September in Brussels: festivals, exhibitions, food trucks, and must-see highlights!

From September 4 to 12, the Brussels International Film Festival transforms Brussels into a playground for movie lovers. For nine days, BRIFF offers previews, competitions, meet-and-greets, retrospectives, and outdoor screenings… Including screenings at the Cinéma Galeries, the UGC De Brouckère, and the Palace. Enough to fill your schedule with films you probably wouldn’t have the chance to see otherwise.

Among the exhibitions to keep a close eye on this fall, the traveling exhibition *Harry Potter: The Exhibition* opens its doors at Brussels Expo for an immersive journey into the world of the saga, featuring recreated sets, original costumes, and interactive installations. It’s the perfect way to choose your house for a studious start to the school year at the school for wizard apprentices!

The Belgian Beer Weekend returns to Brussels from September 4 to 6, 2025, for an edition that promises a unique festive atmosphere. For three days, the Grand-Place transforms into a temple of Belgian beer. Nearly 50 breweries will be on hand, offering more than 500 varieties to taste—from hoppy IPAs to legendary Trappist beers. With free admission and tastings available via rechargeable cards, it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the art of brewing, which has been listed as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage for 10 years now!

On Sunday, September 20, Brussels is shutting down traffic! The city is opening its streets to pedestrians, cyclists, rollerbladers, and scooter riders from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The entire region then becomes one huge traffic-free playground: the perfect opportunity to explore the city in a different way, from the Grand-Place to the Cinquantenaire or from the Marolles to Flagey. The best part? There’s no set route: just hop on your bike, lace up your sneakers, and go wherever the mood takes you.

Become a juror and decide the fate of the defendant inan intensetheatrical trial. Among the most original experiences to enjoy in Brussels this September, this immersive show invites you to become a member of the jury in a fictional trial taking place at Espace Lumen (Ixelles). Dive into a gripping plot and decide the verdict in this interactive theatrical experience.

On Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, Brussels’ hidden and fabulous venues will be open to the public for a special event as part of Heritage Days. The list of places to explore and activities on offer hasn’t been released yet, but we already know the program will be entirely free. The theme of this year’s event is “ Our Landscape, Our Heritage,” as part of Urban’s annual theme dedicated to “ Urban Landscapes.”

Among the must-try experiences for the start of the school year, the ever-popular candlelit concerts are back with a lineup that’s brighter than ever. In September, numerous concerts are taking place, paying tribute to artists across all genres. No matter what your favorite musical style is, it’s happening at the Concert Noble —and it’s the brightest event of the new school year.

Located in Brugelette in Hainaut, the Château d’Attre is one of Belgium’s most authentic examples of 18th-century architecture. Built in 1752 on the foundations of an ancient medieval fortress, this neoclassical building has retained all of its original elegance and prestige. Nestled in the heart of a 17-hectare estate bordered by the Dendre River, the site also features a listed landscaped park, dotted with romantic follies and unique curiosities. Open to visitors, the estate offers guided tours of the château and self-guided walks along its paths, providing a timeless, family-friendly experience.

Experience “Genesis” projected onto the Gothic vaults of the Sablon! Among the must-see immersive experiences in Brussels this September, “Genesis” is a video-mapping show created by the Eonarium studio that will transform the Notre-Dame des Victoires Church in the Sablon into a vast luminous and musical fresco. The experience kicks off in September in Brussels, and we can’t wait to see it!

Brussels Design Week gets a makeover for its 20th edition! From September 24 to October 4, 2026, the former Brussels Design September will take over the entire capital with a rich program dedicated to Belgian and international design.
Exhibitions, open workshops, conferences, meet-and-greets, and unique installations will take place in Brussels’ galleries, shops, hotels, and cultural venues.
A major new feature: the Hub becomes the heart of the festival, bringing together professionals, students, and curious visitors for exhibitions and talks. It’s a wonderful opportunity to discover the talents that put Brussels design on the map, both in Belgium andinternationally.

From September 11 to 13, 2026, Boulevard du Souverain will become a gourmet destination with 30 food stands and food trucks from all five continents. Italy, Thailand, Mexico, Lebanon, Japan, and Cameroon: a true world tour of flavors, with no tickets or reservations required. Craft beers, cocktails, organic wines, and fresh juices will also be available on the large terrace. On the weekend, families can enjoy a Kids’ Corner andcreative activities for children.

On September 5 and 6, 3,500 rose bushes and more than 700 varieties will take over the Jardins des Roses du Roeulx, located behind the former Saint-Jacques Hospital. The venue also hosts the Royal International New Rose Competition: some of the varieties on display offer a glimpse of the roses that may well bloom in the gardens of tomorrow. As for entertainment, concerts and street performances are also on the program, notably featuring Kalypso Nation on Saturday and Madame RéGalle on Sunday.

On September 12, the Brussels Open Air Festival transforms five spots around Brussels into open-air dance floors. From Place du Congrès to Place d’Espagne, via Vaux Hall, Place Jean Rey, and Poelaert… Ten Brussels-based collectives will get the city moving from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Hip-hop, dub, house, techno, amapiano, R&B, and dancehall… Just move from one square to another to experience a completely different vibe.

From September 11 to 13, the Cinquantenaire Park turns into a massive playground for the Brussels Urban Sessions. On the program: freestyle BMX, skateboarding, parkour, 3×3 basketball, street art, music , and other urban disciplines, featuring some of the best international athletes. Even if you don’t know the difference between a tailwhip and a barspin, the show is well worth the trip.

September marks the return of great evenings at the theater in Brussels. The lineup ranges from Shakespeare to dark comedy, including a production inspired by a real-life event that left its mark on Belgium. Among the plays not to be missed are *A Midsummer Night’s Dream * at the Théâtre Royal du Parc and *Zazous, des lendemains qui chantent*. Or La Fête at Théâtre Le Public and *It’s Not Easy to Be Happy When You’re Down* at Théâtre des Galeries. There’s plenty to choose from—a magical comedy, a story of resistance, a tense closed-door drama, or a healthy dose of dark humor—to kick off the new season.