Next week is the last week of August and once again a diverse selection of some of today’s best Dutch-language singers will perform in the heart of Brussels each lunchtime from Monday to Friday. A wind-range of syles of music will be performed in the pleasant surroundings of Brussel’s Royal Park (Warandepark). It’s all free of charge and food and drink are available. Alternatively, you can bring your own sandwich with you to the festival that is called ‘Boterhammen in het park’ (Sandwiches in the Park).
During the last week of August the park between the Royal Palace and the Federal Parliament in Brussels hosts a lunchtime music festival that showcases the best in contemporary Dutch-language music. The ‘Boterhammen in het Park’ (sandwiches in the park) festival has been held every year since 1990. This year Boterhammen will take place each day between Monday 25 and Friday 29 August.
The festival is organised by the Brussels concert hall Ancienne Belgique (AB). The festival is easily accessible on public transport with several metro stations (Park, Troon, Kunst-Wet) within walking distance and numerous bus routes passing nearby. For those that live outside Brussels the Royal Park is just a short walk from the city’s Central Railway Station.
This year’s line up
The festival kicks off on Monday with a performance by De Toegift. From Vlissingen in the Dutch province of Zeeland De Toegift are known for their poetic Dutch-language lyrics and a unique blend of indie, folk, and jazz.
Monday’s second performance is from Madou with Vera Coomans still shining at centre stage and with a new generation of musicians, include her son Thomas Devos. Madou will not only revisit some of her classics but also present some new work during Monday’s performance.
Simon will commence proceedings on Tuesday. He began as a rapper but has since evolved into a contemporary crooner. The audience at Boterhammen in het Park will be treated to a sneak preview of some of the material from his new album that is due to be released in the autumn.
The second performance on Tuesday will be from Emma Bale. Emma Bale has won numerous awards, including the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Belgian Act and the Flemish Music Industry Award (MIA) for Best Female Solo. Her music is a mix of dreamy pop, neo soul and indie.
On Wednesday the Dutch singer-songwriter LUNA (Luna van Kampen), whose breakthrough came with a Dutch-language cover of Billie Eilish’s ‘Birds of a Feather’ entitled ‘Dat Is Het Leven’ will perform first.
Maksim (Maksim Stojanac) will be the second artist to perform on Wednesday. Multi-talented (footballer, actor, singer, presenter…) and from a diverse background (Antwerp-born with Serbian, Ukrainian and Russian roots) Maksim brings his own blend of pop.
Thursday’s first act Sophie Straat broke through several years ago with her protest songs and quickly became the voice of socially engaged 20-somethings.
Prins S. en De Geit turn chaos into a party. In 2023, the won the Dutch radio station 3FM’s award for Best Indie Act. Expect a musical frenzy that you won’t forget any time soon. They are Thursday's second act.
The final day of the festival on Friday 29 August will get under way with Kaat Van Stralen. What started as a solo project quickly grew into a genre-bending punk band. Kaat Van Stralen will be joined by Melvin Slabbinck on drums, Anton Robberechts on guitar and Faust De Vogelaere on bass.
For more than 40 years Guido Belcanto has been a cornerstone of Flemish music He is a troubadour that together with his band creates a space where you can laugh and cry and where everyone is welcome. This legend of Flemish music will bring Boterhammen in het Park 2025 to a close.
When, where and how to get there
Royal Park (Warandepark)
Monday 25 August 2025 - Friday 29 August 2025
Daily from 12h to 14h
Metro line 1 (stop Park)
Bus 38, 63 65 or 66 (Stop Rosa Parks)
Walking distance (5 to 10 minutes) from Brussels Central railway station