Summer bars in Antwerp, magazine launches in Brussels, a music festival in Dessel, contemporary dance in Ghent, and more. See you there!

Grand opening: Zomerfabriek

Wednesday, 15 June, 15h00

It’s this time of year again when countless summer concepts are popping up all over Belgium. One of the annual highlights throws open its doors again this week: Antwerp’s Zomerfabriek. For the next two months it will offer a great mix of urban sports activities, drinks, delicious food, and lots of parties. Let’s hope the Belgian weather will get on board, too!

Print meets party: The Word Magazine at Bozar

Thursday, 16 June, 20h00 Brussels

Brussels-based culture mag The Word releases another (free!) issue this week, and throws a party at Bozar for the occasion featuring concerts and DJ sets by locals only, from Sale Gosse to Sixsixsixties. Come early to get your hands on a fresh copy and one of the 50 trucker caps. The evening will also mark the official opening of “The Summer of Photography” festival.

Opera: Sweeney Todd at Tour & Taxis

From 14 to 21 June Brussels

While most might know Sweeney Todd as the Tim Burton cult film with Johnny Depp, the piece actually originated as an opera. Composer Stephen Sondheim and librettist Hugh Wheeler now present their own playful and gruesome take on the famous urban legend, which not only tells a tragic love story but also comments on the dark logic of capitalism.

Art Meets Food: Foreseen at Espace Torx

Friday, 17 June Brussels

This week sees the June edition of alternative exhibition project Foreseen, which successfully merges parties with exhibitions while putting forward young talents who aren’t part of the classic gallery system (yet). This time Foreseen invites French artist duo Trapier Duporté, which will present a brand new performance evolving around food. Bon Appétit!

Festival summer: Graspop 2016

From 17 to 19 June Dessel

Every year metalheads flock to the Belgian town of Dessel for the legendary Graspop Metal Meeting. Despite its rather small size it’s popular with an international crowd who appreciate the carefully selected line-up and friendly atmosphere. Featuring Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, and many others!

Talent watch I: Photography end of year show at Sint-Lukas Brussels

From 17 to 26 June Brussels

June is filled with end-of-year shows which showcase what the country’s art students have worked on all year. It’s a great way to discover fresh talent, and one exhibition you really should not miss is the expo of Brussels Sint-Lukas‘ photography majors.

Talent watch II: Atelier Keramiek at Sint-Lucas Ghent

Friday, 17 June Ghent

While especially photography and fashion always get a lot of attention, ceramics are a bit overlooked at times, unrightly so. “Atelier Keramiek” in Ghent now wants to shine a light on the niche genre. Make sure to pass by!

Summer vibes: Zebrabeach

Friday, 17 June Ghent

Ghent’s cultural hub Zebrastraat also launches its very own summer concept for the (hopefully) sunny season. It’s kicking off this week, and until the end of August you can hang out on Zebrabeach‘s sandy city shore, dip your feet in the pond, relax in the comfy beach chairs, and sip on a cocktail. Plus, there’ll be music, barbecues, sporty activities, and much more. By the way, it’s also a great spot to watch the Belgium – Ireland game this Saturday!

Dance: PARTS Graduation Tour at Vooruit

Friday, 17 June Ghent

PARTS is the Brussels-based school of Belgian dance choreography star Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker. For the moment the graduating students of the training cyclus 2013-2016 are on a tour to present what they’ve learned so far. You can catch the captivating performances in Amsterdam, Essen, or this Friday at Ghent’s Vooruit!

Birthday bash: Studio Collect turns 3

Sunday, 19 June Antwerp

Studio Collect is a stylish little jewellery design studio based in Antwerp, run by four like-minded designers who met during their studies at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp. In a former factory in the suburbs of Antwerp they found the perfect workspace to create their fresh, minimal, and powerful collections. This weekend the quartet celebrates its third birthday, and you’re invited!

Cover photo by Margaux Nieto