This weekend the Zomer van Antwerp officially begins! For those who don’t know, this is a program of venues and cultural events (cinema, theatre, circus and music) which are in place until the 3rd September. Many events are free, some are ticketed or have an entry cost. The ZVA website is the go-to place online for information and tickets. The Zomerbar on sloepenweg is one of the hubs of ZVA and it is an ideal place to hang out, for everyone really, as it is a great bar and location, but also has a play area for kids and plenty of sand. There’s also food (or you can bring your own), and an outdoor library. It’s also a place where you can pick up ZVA tickets and info.
Friday
The ZVA kicks off at the Zomerfabriek at 10pm but doors -and the bar- will be open from 5pm.
Those interesting people down at MAF have a vernissage …
Saturday
At Bato Batu bar from 1.30- 6pm there’s a second hand vinyl sale in the side-street by the bar.
… and regular rommelmarkts in Appelstraat, Borgerhout and in Berchem from 8am, for early birds…
Other than that, Saturday seems a bit quiet -I would take the time to either check out one of the summer bars, or spend the day at Antwerp’s regular Saturday market on Theaterplein, which is much more than a place where you can just pick up your weekly fruit and veg: more and more stands are selling food and drinks for on the spot, and it is making the market an increasingly social place to hang out. There’s a busy cava and seafood stand in front of the theatre, but also worth a visit is a stand with a Spanish flavour, a little further along (usually almost parallel with Belgian Wines) which does decent tapas, or egg rolls for a late breakfast, which you can wash down with wine, coffee or Cava, depending on your levels of bon viveurism (or hangover).
The evening, however, brings the perfect event for the jazz fan: The Sint- Andries Jazz Bar Tour: five bars, all within easy walking distance of one another, each offering a menu of live jazz, starting at 8, with the last band signing off at midnight. Check the link to plan your route (the venues are all marked on the map with the sax image, left).
Sunday
Swan Market is on Grote Markt from 11am (design, accessories, clothing, food)
… and the usual strip & boekenplein (second hand books and graphic novels) is on de Coninckplein in front of Permeke Library
There’s a rommelmarkt (second hand clothes and goods) on Dageraadplaats from 9am. This is a very nice local square with plenty of cafés, bars and a playground so you can keep an eye on your kids while you have a drink.
Weather forecast: lovely.
Miscellaneous
Antwerp has a new museum – Museum de Reede which casts a spitlight on the work of Goya, Munch and Rops. It is just opposite Steenplein near the river (Ernest van Dijckkaai 7).
Please note that during July I will be away. As was the case last year, there will be a Big Fat Summer Post (pressing on the 29th June) for the time that I am not here to write weekly posts.
Summer bar Smokey Jo’s Cantina (formerly Smokey Joe’s Garage) at de Koninck Brewery is another summer bar (also with kids play area) which is now open.
If you are finding it a challenge to get around the various roadworks in Antwerp these days (especially since the Leien were closed off on the 5th June) then check slimnaarantwerpen.be to help you negotiate your way around town.
Don’t forget that the Sinksenfoor (funfair) is open daily in Park Spoor Oost until 9th July.
And the View on The Zoo ferris wheel is on Astridplein until August.
Buurtpleintjes is an initiative from Stad Antwerpen offering free sporting activities on local squares around the city. Last year, my son really enjoyed a series of free basketball lessons on Sint Andriesplaats as part of this initiative. Start by checking here to see what’s on offer near you.
During summer Antwerp offers two open-air swimming pools which are now open! It is free to swim at Boekenberg, but there is a small entrance charge at the Linkeroever pool (it is also recommended that you have a 1 euro coin with you to use the lockers; and your A-kaart, if you have one).
Please note that during July I will be away. As was the case last year, there will be a Big Fat Summer Post (pressing on the 29th June) for the time that I am not here to write weekly posts.
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