For three days, Forest Abbey will step back in time. After a hiatus in 2025, the Forest Medieval Festival makes its grand return from September 18 to 20, 2026, for its 27th edition, in the abbey’s lush gardens. On the program: knights, jousting tournaments, battles, artisans, encampments, music, and plenty of medieval atmosphere— all free of charge.
An abbey transformed into a medieval village
As soon as you enter, the idea is to leave Brussels behind. Throughout the weekend, the abbey gardens host authentic medieval encampments, artisans in period costumes, and market stalls. You’ll find jewelry, pottery, textiles, wooden objects, and other creations inspired by the Middle Ages. Even the specialties on offer fit the theme, including fruit wines, hypocras, cervoise, cider, and almond milk.
Visitors can also enjoy demonstrations of traditional crafts, take part in educational activities, and watch the reenactment groups wandering around the site. And for kids, period games and workshops are scheduled throughout the weekend. It’s an outing that appeals just as much to fans of historical reenactments as it does to those simply looking for a family activity with a unique twist.
Knights, jousting, and combat
When do things get truly spectacular? During the jousts and combat demonstrations. On Saturday, the program includes performances by Épée Soleil and a tournament organized by the Belgian Federation of Medieval Fencing. There will also be combat demonstrations, cannon firings, and spear-throwing contests. Children, for their part, can take part in period games and learn about blacksmithing, among other things.
As for entertainment, the troupes Popolino, La Roue des contes, and Chansons et Dragons will be performing throughout the gardens. Two musical evenings are also scheduled, featuring Electroll on Friday at 8:30 p.m. and Skayrich on Saturday at 8:45 p.m. On Sunday, the festival wraps up at 6:30 p.m. after a final performance by Popolino and an awards ceremony for the artisans.
Three days to step back in time
Friday evening is the perfect time to soak up the atmosphere with an evening session from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., while Saturday is the most action-packed day, running from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. On Sunday, the festivities continue from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. And good news for families: admission is completely free.
📍 Address: Gardens of Forest Abbey, Place Saint-Denis, 1190 Forest
📆 Dates: September 18–20, 2026
🎟️ Free admission
