Every year on July 20 and 21, Brussels is decked out in black, yellow, and red to celebrate National Day. With folk traditions, concerts, family-friendly activities, and a spectacular fireworks display, the capital once again promises a packed program to mark Belgium’s anniversary. Here are the events you won’t want to miss!
Why is National Day celebrated on July 21?
To understand the origins of this day, we must go back to 1830, when the Belgian Revolution ended the union with the Kingdom of the Netherlands and paved the way for the country’s independence. A few months later, the National Congress decided to make Belgium a constitutional monarchy. It then invited Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg to become the first King of the Belgians as Leopold I.
On July 21, 1831, Leopold I took the oath of office on the Place Royale in Brussels, vowing to uphold the Constitution. This event marked the birth of modern Belgium. However, it wasn’t until 1890, during the reign of Leopold II, that this date officially became the National Day.
Ever since then, every July 21, Brussels is decked out in black, yellow, and red. A military parade, concerts, community events, festival booths, and a grand fireworks display set the tone for this day, when history, traditions, and a festive atmosphere come together throughout the capital!
Monday, July 20: The National Ball kicks off the festivities
It’s impossible to imagine the eve of National Day without the legendary Bal National des Marolles. Starting at 7 p.m., the Place du Jeu de Balle transforms into a huge open-air dance floor. There, Brussels residents and visitors come together in an atmosphere that’s as festive as it is friendly.
As is tradition, dancers can warm up with the unmissable Let’s Dance Ketjes before the concerts begin. The 2026 edition will feature Belle Perez, Just Vox, Alec Mansion & Thom Dewatt, DJ Crazy Sir-G, and FC Bokken… All with completely free admission.
📍 Place du Jeu de Balle
📅 Monday, July 20, starting at 7 p.m.
🎟️ Free
The National Day opening concert
Another classic tradition on the eve of the holiday is the official concert organized with the Belgian National Orchestra. This year, it will take place exceptionally at the NOVUM (Théâtre Saint-Michel) in the presence of the King and Queen.
Under the direction of Hankyeol Yoon, the orchestra will accompany violinist Elli Choi, third-prize winner of the 2024 Queen Elisabeth Competition. The program will feature works by Mendelssohn, Bruch, Dvořák, and Khachaturian. Tickets are free, but reservations are required.
📍 NOVUM – Théâtre Saint-Michel
📅 Monday, July 20 at 8 p.m.
🎟️ Free with reservation
Tuesday, July 21: parade, Festival in the Park, and a grand fireworks display
On National Day, the entire center of Brussels comes alive. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the “Fête au Parc” takes over Brussels Park and the surrounding area with dozens of free activities: shows, concerts, emergency services demonstrations, themed villages, children’s activities, folklore, sports introductions, and many other surprises.
At 4 p.m., the traditional military and civilian parade takes place on Place des Palais, one of the highlights of the day.
Finally, the festivities will conclude at the Parc du Cinquantenaire with a major concert at 9 p.m., followed by the highly anticipated fireworks display, enhanced this year with a laser and drone show for an even more spectacular finale. All activities are free.
The Marolles are at it again with the Resto National
If you’d rather celebrate Belgium over a delicious meal, head to the Place du Jeu de Balle for the traditional Resto National. From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., long tables welcome food lovers to enjoy the classic mussels and fries! In a quintessentially Brussels atmosphere, punctuated by brass bands, accordions, and the popular “Bruxelles Zingt” karaoke event. It’s a fun way to wrap up these two days of celebration before looking up at the sky for the grand finale.
📍 Place du Jeu de Balle
📅 Tuesday, July 21, from 5:00 p.m . to 10:00 p.m .
🎟️ Online registration (recommended): €32 (includes 1 casserole of Belgian mussels and fries, 1 serving of corte fries, and a sauce). Price at the door: €35, starting at 8:30 p.m. and subject to availability.
