What’s on this week: 20 July

In his 2012 book Borderline Times, Flemish psychiatrist and academic Dirk De Wachter diagnosed modern society as pathological in its impulsiveness, narcissism and superficiality. Contemporary art in particular appears as a symptom in the study. This summer Ghent’s Museum Dr Guislain invites De Wachter to co-curate a special exhibition to illustrate his findings and meditate on the role of the psychiatrist as public intellectual. The museum is no stranger to such themes; it occupies a disused asylum and is dedicated to the history of psychiatry as well as its links to culture and society at large. Until 25 September, Museum Dr Guislain, Ghent

This year the West Flemish town of Kortemark celebrates the 15th edition of its reggae and roots music festival Irie Vibes. Organised by local non-profit Greenforward, the open-air weekender promotes cultural diversity and ecological sustainability. It also boasts a solid line-up of international performers including Jamaican reggae pioneer Cedric “Congo” Myton, official Reggae Ambassador Earl Sixteen and Flemish ska ensemble Zebras Are Timeless. Festival-goers will also enjoy eating global cuisine and browsing Irie Vibes’ world-goods market. A nearby campsite is available for those who want to stay near the action all weekend. 22-23 July, Kortemark (West Flanders)

In just over a decade the free outdoor Bal National has established itself as the Belgian National Day pre-party. Every year some 15,000 revellers gather to celebrate on the Vossenplein, famous for its daily flea market and the old-time charm of the surrounding Marollen district. The event begins with a group dance workout. Then main-stage entertainment comes in the form of singer Filip Jordens’ tribute to Jacques Brel, a DJ set by hip-hop veteran Daddy K and a closing performance of yesteryear’s pop hits by one-time Eurovision entrant Kate Ryan. 20 July 19.00, Vossenplein, Brussels

Netsky: Young Antwerp-based DJ continues to take over the world with a high-profile performance at Flanders’ biggest venue. 25 February 18.30, Sportpaleis, Schijnpoortweg 119, Antwerp

Liesa Van der Aa: Flemish actor, singer and violinist fuses classical and experimental sounds with an array of electronic pedals. 23 July 20.00, M Museum Leuven, Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 28, Leuven

Driften: Latest production by Swedish choreographer Anna Nilsson and theatre company Petri Dish is a surreal vision of postmodern society. In the context of Zomer van Antwerpen.  Until 6 August, Slachthuis, Slachthuislaan 70, Antwerp

Gentse Feesten: 173rd edition of Flanders’ biggest street party comes to a close this weekend with loads of live music, street theatre, food, drink and family-oriented events. Until 24 July, across Ghent

Roots in het Park: Second edition of blues and Americana festival offers an alternative to schlager on Belgium’s National Day. 21 July 13.00, Stadspark, Aarschot

Family day at Leuven Beach: Summer pop-up rolls out the red carpet for families with clown show, dance workshop, beach volleyball and live music. 21 July 9.00, Ladeuzeplein, Leuven

Photo: Maria Mochnacz