Summer Festivals Brussels Belgium

Brussels is a popular European city destination with plenty to see and do. Some people visit Brussels with political interest, others come with a thirst for the variety of Belgian beer that the city has to offer, and more visit the Belgian capital to take in the decadent architecture that it boasts. However, over the years Brussels has become a popular destination because of the many summer festivals it hosts. August and September in Brussels have some of the best Belgian festivals on offer. So, if you are thinking about a European vacation this August or September then why not visit Brussels to have a taste of some Belgian beer at the Belgian Beer Weekend or sample some great live music at the Brussels Summer Festival. A trip to even one of these Belgium events is a must! And we have five of the best summer festivals happening in Brussels listed below.

Brussels Summer Festival August 14th - 23rd

Launched in 2002 by the City of Brussels, this Belgium festival is now one of Brussels most important cultural events of the summer. Since its beginnings, this Belgian event has grown from being a mainly music festival to incorporating other disciplines and becoming a multi-cultural event. The Brussels Summer Festival is not only a popular Belgian event but it is also growing in popularity abroad and attracts more and more tourists each year. The Brussels Summer Festival incorporates 10 days of rock, hip hop, classical music, jazz, nomadic theatre and museums. It all takes place around the Royal District in the Place des Palais, Place des Musées and the Park of Brussels. This year the three live stages will see acts such as Tryo, Milow, Psy 4 de la rime, Machiavel, Pep's, La Grande Sophie, Vive la fête, Cocoon, Tahiti 80, Triggerfinger and lots more. If you would like to experience the Brussels Summer Festival then why not check out some great hostels that we have available in Brussels.

Belgian Beer Weekend September 4th - 6th

On the first weekend of September the Market Place of Brussels is transformed into a mini brewery as the annual Belgian Beer Weekend takes place. The Beer Festival is organised by the Belgian Brewers' association and the "Mashstaff of the Knights", in collaboration with the City of Brussels. Up to 40 breweries, ranging from small to medium sized to large, big-name Belgian breweries, participate in this Belgian festival and present to you their best selections of beers. Belgium has a unique range of beers that have some of the most contrasting tastes and flavours. Its large choice of regional, authentic and colourful beers provide Brussels with the perfect setting for this world famous Beer Festival. The beer tasting festivities start on Friday September 4th at 6pm and run right through until Sunday evening at 8pm. The Belgian Beer Weekend is perhaps one of the biggest events in Belgium of the year. Check out some of the great hostels we have available in Brussels for your stay.

Boterhammen In Het Park August 24th - 28th 2009

Boterhammen In Het Park is a free music festival in the beautiful Royal Park, in the heart of Brussels. Running for 20 years now, this is a regular summer festival that brings the best of Dutch music to the stage. It is a popular music festival and it all takes place during the day. All week during the afternoon at the bandstand in the Warande Park there are performances that are free of charge. This year's Boterhammen In Het Park will all kick off on Monday 24th and once again there will also be plenty of children's activities. This popular Belgium event is the perfect place to stop off for an extended lunch, leaving you with the rest of the afternoon to explore the city of Brussels.

Klarafestival - Flanders Festival Brussels August 28th - September 11th 2009

The Klarafestival is a classical music festival that takes place every year. This Belgium music festival incorporates 300 events and concerts, covering all sorts of classical music, with a special emphasis on symphonic music, baroque and chamber music. This year the Klarafestival is taking the theme of 'Forza Musica' and things will be getting underway on August 28th in the railway stations Brussels Nord - Central and Midi & the Brussels subway. Other events during the Klarafestival include lunchtime concerts at Flagey, grand evening concerts at 8pm at BOZAR, and for the adventurous there are late night events and the 7th edition of Living Room Music.

Meyboom Festival August 9th 2009

This day of celebration is a popular Belgium festival and an annual event in Brussels. It involves a very late maypole ('Meyboom') being raised in Brussels, on the anniversary of a wedding which took place in 1213. The celebrations start with costumed giants accompanying the pole on its journey from the Sablon to the Grand Place. This Belgian festival comes from the legend of a wedding party that was ambushed by a gang of youths from Leuven. When the unwanted youths were gotten rid of, the happy couple were entitled to honour their saviour, Saint Laurence, by planting a May tree on his saint's day every year, now known as Meyboom. This tradition remains alive and well today, and the Meyboom Belgian festival has grown to become one of the major events on Brussels' heritage calendar.

So, if your interests lie in music, culture, history or beer, or even if you would like to experience one of the best summer festivals on offer in Europe this summer, then be sure to visit Brussels for one of these great Belgian festivals.

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By: Tracy Lynch

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