What’s on: Cuisine and castles make Ostend the place to be
Ostend hosts two major events this weekend – a food festival and the opening of the annual sand castle event – as well as one of the summer’s hottest concerts
À l’Ostendaise - Kom Proeven!
Tuck into, for instance, North Sea paella, gyoza (Japanese dumplings) made with whiting or a flounder taco. There are desserts, too, though they wisely steer clear of fishy ingredients. À l’Ostendaise also includes cooking demonstrations, boat rides and maritime walks. 22-23 June, Zeeheldenplein, Ostend
Sand City Dreams
While you’re in Ostend this weekend for À l’Ostendaise (see above), you’ll also be able to catch the opening weekend of Sand City Dreams, the annual sand sculpture festival. The largest event of its kind in the world, the festival's theme this year sees its dozens of intrernational sculptors creating an entire city out of sand. The pieces are so big and so detailed, you’ll be hard-pressed to believe they’re entirely made of sand – which, by the way, has been shipped from a quarry in Wallonia because so much was needed. 22 June to 8 September 10.00-19.00, beach between station and Casino in Ostend
Genk on Stage
Kicking off the summer music festival season right is Genk on Stage, where more than 100 musicians, bands and DJs take to eight stages across the city in Limburg. International and local acts mix it up with hip-hop, pop, rock, world and dance all featuring over the three days. Hometown bands are marked in the programme and a fun way to plan your schedule. Though it might be a shame to miss Babylon Trio, a Brussels-based group of refugees, or the country’s rapper-of-the-moment Zwangere Guy. Oh, did we mention that Genk on Stage is free? 28-30 June, across Genk
Out Loud
Beursschouwburg’s Out Loud Festival features three weeks of free concerts and DJ sets on the culture centre’s rooftop terrace with a view over downtown Brussels. In typical Beursschouwburg fashion, acts are quirky as heck, from Kilbourne (A terror-feminist rock-hard hardcore banger for a new generation of gabbers”) to Snapped Ankles (“British kraut-punks dressed as trees. Because.”). Until 29 June, Wednesday-Saturday from 16.00
Get tickets now: Macy Gray
Ostend’s Kursaal gives cover bands and musicals a rest to welcome a modern legend of soul: Macy Gray. From her early smash R&B hits like “I Try” and “Why Didn’t You Call Me” to the purely jazz genre of her latest album, Stripped, Gray’s inimitable throaty voice and laid-back aura never cease to strike a perfect balance between entertainment and emotion. The coastal location has meant that shamefully few tickets for this concert have sold. Don’t miss it yourself. 12 July 20.00, Kursaal Oostende, Kursaal-Westhelling 12
