#BrusselsInView: What’s happening in Brussels and beyond - a few tips for summer

Need to keep up with local news and events on Facebook? Founder of a local event page, Mike Chambers, explains What’s Happening Belgium?

“It’s an open group on Facebook - multilingual - and now has more than 9,000 members and reflects not only Belgians but those who come to the country as expats from all over the world.

“It’s become successful because it listens to what members want.” You can ask to join the group here.

In the warm weeks ahead, Belgium comes alive with a host of events to entertain everyone including street markets, special exhibitions and, of course, the summer festivals. Check out the local information from Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent and Wallonia to find out more and enjoy everything that the country has to offer.

MIXITY.brussels 2017

Central Brussels (from now through the summer)

This summer will be MIXITY.brussels as the city of Brussels is the place to be with a wide range of activities throughout the year.

Everyone knows that the city hosts the European Union but it is far, far more than that and this year the Belgian capital hosts a wide variety of different events to show the world that it is also a city of culture, diversity and fun.

Pop-up bars and aperitif events

When the sun comes out both locals and visitors head for the many bars around the town.

Summer is the time to investigate the huge number of varied places to eat and drink in and around Brussels. There will be outdoor terraces to enjoy music from a variety of DJs and live bands across the city where you and your friends can sit, relax and enjoy the summer weather.

There’s a place to visit for each day of the week, so you have no excuse to miss some of the best in entertainment in Brussels. All you have to do is check the weather forecast first.

Outdoor summer events

On the topic of the weather, there will be a host of outdoor events throughout the city this summer.

We all know that the Belgian weather can be unpredictable but it does not stop the people coming out into the streets and enjoying the best in outdoor entertainment (even if you sometimes do need an umberella).

There are cycling and roller-blade events, the Carolus Festival (see below and pictured), and much more besides. If you’re looking for something to do during the school holidays, then there are a wide range of events to keep the whole family busy and entertained.

Summer in Brussels - get outdoors and move

If you're not feeling too energetic during the hot days, then the many parks around the city provide a wide range of activities that don't necessarily require you to break into a sweat.

There are Tai Chi and Yoga sessions to help you relax, boat and pedalo rentals allowing you to cool down, and a number of musical events offering a range of performances to please everyone.

Indoor summer events

If the Belgian weather doesn't behave itself during the summer, there are a number of different indoor events that will keep you happy for a few hours. Brussels is famous for its culture and this is represented in the wide range of different art galleries and museums. You can see art exhibitions from contemporary to classical, museums about human and animal life, historical trams and autos on display and, of course, comic book characters that are famous all over the world.

Nightclubs - where to go out in Brussels

For those of us who know and love Brussels there’s a saying that the true nightlife of Brussels doesn't start until after midnight. Then the night comes alive and the streets are filled with young people looking for their favourite music and nightclubs.

Many bars will be open through the night so don't worry about closing times. They don't really exist in Brussels. The bars open onto the streets and, on warm summer evenings, you’ll find people hanging out drinking and chatting. Only when the sun comes up is it time to go home, but not before enjoying a coffee and croissant in one of the early morning cafés around the city centre. In the summer Brussels is the city that never sleeps.

All this information is freely available on the visit.brussels web site. It contains everything you need to know to enjoy your time in the city at the heart of Europe.

For more information, click here.

Brusselicious 2017

Central Brussels (all year)

Belgian cuisine may not have the same reputation as, say, French, however, there are many fine restaurants around the country that provide the best food using local ingredients. They also respect the history and culture of Belgian cuisine.

The country has created its own quality label to recognize the contribution that many restaurants make to maintaining the high quality and authenticity of Belgian food – Brusselicious. The list of places was put together by a team of restaurant critics and food journalists who looked for quality, ingredients and service in all of the eateries.

Each certified establishment has it's own unique atmosphere and personality. Also included in the list are many of the friteries in and around the city centre. You can find a long list of these establishments on the link below, and spend many a happy hour sampling some of the best food in the world.

For more information, click here.

Carolus Festival

Central Brussels (Until September)

If you’re in and around Brussels through the summer months, then there are a number of events that come under the banner of the Carolus Festival. This brings together a celebration of the renaissance and European history through costumes and parades throughout the city.

It also highlights the role that Brussels played throughout the renaissance and refers to Charles V who was one of the most powerful rulers in Europe in the 16th century and whose main place of residence was Brussels.

In July there will be a number of parades with people dressed in brightly coloured, historical costumes, plus concerts and events that will introduce you to this fascinating period of history. Carolus is definitely something to put in your diary for the warm summer days.

For more information, click here.

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