Brussels in 2026 promises a year rich in cultural and festive discoveries. Music, art, tradition and nature will transform the city into a permanent exploration ground. Here are the events to mark in your diary so you don’t miss a thing.
January – February: jazz and light
- Brussels Jazz Festival (January 15-24) Ten days of jazz in Flagey with international artists, a must for all music lovers.
- Ceramic Brussels (January 21-25) The first international fair dedicated to contemporary ceramics, a must-see for art lovers.
- Bright Brussels Festival (February 12-15) An enchanting light trail through the city, ideal for an outing with family and friends. Read our dedicated article.
March – April: architecture and flowers
- BANAD – Art Nouveau & Art Deco Festival (March 14-29) Exceptional opening of emblematic buildings usually closed to the public, to discover Brussels’ architectural heritage.
- River Jazz Festival (March 13-28) Fifteen jazz concerts and exhibitions in several emblematic Brussels venues.
- Floralia Brussels (April 3-May 3) Over a million tulips and spring flowers put on a spectacular floral show in the grounds of the Château de Grand-Bigard.
May – June: parades and Renaissance
- Zinneke Parade (May 30) Creative, multicultural parade brings the streets of the capital to life with costumes, brass bands and original performances.
- Brussels Renaissance Festival (May 17-July 4) Journey back in time with shows and historical crafts, culminating in Ommegang in early July.
- Brussels Pride (May 9-17) Parade and festive events celebrating diversity and inclusion in the streets of Brussels.
July – August: cinema and flower carpet
- Ommegang (July 1 and 3) Grand historical re-enactment on the Grand-Place, a symbol of Brussels’ heritage and the highlight of the Renaissance Festival.
- Bruxelles fait son Cinéma (first weeks of July) Free open-air screenings in the 19 communes of Brussels, transforming the city into a giant cinema.
- Brussels Flower Carpet (August 14-17) A huge carpet of flowers on the Grand-Place, a colorful and spectacular symbol of the capital.
September – October: museums and heritage
- Belgian Beer Weekend (September 4-6) Tasting of the best Belgian beers on the Grand-Place, a gourmet and convivial tradition.
- Folklorissimo (September 19-20) Festival celebrating Brussels’ heritage with giants, brass bands and crossbow shooting, often coinciding with Car-Free Sunday.
- Museum Night Fever (October 17) Museums open late with concerts, workshops and exceptional guided tours, an evening to enjoy with family and friends.
November – December: festivities and the magic of Christmas
- Plaisirs d’Hiver (late November-early January) Enchanting Christmas market with skating rink, Ferris wheel and entertainment in the heart of Brussels.
- Circus Alexandre Bouglione (December) Traditional circus show for young and old, with acrobatics and breathtaking acts.
- Classissimo – classical concerts (August-December) Classical music festival in Brussels, with concerts in various historic locations around the city.
Also read: The best galettes des rois 2026 in Brussels