What to do in Brussels in July?

We declare the festival season officially open! From Les Ardentes and Francofolies de Spa to a concert by the great Pink, the start of summer in Brussels promises to be a musical one. And if you’d rather spend your weekends exploring the capital’s latest exhibitions or enjoying cultural attractions than tapping your toes in the pit, we’ve got you covered too! Here are our top picks for July 2024 in Brussels.

Brussels’ new Museum of Illusions

Looking for a museum like no other? Here it is! In Tour & Taxis, a 1500-square-meter multi-sensory tour of optical illusions and magic tricks awaits you, ready to hypnotize you! On the program: a hall of mirrors, a vortex, trompe-l’oeil galore, and demonstrations by none other than the world champion of magic. So, are you ready for a bewildering experience?

📍Tour & Taxis, avenue du Port 86C

An amusement park

This summer, take advantage of the school vacations to visit one of the city’s best theme parks! Walibi Belgium, Bobbejaanland or Plopsa Coo are all less than two hours from Brussels, and are packed with outdoor activities for families. Perfect for soaking up the sun and spending some quality time with the kids!

The immersive Bubble Planet experience

Want to escape the heat while staying cool? We’ve got a fun bubble experience for you in Brussels. It’s called Bubble Planet, and it takes place at Tour & Taxis. In this unusual place, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in an absolutely “bubbly” world of themed rooms and virtual reality. Bubbles, neon lights, lava lamps, pastels and bubble-gum… Enough to make your Instagram feed a little more colorful.

📍Tour & Taxis, avenue du Port 86C (SHED 3.2)

Brussels at the movies

Fancy a good dose of cinema? From June 26 to July 16, 2024, “Bruxelles Fait Son Cinéma” returns to the open air in the 19 communes of the Brussels-Capital Region. From Schaerbeek to Forest, via Anderlecht and Ganshoren, there’s just one key word: popcorn! The festival invites Brussels residents to enjoy free outdoor film screenings in a warm and friendly atmosphere. These screenings are also a great way to revive the tradition of neighborhood cinemas! What better way to spend a summer evening?

The immersive Klimt experience in Antwerp

Why not take the opportunity to get away for a while? Just 1 hour from Brussels, Klimt: The Immersive Experience has brought its most iconic paintings to Antwerp in a digitalized version, immersing you in the glamorous Vienna of the 1900s. The program includes floor-to-ceiling digital projections, virtual reality and a customized soundscape. The exhibition brings masterpieces such as The Kiss, The Tree of Life and Judith and Holofernes to life. If you don’t want to miss the chance to see these marvellous works on a grand scale, head to Antwerp’s DIVE, Digital and Interactive Venue, in the City of Diamonds!

📍DIVE – Carnotstraat 90, 2060 Antwerpen

Monet, the immersive experience in Liège

Planning a getaway? At Liège’s Saint-Pholien church, you can immerse yourself in the world of the Impressionist painter with a unique immersive experience. Thanks to a unique scenographic device with digital projections from floor to wall, visitors can almost walk on water lilies and stroll through the gardens of Giverny, or even enter the artist’s studio, recreated exactly as it was!

📍Église Saint-Pholien, Rue Saint-Pholien, Liège. 4020

Foire du Midi

One of the most eagerly awaited events of the year returns to Brussels! This year , the Foire du Midi opens its doors on July 13. As always, our favorite attractions will be on hand for this latest edition of the city’s most famous fair! On the program: 130 rides and activities for young and old, perfect for a gentle (and family-friendly) start to the vacations.

📍 Foire du Midi: R20 26, 1000 Brussels

Elliott Erwitt retrospective

After attracting 300,000 visitors between Paris and Lyon, a brand-new exhibition dedicated to Elliott Erwitt moves to Brussels. At number 5, Grand Place, visitors are invited to plunge into the world of one of the 20th century’ s most eminent photographers, through more than 200 iconic photographs, sometimes moving, sometimes funny, presented under a new prism.

📍Grand-Place, number 5, 1000 Brussels

Pink in concert

On Sunday, July 14, Pink will be performing in Belgium at the Stade du Roi Baudouin in Brussels! It’s a chance for fans to relive the 2000s, thanks to legendary songs such as Please Don’t Leave Me and So What, which shaped our youth… Tickets are going fast!

📍Marathonlaan 135/2, 1020 Brussels

Dinos Alive: the Jurassic Park experience

Dinosaurs have invaded Brussels! Stegosaurus, velociraptors, T-rex… Join us 140 million years ago for an immersive experience right in the middle of the Jurassic creatures. More than 80 articulated specimens squat in their recreated natural habitat at Place Rogier 1000. Explore the abyss and meet the marine giants in a virtual aquarium, enjoy an exciting virtual reality experience , try out the interactive “budding experts” area and become a paleontologist for a day…

📍Place Rogier, 1000, Brussels

Les Ardentes

“B****, I said what I said, I’d rather be famous instead…” Following the release of her latest album Scarlet, singer Doja Cat will be performing alongside Belgian rapper Shay and Frenchman Ninho at the famous Ardentes festival in Liège! See you there from July 11 to 14, 2024!

📍Rue de l’Arbre Courte-Joie – 4000 Rocourt

Francofolies de Spa

More French chanson than techno DJ? For its 30th edition, the Francofolies de Spa will welcome such French-speaking artists as Francis Cabrel, Zazie and Louise Attaque from July 18 to 21, 2024. Don’t miss this event, located just 1h30 from Brussels!

📍Spa, Parc de 7 Heures and Place Royale

MOIR: The museum of infinite realities

Are traditional museums not for you? If you’re looking for a truly different museum experience, we recommend you try the Museum of Infinite Realities (MOIR). Designed as a unique immersive experience, the MOIR is made up of 7 rooms where you can take part in interactive activities around the “Explore The True You” thematic trail, the last of which is none other than an absolutely mind-blowing holographic show. In short, an unusual concept to discover by yourself and for yourself, as a matter of urgency.

📍Rue du Marché aux Poulets 32, Brussels, 1000

Jazz & Comics

The Musée de la BD is collaborating with the Maison du Jazz de Liège for a brand-new summer exhibition celebrating the close link between jazz and comics. The exhibition highlights Belgian creativity and the diversity of graphic styles, reflecting the vitality of this artistic relationship. Works by black-and-white master Louis Joos in particular will reveal the rich interaction between these two artistic worlds.

📍 Musée de la Bande Dessinée: Rue des Sables, 20 1000 Brussels
📆 Until September 8

Titanic L’Exposition

Titanic L’Exposition is one of those exhibitions that can be described as an “event”. It has already attracted 110,000 visitors, and has no intention of slowing down its success. What are the ingredients for this success? More than 200 relics found on the site of the shipwreck lying at a depth of over 3800 meters, as well as poignant passenger accounts, unique archives and reconstructions of emblematic locations. Fun, educational, captivating… This is the exhibition not to be missed!

📍Tour & Taxis, 86c avenue du Port

Have a drink with a view at Bozar Rooftop

This summer, enjoy a unique musical atmosphere on the Bozar rooftop while sipping your favorite drink and admiring the panoramic view over the city. Architectural firm Traumnovelle has transformed the space, replacing flags with reflective artworks that question our society. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, the rooftop offers a varied musical program, from electro to hip hop to acoustic concerts. Cheers!

📍Palais des Beaux-Arts – Bozar: Rue Ravenstein, 23 1000 Brussels

Ommegang

On July 3 and 5, attend the Ommegang performances on the Grand-Place in Brussels. Starting at 8:45pm, admire the historic parade with over 1,400 extras, including folk groups, horses, giants and flags. The show commemorates Charles V’s visit to Brussels in 1549 to introduce his son, the future Philip II. An excellent idea for a historical family outing!

📍Grand Place, Brussels

The Brosella

On July 6 and 7, 2024, head to the Théâtre de Verdure, near the Atomium, for the Brosella! This emblematic music festival has been held in Brussels since 1977, paying tribute to the great names in “urban etno” music and jazz. With its friendly atmosphere, the Brosella festival is a must for music lovers of all ages.

📍Théâtre de Verdure: Avenue de l’Atomium – 1020 Brussels (Laeken)

Summer Pleasures

From July 26 to August 18, 2024, the second edition of “Plaisirs d’Été” invites you to join the Brussels dance floor. On the program: initiations, a variety of dance shows, dance jams and battles for all audiences! And best of all, the event is free and open to all. “ From salsa to hip-hop, krump to kpop, the program is designed to appeal to everyone. See you on July 26!

Celebrate Bastille Day!

On July 21, 2024, Brussels celebrates Bastille Day with a host of free events from 10am to 8pm. Organized by the Syndicat d’Initiative – Bruxelles Promotion, the “Fête au Parc” features folk parades and visits to institutions and museums. The day ends in style with a concert and fireworks display at the Cinquantenaire at 9pm. An annual event not to be missed!

📍 Parc de Bruxelles, 1000 Brussels