Culture beat: 24 July

For free music on Saturday, head to Bruksellive at Théâtre de Verdure/Groentheater in the middle of Osseghem Park. A total of four stages fill the wooded site with a line-up of young talent that includes Youngblood Brass, Joe Claussell, DJ Pierre, Kelly Verbier, Afilakacid, and much more. Carpooling and public transport recommended as there is little free parking in the area. From 14.30 until late. The festival is run by Brussels youth organisations.

Summer is for cruising and despite the capital’s lack of a flowing river, Brussels by Water offers trips on the city’s canal and local waterways. From 50-minute sailings (until 9 August) to aperitif cruises (until 15 September) and Sunday meanderings  to unlikely haunts such as Anderlecht and Vilvoorde, explore this alternative view of the city. The organisation  and its tourist wing Rivertours is keen to promote the city’s waterways and river and canal banks. Some guided trips are combined with tours and biking and walking activities. Dinner available on some cruises.  Until 31 October.

The oldest religious building in the capital, Chapelle Sainte-Anne in Auderghem, opens its doors to the public on Sunday for only the second time this year. During the Middle Ages, the beautiful 11th-century Roman-style chapel in the Val Duchesse domain was an important destination for pilgrims. They came to be healed, meet suitable matches or be blessed with children. Auderghem residents are currently signing a petition calling for the chapel to be opened for important occasions. Visits this Sunday are free but registration necessary. Call 02.676.48.86 or email animations@auderghem.irisnet.be

Escape the city-centre bustle and enjoy short lunchtime concerts during the working week with the Midi-Minimes festival at the Royal Conservatory at 12.15. Each day follows one of five themes: Monday offers a ‘free’ programme (27 July proposes music from Nepal), Tuesday is pre-1700 music, Wednesday 18th century , Thursday 19th century, while Friday features the major composers of the 20th and 21st centuries. An exception is the week of 17 to 21 August when each concert will be devoted to the piano. It is recommended that you turn up five to ten minutes before start of each concert. A must for music-lovers and now in its 29th year.

Stand-up comedy continues all summer thanks to English Comedy Brussels at The Black Sheep pub, Flagey. London-based Canadian comedian Tony Law tops the bills on 28 July at 20.00. Renowned for his infantile and ironic brand of humour, Law boasts a trademark beard, retro cowboy look and has notched up a number of awards and TV appearance. American Russell Hicks and UK comedy circuit regular Paddy Lennox kick off the evening.