you the super cool pop-up library Volière, a beautiful structure built by by Atelier Zorro and Parket. Everyone’s invited to the opening this Sunday – don’t forget to bring along your favorite book!

Cover photo by Axel Korban