Guinguettes, Open-Air Dancing & DJ Sets: Brussels' Best Summer Vibes

When summer nights arrive, Brussels comes alive outdoors. Think open-air bars, dancing under the trees, canalside DJ sets and community vibes. Whether you’re in coliving or just looking to enjoy the city differently, here are the best festive spots for a chilled or vibrant summer evening.

 

Barc, Parc & Co – Brussels’ Summer Guinguettes

Concept: Pop-up open-air cafés in city parks with local drinks, street food, live music, and plenty of deck chairs.

Where? Parc de Forest, Bois de la Cambre, Parc Georges Henri, Parc Roi Baudouin
When? Daily, May to September – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Access: By tram or foot depending on the park

Why go? Simple, laid-back atmosphere, loved by locals.

Coliving tip: Bring games, snacks and your own playlist for the perfect outdoor gathering.

Open-Air Dances – Sainte-Catherine

Concept: Every weekend, Brussels hosts open-air dances from musette to salsa—free, spontaneous and joyful.

Where? Place Sainte-Catherine or Quai aux Briques
When? Fridays and Saturdays from 7:00 PM
Access: Metro Sainte-Catherine

Why go? Multigenerational and super welcoming.

Coliving tip: No dance partner needed. Just go, dance and meet people!

Les Apéros Urbains – Fridays only

Concept: Every Friday, a surprise pop-up party appears somewhere in Brussels: canal, rooftop, or hidden park. Expect DJs, food trucks and happy crowds.

Where? Location changes weekly – announced on @aperosurbains
When? Fridays from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Access: Usually metro or bike accessible

Why go? Feels like a mini festival every week.

Coliving tip: Make it your house tradition to go every Friday together.

Bruksellive Festival

Concept: A free music festival set in a leafy park near the Atomium, featuring emerging Belgian artists and a young, local crowd.

Where? Parc d’Osseghem
When? Saturday, July 20, 2025 (to be confirmed)
Access: Metro Heysel

Why go? Chill, eclectic, and totally free.

Coliving tip: Make it a full-day outing—picnic, hammocks, group photos and dancing.

Guinguette Royale – Parc Royal

Concept: A festive open-air bar in the city’s main park with weekend DJ sets, retro vibes, and delicious tapas.

Where? Parc Royal, near the palace entrance
When? Daily from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, until September
Access: Metro Parc or Arts-Loi

Why go? It feels like a holiday… right in the city center.

Coliving tip: Host an outdoor coliving dinner right there: bring games and take over a big table!