A breath of fresh air in Brussels

Shoulders are bared, skirts get shorter, and bubbles sparkle on cafe terraces. You'd think you were on vacation. Well, almost. If you don't yet have the chance to be fanning your toes, you can still enjoy the summer and free atmosphere of the capital. Here's the proof, in three parts. BELGIUM ROLLERS THE great parade of inline skating fans. Every Friday evening, they parade over a 20 km route. For those who don't know, this year we're celebrating the 200th anniversary of the invention of the skate, whose father is... Belgian. All the more reason to participate. Gathering every Friday at 7 p.m. at Place Poelaert. Departure at 8 p.m. Until September 25. http://www.belgiumrollers.com/ BRUXELLES LES BAINS We're getting out our bikinis and sandals, heading to the quays where fine sand, palm trees, deckchairs, parasols, bars, and music await us. The more athletic will enjoy water games, pétanque, beach volleyball, ... From July 23 to August 22 at Quai des Péniches. From Tuesday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. From Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free entry. http://www.bruxelleslesbains.be ESPACE SPECULOOS For its 4th edition, Speculoos provides five expression spaces for street artists. This year, Rue Neuve, Petite Rue au Beurre, Place de la Monnaie, the Halles Saint Géry, and Recyclart welcome jugglers, buffoons, musicians, acrobats, storytellers, and street performers... From July 3 to September 25. Every day from 2 p.m. Podium shows every Saturday at 3 p.m. at Place de la Monnaie. http://www.espacespeculoos.be