Cultural Compass: Outdoor music and art to usher in summer

Summer is the perfect moment to swap traditional galleries for culture under the open sky. Along the Belgian coast, the latest edition of Beaufort transforms beaches, dunes and seaside promenades into one of Europe’s largest outdoor sculpture parks. Contemporary artworks are installed across the coastline, encouraging visitors to combine art with a day by the sea. In Antwerp, the Middelheim Museum comes into its own during the warmer months. One of Europe’s leading open-air sculpture museums, it invites visitors to wander among works by major international artists spread across gardens, lawns and historic pavilions. Those looking for a more traditional art experience can head to East Flanders, where the Biennale van de Schilderkunst returns with a celebration of painting across several museums. This year's edition explores how artists have depicted the domestic sphere, bringing together works from different periods and collections to reveal the home as a place of intimacy, creativity and social change. Summer also brings music beyond the traditional concert hall. The internationally acclaimed Gent Jazz welcomes leading names from the worlds of jazz, soul and crossover music, while Brussels’ Brosella Festival combines jazz and global sounds in a green setting near the Atomium. Classical music lovers are equally well served, as the Musicorum Festival fills Brussels with chamber music and recitals throughout the season. The annual Ars in Cathedrali transforms the soaring interior of St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral into a spectacular setting for organ concerts. Not every cultural experience requires a ticket. Throughout the summer, Vaux Hall Summer turns a restored pavilion in Brussels Park into a lively gathering place for concerts, film screenings, circus performances, workshops and dance. The atmosphere is informal and distinctly summery, making it an ideal destination for a long evening in the city. Brussels' cultural institutions are also embracing the long summer evenings. On 3 July, KBR, Bozar and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium join forces for Arts at Night, a special nocturne combining exhibitions, performances, DJ sets and rooftop views. The event offers a rare opportunity to move freely between three of the capital's major cultural landmarks after hours. For those who prefer culture after dark, several Flemish cities bring their heritage to life through evening programming. Bruges, Ghent and Leuven all offer guided walks, performances and special events that reveal historic streets, squares and monuments from a different perspective. Summer is also a strong season for contemporary dance and experimental performance. The Brigittines Summer Festival brings together Belgian and international artists exploring themes ranging from memory and identity to ritual and humour. Often staged in unconventional settings, the festival offers an alternative to the blockbuster exhibitions that dominate the cultural calendar during the rest of the year.