Maanrock
Grote markt
(http://www.maanrock.be), on the grote markt and in the ijzerenleen. end of august. a 2-day free festival featuring several stages of music and djs, starting early in the afternoon and running till early morning.
Get to the tourist information center on the main square or Grote Markt and follow one of their recommended walking tours.
boat cruise
Take a boat cruise along the waterways of Mechelen. The 45 minute trip costs 6 EUR. Departures are every hour on the half hour, from Haverwerf.