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Belgium Events 2008

Belgium Events



More events under Green Belgium

January
Place
Events
1
Public Holiday
NEW YEAR'S DAY
1-13
Ghent
BRITISH VISIONS: A major exhibition taking an imaginative look at two centuries of British art will celebrate the re-opening of the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent.
1-27
Brussels
RUBENS EXHIBIT: The Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels unveil, Rubens, a Genius at Work, a unique collection of 50 original works from the Studio of Rubens, as well as collaborative pieces with famous contemporaries such as Jan Brueghel the Elder and Anthony van Dyck.
1-30
Brussels

LEONARDO DA VINCI - THE EUROPEAN GENIUS: In the magnificent setting of the Basilica of Koekelberg on show through March 15, 2008. The exhibition shows original documents, scale models, notebooks as well as several of his inventions. The exhibition celebrates the 50th anniversary of the signature of the Treaty of Rome and is co-produced by Europa 50 and the European Commission.

1-30
Bruges
BRUGES & LACE: The rich tradition of lace-making has been alive in Bruges since the end of the 15th century and this exhibition will confirm the age-old link between Bruges and lace. Mounted in several museums, the exhibition will present not only historical lace, but also contemporary and idiosyncratic lace creations and establish a link with contemporary art. A musical program will be put together in cooperation with the Concertgebouw, covering patterns and serial composition in music through the centuries.
1-30
Brussels

EUROPALIA.EUROPE: Europalia is playing host to no fewer than 27 countries as it celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the European Union. The Europalia.europa festival staged in Brussels, and in the surrounding areas will present the cultures of Europe and its 27 member states.

18-27
Brussels
53RD ANTIQUES FAIR: Combining quality with prestige, this superb antiques fair is a must for art lovers. The show attracts  antiquities, Oceanic art, African art, Oriental art, silver, furniture and works of art from the ‘Haute Epoque’ to the 20th century.


February

Place
Events
All month
Brussels

LEONARDO DA VINCI - THE EUROPEAN GENIUS: In the magnificent setting of the Basilica of Koekelberg on show through March 15, 2008. The exhibition shows original documents, scale models, notebooks as well as several of his inventions. The exhibition celebrates the 50th anniversary of the signature of the Treaty of Rome and is co-produced by Europa 50 and the European Commission.

1-3
Bruges
BRUGES & LACE: The rich tradition of lace-making has been alive in Bruges since the end of the 15th century and this exhibition will confirm the age-old link between Bruges and lace. Mounted in several museums, the exhibition will present not only historical lace, but also contemporary and idiosyncratic lace creations and establish a link with contemporary art. A musical program will be put together in cooperation with the Concertgebouw, covering patterns and serial composition in music through the centuries.
1-3
Brussels

EUROPALIA.EUROPE: Europalia is playing host to no fewer than 27 countries as it celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the European Union. The Europalia.europa festival staged in Brussels, and in the surrounding areas will present the cultures of Europe and its 27 member states.

1-9
Brussels
ANIMA FILM FESTIVAL: An animated international film festival in the land of comic strip heroes is being held in 2008 at the newly renovated Flagey building, which is the former Belgian Radio & TV Broadcasting Center, and a fine example of Art Deco 'ocean liner' style of the 1930s.
3-5
Binche
CARNIVAL OF BINCHE: This world famous Carnival, now on the UNESCO world heritage list , dates back to the 16th century. The colorful celebration attracts thousands of visitors and is highlighted by Mardi Gras, an event not to be missed.
14-17
Leuven
KULTURAMA: The Kulturama city festival is synonymous with an exciting mix of activities and an impressive number of performances. The cultural houses throw open their doors for the sixth time and bring a varied, first-rate program of theater, dance, literature, films, new media, cultural heritage and lots of music.
16-29
Brussels

STAR WARS: THE EXHIBITION:Over 280 original props, pieces of scenery, costumes, drawings and spaceships recreate the atmosphere of the Star Wars world. Highly interactive, the exhibition includes demonstrations in the Jedi School, the Special Effects Green Screen Studio, and gives you the opportunity to meet and greet the characters.

28
Ghent
BLUE NOTE RECORDS FESTIVAL: For the first time a four-day indoor edition of the festival is being organized, in cooperation with the London Jazz Festival and North Sea Jazz.


March

Place
Events
1 Brussels NIGHT OF THE BRUSSELS MUSEUMS: On this enchanted evening ten Brussels museums invite you for the first Night of the Brussels Museums. Visit the BELvue Museum, the Museum of Musical Instruments, the Belgian Centre for Comic Strip Art, the Museum of the City of Brussels, and you will see performances, concerts, workshops and bizarre entertainment created for you in cooperation with youth organizations and students. From 8:00 pm until 1:00 am followed by a party.
1-31
Bruges
BRUGES & LACE: The rich tradition of lace-making has been alive in Bruges since the end of the 15th century and this exhibition will confirm the age-old link between Bruges and lace. Mounted in several museums, the exhibition will present not only historical lace, but also contemporary and idiosyncratic lace creations and establish a link with contemporary art. A musical program will be put together in cooperation with the Concertgebouw, covering patterns and serial composition in music through the centuries.
1-31
Brussels

STAR WARS: THE EXHIBITION:Over 280 original props, pieces of scenery, costumes, drawings and spaceships recreate the atmosphere of the Star Wars world. Highly interactive, the exhibition includes demonstrations in the Jedi School, the Special Effects Green Screen Studio, and gives you the opportunity to meet and greet the characters.

1-2
Sint Niklaas
ZYTHOS BEER FESTIVAL: This great beer festival takes place in Sint Niklaas in eastern Flanders on Saturday March 1st, 2008 from noon - midnight and Sunday March 4th, 2007 from 11:00 am - 9:00 pm. There are approximately 150 beers from the 48 breweries represented, and there is no entry fee. Cheers!
1-2
Ghent
BLUE NOTE RECORDS FESTIVAL: For the first time a four-day indoor edition of the festival is being organized, in cooperation with the London Jazz Festival and North Sea Jazz.
1-31
Brussels

PAUL KLEE, THEATRE, HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE:In a series of monographic exhibitions of the work of twentieth-century master painters, the Centre for Fine Arts takes an unusual approach to the oeuvre of Paul Klee (1879-1940), a painter from Bern, Switzerland. A musician by training, music was a constant source of inspiration for him. With the cooperation of composer and conductor Pierre Boulez, the exhibition will highlight Klee's pioneering role.

1-3
Stavelot

MID LENT CARNIVAL: The Blancs Moussis festivities and parade. A particularly  joyful experience is the tossing of confetti by the ton at virtually anything that moves; motorized cannons shoot confetti at the crowds and with skillful aim also target second floor flats along the parade route.

12-31
Antwerp

MOI, VERONIQUE.BRANQUINHO TOuTE NUe: To mark the tenth anniversary of designer Veronique Branquinho's label, the MoMu presents an exhibition which outlines the themes and atmospheres dominating Branquinho's work and give her collections a clear signature. The exhibition also examines the references to films, photography and music which continuously appear in her clothing and visual language.

17
Brussels
PIERRE BOULEZ AND ENSEMBLE INTERCONTEMPORAIN: We are impatient to discover the renowned French composer and conductor's vision of one of Mozart's greatest masterpieces, his "Gran Partita" Serenade for wind instruments. Berg is also on the programme: his Chamber Concerto will feature two outstanding soloists, the pianist Mitsuko Uchida and the violinist Christian Tetzlaff. Center for Fine Arts at 8 PM.
21
Tournai
BIG ANNUAL FLOWER MARKET: Spring is the perfect time to visit Tournai and its treasures. Visit the Belfry and the Tapestry Museum.
23
Public Holiday
EASTER SUNDAY
24
Public Holiday
EASTER MONDAY
27-31
Brussels
FESTIVAL OF FANTASTIC FILM: Rated as one of the best in the world, this festival promises two weeks of film screenings. The electric atmosphere fills not only the dark auditoriums where some 150 films are shown, but also extends to the famous body-painting competitions and the merciless vampires’ ball where aliens, angels and demons gather in an apocalyptic party scene.

There is also entertainment for the kids with the screening of ‘Children allowed’ and ‘Fantastikids’.

27-29
Brussels
BALKAN TRAFIK 2008 FESTIVAL: For its second edition, the Balkan Trafik festival is pulling out all the stops. All weekend long, artists from every corner of the Balkans (Macedonia, Albania, Turkey, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Romania, etc.) and from further afield will descend upon the Centre for Fine Arts.


April

Place
Events
1-30
Brussels

STAR WARS: THE EXHIBITION:Over 280 original props, pieces of scenery, costumes, drawings and spaceships recreate the atmosphere of the Star Wars world. Highly interactive, the exhibition includes demonstrations in the Jedi School, the Special Effects Green Screen Studio, and gives you the opportunity to meet and greet the characters.

1-30
Bruges
BRUGES & LACE: The rich tradition of lace-making has been alive in Bruges since the end of the 15th century and this exhibition will confirm the age-old link between Bruges and lace. Mounted in several museums, the exhibition will present not only historical lace, but also contemporary and idiosyncratic lace creations and establish a link with contemporary art. A musical program will be put together in cooperation with the Concertgebouw, covering patterns and serial composition in music through the centuries.
1-30
Brussels

PAUL KLEE, THEATRE, HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE:In a series of monographic exhibitions of the work of twentieth-century master painters, the Centre for Fine Arts takes an unusual approach to the oeuvre of Paul Klee (1879-1940), a painter from Bern, Switzerland. A musician by training, music was a constant source of inspiration for him. With the cooperation of composer and conductor Pierre Boulez, the exhibition will highlight Klee's pioneering role.

1-30
Antwerp

MOI, VERONIQUE.BRANQUINHO TOuTE NUe: To mark the tenth anniversary of designer Veronique Branquinho's label, the MoMu presents an exhibition which outlines the themes and atmospheres dominating Branquinho's work and give her collections a clear signature. The exhibition also examines the references to films, photography and music which continuously appear in her clothing and visual language.

1-8
Brussels
FESTIVAL OF FANTASTIC FILM: Rated as one of the best in the world, this festival promises two weeks of film screenings. The electric atmosphere fills not only the dark auditoriums where some 150 films are shown, but also extends to the famous body-painting competitions and the merciless vampires’ ball where aliens, angels and demons gather in an apocalyptic party scene.

There is also entertainment for the kids with the screening of ‘Children allowed’ and ‘Fantastikids’.

6
Flanders
BIKING TOUR OF FLANDERS: Taking place this year for the 92nd time, the cycling classic Tour of Flanders is one of the twelve world cup competitions. In-between the departure point in Bruges and arrival point in Meerbeke (Ninove), cyclists are faced with an exhausting ride across the hills of the Flemish Ardennes.
8-25
Brussels
ARS MUSICA: Also known as "the spring of contemporary music", the Ars Musica festival has carved out a reputation as a real reference event for contemporary music. Every year, the festival brings together works by composers who are writing the sounds and scores of tomorrow.
11-30
Antwerp
DIAMOND DIVAS: An exciting, fresh look at diamonds and diamond jewelry at the Diamond Museum in the Province of Antwerp. The exhibition will cover art, history, legend and glamour, starring magnificent jewels of Hollywood stars, jewelry of the rich and famous and fabulous movie jewelry.
13
Flanders
HERITAGE DAY: The annual Heritage Day is the perfect opportunity for young and old to find out about Flemish cultural heritage, its importance, meaning and richness. Everyone who cares about heritage pulls together to move people with 1,001 heritage tales. 
18-21
Brussels

ARTBRUSSELS: Every year more than 25,000 people gather at this contemporary art venue, where 150 carefully-chosen international galleries showcase the work of established artists and young talent, ranging from photographs and monochromes to light sculptures and colour canvasses.

19-30
Brussels
ROYAL GREENHOUSES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Each year for a very short period of time the Greenhouses of the Royal Palace at Laeken are open to the public.
19-30
Brussels
EXPO 58: The 50th Anniversary of the first World Fair of the post-war period is being celebrated with a special event, Expo 58 Between Utopia & Reality. Visit the Atomium to discover or relive the magic of this event which is still so present in the collective memory and showcased a united Belgium.
21-22
Bouillon
BEER FESTIVAL OF BOUILLON: Shopkeepers in the town of Bouillon put up product stands including local producers of special beers with tasting sessions.
25-30

Throughout

Belgium

THE ART OF FOLON IN BELGIUM - THE CULTURAL JOURNEY: Several major exhibitions throughout the country highlighting the art of Jean Michel Folon.
26-27  Seraing
EUROPEAN FRIENDSHIP WALK : Every year, the walking club 'Les Vaillants' from Seraing organise a friendship walk. 6-12-21 km through the Sérésienne forest (450 ha).
DTA
Antwerp

OPENING MAS - MUSEUM ON THE RIVER: Early 2008 will see the opening of the MAS (Museum aan de Stroom, or Museum on the River). It is to be built on the Hanzestedenplaats, close to the River Scheldt, designed by the Dutch architect Willem Jan Neutelings. The museum will house the collections from three existing museums: the Vleeshuis (Meat Hall), the Steen and the Folklore Museum. The MAS will become the museum of the history of the city of Antwerp and at the same time put Antwerp well and truly on the list of European cities of architecture. An international event is planned for Autumn 2008 to mark the opening of the new museum.


May

Place
Events
1
Bruges
PROCESSION OF THE HOLY BLOOD:  One of the oldest and most beautiful historical and religious processions in continental Europe. Seats must be reserved well in advance. Tel: 011 3250/44.86.86.
1
Public Holiday
ASCENSION DAY
1-4
Namur
FESTIVAL OF THE FAIRGROUND ARTS: For 4 days and 4 nights, comedians, magicians and dream and illusion merchants take you along in search of emotions and pleasure! Fascinating!
1-11
Brussels

PAUL KLEE, THEATRE, HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE:In a series of monographic exhibitions of the work of twentieth-century master painters, the Centre for Fine Arts takes an unusual approach to the oeuvre of Paul Klee (1879-1940), a painter from Bern, Switzerland. A musician by training, music was a constant source of inspiration for him. With the cooperation of composer and conductor Pierre Boulez, the exhibition will highlight Klee's pioneering role.

1-31
Bruges
BRUGES & LACE: The rich tradition of lace-making has been alive in Bruges since the end of the 15th century and this exhibition will confirm the age-old link between Bruges and lace. Mounted in several museums, the exhibition will present not only historical lace, but also contemporary and idiosyncratic lace creations and establish a link with contemporary art. A musical program will be put together in cooperation with the Concertgebouw, covering patterns and serial composition in music through the centuries.
1-31
Brussels

STAR WARS: THE EXHIBITION:Over 280 original props, pieces of scenery, costumes, drawings and spaceships recreate the atmosphere of the Star Wars world. Highly interactive, the exhibition includes demonstrations in the Jedi School, the Special Effects Green Screen Studio, and gives you the opportunity to meet and greet the characters.

1-31
Antwerp

MOI, VERONIQUE.BRANQUINHO TOuTE NUe: To mark the tenth anniversary of designer Veronique Branquinho's label, the MoMu presents an exhibition which outlines the themes and atmospheres dominating Branquinho's work and give her collections a clear signature. The exhibition also examines the references to films, photography and music which continuously appear in her clothing and visual language.

1-31
Antwerp
DIAMOND DIVAS: An exciting, fresh look at diamonds and diamond jewelry at the Diamond Museum in the Province of Antwerp. The exhibition will cover art, history, legend and glamour, starring magnificent jewels of Hollywood stars, jewelry of the rich and famous and fabulous movie jewelry.
1-12
Brussels
ROYAL GREENHOUSES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Each year for a very short period of time the Greenhouses of the Royal Palace at Laeken are open to the public.
1-31

Throughout

Belgium

THE ART OF FOLON IN BELGIUM - THE CULTURAL JOURNEY: Several major exhibitions throughout the country highlighting the art of Jean Michel Folon.
1-31
Ieper

MAN – CULTURE – WAR. MULTICULTURAL ASPECTS OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR: This exhibition provides an overview of all the different cultures that played an active role, voluntarily or by necessity, in the First World War. Traces of no less than fifty different cultures have been found. This exhibition held at the In Flanders Fields Museum is not to be missed.

1-31
Brussels
EXPO 58: The 50th Anniversary of the first World Fair of the post-war period is being celebrated with a special event, Expo 58 Between Utopia & Reality. Visit the Atomium to discover or relive the magic of this event which is still so present in the collective memory and showcased a united Belgium.
6 & 7
Brussels

PIERRE BOULEZ CONDUCTS THE LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Don't miss this outstanding opportunity presented by the Center for Fine Arts. On May 6 the program offers Arnold Schönberg 5 Orchesterstücke, op. 16, Bela Bartok Concerto for 2 pianos and orchestra, Igor Stravinsky Chant du rossignol and Pierre Boulez Notations. While on May 7 enjoy Arnold Schönberg Die glückliche Hand, op. 18, Matthias Pintscher Osiris and Bela Bartok Duke Bluebeard's Castle, op. 11, Sz. 48

8-17
Brussels
BOTANIQUE NIGHTS: Reggae, French songs, electro and rock are interwoven throughout the festival, held at the Botanique, the Cultural Center of the French speaking community.
8-24
Brussels
QUEEN ELISABETH COMPETITION FOR VOICE: The Queen Elisabeth Competition is open to advanced musicians on the threshold of a burgeoning international career.
9-11
Leuven
LEUVEN IN SCENES: The international, open-air theatre festival ‘Leuven In Scenes’ features a number of memorable main acts and performances. In 2006 the festival brought 100,000 visitors to Leuven.
9-31
Brussels
KunstenFESTIVALdesArts: Artists and public meet for the 13th time in the most diverse theatres and other public spaces in Brussels for a taste of theatre, music, dance, films and exhibitions. The KunstenFESTIVALdesArts has an essentially contemporary and international flavour.
11
Public Holiday
WHIT SUNDAY
12
Public Holiday
WHIT MONDAY
16-19
Brussels
EURANTICA BRUSSELS: The largest art and antiques fair in Belgium, Eurantica Brussels will take place in the Brussels Exhibition Center. 130 antique dealers and art galleries of international renown selected by a committee of experts will enhance this fair with the quality of their objects and displays.
16-31
Brussels

FROM BRUEGHEL TO RUBENS: The Royal Museum of Fine Arts reassembles fifty outstanding works of art by the Masters of the Low Countries between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, such as Hans Memling, Quinten Metsys, Jan Gossaert, Pieter Breugel the Elder, Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony Van Dyck.The paintings are on loan from the collection held in trust by Queen Elizabeth II.

16-31
Antwerp

HEBRAICA VERITAS: While medieval men looked down upon Hebrew as a barbaric language, a century later it was seen as a source of wisdom and knowledge. The 'Hebraica veritas' exhibition shows how Jewish scholars helped Catholic and Protestant theologians find their way back to the archetypal Bible.

17
Brussels
LESBIAN AND GAY PRIDE: Street party, parade and pride shows in Brussels city center.
18
Mons
DOUDOU, PROCESSION OF THE GOLDEN CARRIAGE AND BATTLE OF THE LUMECON : The procession commemorates the deliverance of Mons from the plague in 1349. The Doudou takes place on 18 May but the festivities begin on the Thursday before and end on the Wednesday after.
23-25
Brussels

BRUSSELS JAZZ MARATHON WEEKEND: 125 free concerts and more than 450 musicians await jazz lovers on the biggest squares in Brussels. Big Bands and famous soloists play in open air, smaller bands play in bars and taverns, and you can see them all by using the special buses that criss-cross the city. Jazz it up!

27-31
Ostend and Flemish coast

TOUR OF BELGIUM:The elite of the cycling world prepare for a thrilling Tour of Belgium.

25
Brussels

COMIC STRIP FESTIVAL: The 19th Comic Strip Festival Ganshoren will focus on Metamorphosis with dedications from famous Belgian and foreign comic strip writers. Comic strip activities for young & old include comic strip workshops, a contest and a reading corner.

31
Brussels
ZINNEKE PARADE: A colorful parade with actors, dancers, musicians and other creative "Bruxellois" will invade the town and throw a party for the Zinneke, symbol of cultural diversity in Brussels. An orchestra, giant puppets, hip hop, theatre, and all kinds of entertainment are to be found at this biennial event.


June

Place
Events
1
Brussels

STAR WARS: THE EXHIBITION:Over 280 original props, pieces of scenery, costumes, drawings and spaceships recreate the atmosphere of the Star Wars world. Highly interactive, the exhibition includes demonstrations in the Jedi School, the Special Effects Green Screen Studio, and gives you the opportunity to meet and greet the characters.

1-8
Antwerp
DIAMOND DIVAS: An exciting, fresh look at diamonds and diamond jewelry at the Diamond Museum in the Province of Antwerp. The exhibition will cover art, history, legend and glamour, starring magnificent jewels of Hollywood stars, jewelry of the rich and famous and fabulous movie jewelry.
1-30

Throughout

Belgium

THE ART OF FOLON IN BELGIUM - THE CULTURAL JOURNEY: Several major exhibitions throughout the country highlighting the art of Jean Michel Folon.
1-30
Antwerp

MOI, VERONIQUE.BRANQUINHO TOuTE NUe: To mark the tenth anniversary of designer Veronique Branquinho's label, the MoMu presents an exhibition which outlines the themes and atmospheres dominating Branquinho's work and give her collections a clear signature. The exhibition also examines the references to films, photography and music which continuously appear in her clothing and visual language.

1-30
Ieper

MAN – CULTURE – WAR. MULTICULTURAL ASPECTS OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR: This exhibition provides an overview of all the different cultures that played an active role, voluntarily or by necessity, in the First World War. Traces of no less than fifty different cultures have been found. This exhibition held at the In Flanders Fields Museum is not to be missed.

1-30
Bruges
BRUGES & LACE: The rich tradition of lace-making has been alive in Bruges since the end of the 15th century and this exhibition will confirm the age-old link between Bruges and lace. Mounted in several museums, the exhibition will present not only historical lace, but also contemporary and idiosyncratic lace creations and establish a link with contemporary art. A musical program will be put together in cooperation with the Concertgebouw, covering patterns and serial composition in music through the centuries.
1-30
Brussels
EXPO 58: The 50th Anniversary of the first World Fair of the post-war period is being celebrated with a special event, Expo 58 Between Utopia & Reality. Visit the Atomium to discover or relive the magic of this event which is still so present in the collective memory and showcased a united Belgium.
1-30
Brussels

FROM BRUEGHEL TO RUBENS: The Royal Museum of Fine Arts reassembles fifty outstanding works of art by the Masters of the Low Countries between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, such as Hans Memling, Quinten Metsys, Jan Gossaert, Pieter Breugel the Elder, Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony Van Dyck.The paintings are on loan from the collection held in trust by Queen Elizabeth II.

1-30
Antwerp

HEBRAICA VERITAS: While medieval men looked down upon Hebrew as a barbaric language, a century later it was seen as a source of wisdom and knowledge. The 'Hebraica veritas' exhibition shows how Jewish scholars helped Catholic and Protestant theologians find their way back to the archetypal Bible.

5-10
Brussels
BRUSSELS ANCIENT ART FAIR: Dealers in classical, Egyptian and Near Eastern antiquities come to Brussels from all over the world to put their treasures on display in leading galleries at the Sablon quarter.
6-8
Mons
BEER FESTIVAL OF MONS: Every year the Party Service and tradesmen of Mons' Grand'Place organize a weekend dedicated to beer. Numerous stalls allow visitors to taste traditional beers and the big brands that made Belgium famous as the World Center of Beer.
17-30
Brussels
MUSIC VILLAGE JAZZ CONCERTS: A series of 12 jazz nights with live music in the center of Brussels is organized by and at the Music Village. Discover the universe of jazz in the land where the saxophone was invented.
20-30
Brussels

IT'S NOT ONLY ROCK 'N' ROLL BABY!  To mark the 33rd anniversary of the legendary Belgian rock festival, Rock Werchter, Bozar is organizing this Rock 'n' Roll exhibition. It provides insight into the role of visual art in the creation of their music. The exhibition features work by bands and musicians from the 1970s through today, such as Brian Eno, Yoko Ono, Patti Smith, Pete Doherty and many others.

Throughout the exhibition poetry readings, performances and unplugged concerts will also take place.

27-29
Brussels
COULEUR CAFE: An explosion of exotic, throbbing music from the Caribbean, Africa and Latin America. In between concerts visitors can buy ornaments and handicraft products from all over the world and sample delicious cocktails and international dishes.
27-29
Dessel

GRASPOP METAL MEETING: Every year more than 100,000 metal fans descend upon Dessel. The line-up for 2008 includes Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Whitesnake, Ministry, Sonata Arctica, Bullet For My Valentine, Volbeat, My Dying Bride, At The Gates, Forbidden, Hollenthon, Deathstars, Converge and Comeback Kid.

28
Namur

VERDUR ROCK FESTIVAL: This international festival for contemporary music is free of charge and takes place in the magnificent setting of the nature theater at the Citadel of Namur.


July

Place
Events
1&3
Brussels
OMMEGANG PAGEANT: Yearly colorful pageant on Brussels’ Grand’Place commemorates a celebration in honor of Emperor Charles V in the 16th century.
All month
Antwerp

SUMMER OF ANTWERP: This summer festival brings music, open-air films, circus, theatre and unusual events to the different neighbourhoods of Antwerp in a relaxed and laid back mid-summer atmosphere.

1-31
Bruges
BRUGES & LACE: The rich tradition of lace-making has been alive in Bruges since the end of the 15th century and this exhibition will confirm the age-old link between Bruges and lace. Mounted in several museums, the exhibition will present not only historical lace, but also contemporary and idiosyncratic lace creations and establish a link with contemporary art. A musical program will be put together in cooperation with the Concertgebouw, covering patterns and serial composition in music through the centuries.
1-31
Antwerp

MOI, VERONIQUE.BRANQUINHO TOuTE NUe: To mark the tenth anniversary of designer Veronique Branquinho's label, the MoMu presents an exhibition which outlines the themes and atmospheres dominating Branquinho's work and give her collections a clear signature. The exhibition also examines the references to films, photography and music which continuously appear in her clothing and visual language.

1-31

Throughout

Belgium

THE ART OF FOLON IN BELGIUM - THE CULTURAL JOURNEY: Several major exhibitions throughout the country highlighting the art of Jean Michel Folon.
1-31
Ieper

MAN – CULTURE – WAR. MULTICULTURAL ASPECTS OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR: This exhibition provides an overview of all the different cultures that played an active role, voluntarily or by necessity, in the First World War. Traces of no less than fifty different cultures have been found. This exhibition held at the In Flanders Fields Museum is not to be missed.

1-31
Brussels
EXPO 58: The 50th Anniversary of the first World Fair of the post-war period is being celebrated with a special event, Expo 58 Between Utopia & Reality. Visit the Atomium to discover or relive the magic of this event which is still so present in the collective memory and showcased a united Belgium.
1-31
Brussels

FROM BRUEGHEL TO RUBENS: The Royal Museum of Fine Arts reassembles fifty outstanding works of art by the Masters of the Low Countries between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, such as Hans Memling, Quinten Metsys, Jan Gossaert, Pieter Breugel the Elder, Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony Van Dyck.The paintings are on loan from the collection held in trust by Queen Elizabeth II.

1-31
Brussels
MUSIC VILLAGE JAZZ CONCERTS: A series of 12 jazz nights with live music in the center of Brussels is organized by and at the Music Village. Discover the universe of jazz in the land where the saxophone was invented.
1-31
Antwerp

HEBRAICA VERITAS: While medieval men looked down upon Hebrew as a barbaric language, a century later it was seen as a source of wisdom and knowledge. The 'Hebraica veritas' exhibition shows how Jewish scholars helped Catholic and Protestant theologians find their way back to the archetypal Bible.

1-31
Brussels

IT'S NOT ONLY ROCK 'N' ROLL BABY!  To mark the 33rd anniversary of the legendary Belgian rock festival, Rock Werchter, Bozar is organizing this Rock 'n' Roll exhibition. It provides insight into the role of visual art in the creation of their music. The exhibition features work by bands and musicians from the 1970s through today, such as Brian Eno, Yoko Ono, Patti Smith, Pete Doherty and many others.

Throughout the exhibition poetry readings, performances and unplugged concerts will also take place.

2-5
Werchter
WERCHTER ROCK FESTIVAL: This festival brings a broad range of genres, a selection of all-time favourites as well as the sounds of young, new talent. In short, the best of what has been and what is still to come. First name in the line up for this year is the English rock band, Radiohead
4-31
Brussels
A FAMILY : Vardi Kahana, a portrait photographer, has documented the history of her diverse family over the last 15 years. Four generations slowly emerge from her majestic photographic essay of black and white photographs. The exhibit can be seen at the Belgian Jewish museum .
4,11,18 & 25
Leuven

BELEUVENISSEN: The twentieth edition of the free music festival is staged in seven open-air locations in the historic heart of Leuven. Every Friday evening from 8.30 to midnight, the festival focuses on a different genre such as jazz & blues, folk, tropical or rock.

5-6
Philippeville
GAMBRINUS BEER TRUCK FESTIVAL: This unique event celebrates brewery trucks from everywhere in Belgium and promises to be extra special this year on the 10th anniversary of the museum. Fun activities include sampling of about 80 Belgian beers, and plenty of jazz music.
10-13
Liege
LES ARDENTES : Third edition of this Electro Rock Festival taking place at Coronmeuse’s Parc Astrid in Liege,