Summer bars, exhibitions, music festivals, rooftop picnics, and more. See you there!

Pop-up summer bar I: Eliza at Parc Elisabeth

Opening weekend 1-3 July Brussels

Special summer projects are popping up all over the city during the sunny season, and lovely Bar Eliza is the newest kid on the block. Located in a freshly renovated little pavilion in the middle of Koekelberg’s Parc Elisabeth, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a drink with the locals, grab something to eat, rent sports equipment, play cards, watch a film or enjoy a concert in the evening.

Exhibition: East of Eden at Galerie Jeanrochdard

Until 16 July Brussels

“East of Eden”, a fascinating duo show presenting the collaborative works of Grear Patterson and Yves Scherer, is an ongoing project travelling through different European art spaces, unravelling over multiple stages and cities. After the Berlin kickoff it now makes a pit stop in Brussels’ Galerie Jeanrochdard, which by the way is located in the new must-see gallery hub at Rue de la Regence.

Art walk: 11 kunstenaars tegen de muur

From 1 to 2 July Antwerp

This project brings together 11 different artists who all take their art outside of studio and gallery walls, making the city their canvas. The kick-off is this Friday at Sint-Jansvliet, with an after party at the Born in Antwerp headquarters. Featuring Belgian painting virtuoso Luc Tuymans, Nadia Naveau, Lieven Segers, and many others.

Pop-up summer bar II: Bar Cour

Opening 2 July Antwerp

We didn’t count them all yet, but it looks like Antwerp will win this sunny season when it comes to the amount of temporary summer bars. Another one, Bar Cour, is opening this weekend, this time in the courtyard of the popular Kavka. The goal is to create a green oasis in the middle of the city where people can relax, have a drink, or munch on some snacks when the sun is out.

Music festival: Couleur Café at Tour & Taxis

From 1 to 3 July Brussels

Belgium’s festival season is in full swing. This weekend it’s the turn of Couleur Café, a three-day music bash in the middle of the city giving you the chance to dive into the Belgian music scene and discover local heros such Ghinzu, Woodie Smalls or Black Box Revelation. Plus, there are dance workshops, a giant food court celebrating dishes from around the world, and a market of more than 50 stalls selling artisanal creations.

Music: The Word presents Favorite Belgian Releases at The Hope

Friday, 1 July Brussels

Belgian culture mag The Word teams up with brand new bar/shop/club/restaurant The Hope for a series of live listening sessions and DJ sets. The first edition goes down this Friday, when Rick Shiver presents his very favorite Belgian releases in the space’s basement club. Perfect for music nerds, especially for those who like it underground.

Boat party: Silly Symphonies at Ric River’s Boat

Sunday, 3 July Brussels

All aboard! Brand new party series “Silly Symphonies”, organised by a bunch of friends, takes you on a different kind of cruise. If you prefer the more intimate nights in a relaxed setting and want to get your groove on on a floating dancefloor, this is for you! Behind the decks: Aymen & Gurl, Thf, and Disconsole. Expect an artsy, friendly crowd that likes to dance till dawn.

Rooftop picnics: AUB-SVB at Beursschouwburg

Until 10 July Brussels

Brussels restaurant AUB-SVP, known for its delicious organic and local creations, is teaming up with culture center Beursschouwburg this summer for a special picnic take-away concept encouraging people to reclaim public space. Buy a yummy picnic box and eat it directly on Beursschouwburg’s stunning rooftop terrace, or follow their handy map full of secret picnic spots in the area.

Museum picnic: Breakfast at Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens

Sunday, 3 July Deurle

Museum visits are not only something for rainy days, as Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens is proving this weekend with a special outdoor picnic. This Sunday you’re invited to not only visit the current exhibition “Biennale of Painting”, but also to bring your picnic blanket and some munchies. There’s also a huge cake buffet, a bouncy castle, a concert, and more.  

Cover photo Murielle Victorine Scherre