What's on this week: 26 July

Michael E Smith’s solo exhibition presents new, site-specific work by the Detroit-born, Rhode Island-based artist. Known for his manipulation of found objects, Smith’s project is a fundamental critique of the social and ecological damage caused by consumer society. He takes cast-offs and repurposes them as artistic statements, a kind of “archaeology of humanity”. His recent exhibitions have upped the ante by exploiting the very exhibition space itself – an ambiguous gesture that either casts the museum as ally in his sociological critique or complicit in the process or consumption. Until 1 October, Smak, Ghent

Flemish newspaper De Standaard and Ostend’s Fort Napoleon celebrate the golden anniversary of the Summer of Love. The hippie gathering in San Francisco’s bohemian Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood in 1967 was the pinnacle of countercultural optimism, before it was chastened by the strife of ’68 and betrayed by the violence of Altamont in 1969. This photographic exhibition revisits some of the event’s iconic images and follows up with some brand new work. Twenty present-day Flemish photographers were invited to select their favourite period snapshots and create contemporary counterparts, highlighting similarities and differences between then and now. Until 1 October, Fort Napoleon, Ostend

M-Museum Leuven and concert venue Het Depot join forces once more for the latest edition of M-idzomer. The annual event transforms the museum’s garden into an open-air stage for an international roster of jazz, pop and rock performers while the rest of the building hosts exhibitions, theatre and other events. Headliners include American funk saxophonist Maceo Parker and Warhaus (pictured), a new project led by Maarten Devoldere of popular Flemish indie group Balthazar. Saturday afternoon is devoted to family-friendly entertainment courtesy of M-idzomer for Kids and its special guests, Kapitein Winokio and his crew of vegetable-promoting sailors. 27-30 July, M-Museum, Leuven

Middag concerten: Antwerp’s lunchtime concert series offers a summer programme dedicated to young talent. This week’s session sees an up-and-coming string quartet tackle works by Franz Schubert. 28 July 12.00, Amuz, Kammenstraat 81, Antwerp

Panorama: The Art and Design Atomium Museum showcases a century of Belgian design, from the architectural splendour of Art Nouveau to the socially minded interwar avant garde to postwar modernism and beyond. Until 7 January, Adam, Belgiëplein, Brussels

Remigio Cantagallina: Underground exhibition of works by the 17th-century Italian artist, who documented his travels through the old southern Netherlands in a sketchbook. The images held historical as well as aesthetic value. Until 27 August, Coudenberg Palace, Paleizenplein 7, Brussels

Ars in Cathedrali: Sixth edition of classical musical festival takes place every Tuesday evening in Brussels’ cathedral. August performers include Belgian pianist Thérèse Malengreau and German organ virtuoso Martin Sturm. Until 29 August, Sint-Michiel en Goedelekathedraal, Sint-Goedelevoorplein, Brussels

Zomer van Antwerpen: City festival offers loads of family-friendly entertainment, from concerts to cinema to theatre. The festival hub is a waterfront pop-up summer bar and circus tent in Antwerp’s Eilandje district. Until 3 September, Sloepenweg, Antwerp

Critical Mass: Summer edition of urban bicycle rally launches from Woodrow Wilsonplein and ends with a party at post-industrial cultural complex Dok. 28 July 18.00, Dok, Koopvaardijlaan 13, Ghent

Photo: Yannick Sas