What to do in Brussels in May? Here are the best outings and activities

Calling all fans of crime series. In Brussels, this immersive theater experience lets you take part in a high-stakes trial! Dive into the heart of a high-stakes trial with The Jury Experience. And you are the jury! You’ll go from spectator to participant as you examine every detail of the case and cast your vote. From witness testimony to forensic analysis, you’ll decide whether the defendant is guilty or innocent.

The Brussels Short Film Festival returns with a program designed for curious film lovers. Three competitions— National, International, and Next Generation—highlight short films and emerging talent. With outdoor screenings, meet-and-greets, and new discoveries, the event promises a true immersion in Belgian and European cinema.

Not sure what to do in May? Admiring the magnificent blooming of the blue hyacinths in the Bois de Hal is the top nature activity! This fantastic botanical phenomenon, which occurs every year around late April/early May, leaves visitors in awe of its beauty in what is nicknamed “the blue forest.” We’ll tell you more about this phenomenon!

Want to travel back in time without leaving Brussels? Head to The Last Days of Pompeii, an immersive exhibition that plunges you into the heart of the legendary Roman city just before Vesuvius changed history forever. 360° digital projections, ultra-immersive soundscapes, and interactive installations let you wander through the bustling streets of Pompeii, explore the faithfully recreated Villa of the Mysteries, and witness gladiator battles as if you were right there. The highlight of the show? A spectacular finale that recreates the volcano’s eruption in a realistic multisensory experience. Run for your lives!

On May 2 and 3, 2026, the Tour & Taxis site will host a new edition of this legendary event, a true gathering for enthusiasts. Fans will get to experience the thrill of meeting icons from cult series: from David Harbour (Stranger Things) to Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), and Grant Gustin (The Flash).
The highlight of the weekend remains the grand cosplay contest, whose winner will fly to the international finals in Chicago.

Stepping inside the Horta Museum is like stepping into a masterpiece, where iron, glass, and light blend in a striking organic harmony. From the intimacy of the artist’s home to the dynamism of his workspaces, each room tells the story of the evolution ofArt Nouveau

Before conquering the world, the artisan had already honed his craft at his Brussels locations, under the Gelateria Giotto banner. Located in Ixelles and Jette, his shops quickly became a must-visit for lovers of authentic flavors. There, you’ll find an unwavering commitment to ingredient quality and boundless creativity, offering a unique taste experience. From the interplay of textures in his ice creams to the freshness of his sorbets, every cone tells a story of passion and precision

Want to do something truly out of the ordinary? Then head over to L’Horizon de Khéops at Tour & Taxis, a virtual expedition to ancient Egypt without leaving Brussels! Thanks to this immersive virtual reality experience, you’ll embark on a journey 4,500 years back in time to the heart of the Great Pyramid of Giza, where you’ll explore the corridors, funeral rites, and mysteries of Pharaoh Khufu. Designed using data from cutting-edge scientific research , this experience plays as much with history as with emotion, ensuring that even skeptics leave speechless.

For three days, from May 22 to 24, the^8th edition of the Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend will take place. This festival offers a chance to discover jazz music through a diverse lineup. Additionally, Belgian artists will be in the spotlight this year. And no fewer than three iconic Brussels landmarks (the Grand Place, Place Sainte-Catherine, and Place de la Bourse) will host concerts. Artists will also perform in over 25 bars throughout the city. From contemporary jazz to emerging talent, with touches of funk and electro, don’t miss this musical event!

On May 31, the unmissable^45th edition of the “Brussels 20K” will take place—an event not to be missed by any athlete in the capital! It’s a running race that winds through Brussels’ most beautiful streets. The event can accommodate up to 40,000 people and is divided into three categories: hadisport, runners, and walkers. Come on, it’s time to get in shape!

Calling all adventure seekers! The Horta Gallery presents a truly extraordinary experience: an immersive journey into the sprawling universe of Jules Verne. Go from spectator to explorer: virtual reality, the metaverse, a traditional exhibition… it all blends together to immerse you in five cult novels. From Journey to the Center of the Earth to scuba diving and futuristic settings, every stop is a visual feast.

The ever-popular candlelight concerts are back with a lineup brighter than ever. For spring, the Candlelight Spring edition features a host of concerts paying tribute to artists across all genres: Coldplay vs. Ed Sheeran, from Mozart to Chopin, Queen, Hans Zimmer… In May, listen to whatever takes your fancy.

Tired of disappointing dates and lonely Thursday nights in front of the TV? Embark on the Dixner adventure! Born in Paris, this concept has just launched in Brussels . Its mission: to give you an authentic experience by sharing a dinner with strangers selected just for you. We tried it out for you and had an absolutely amazing evening!

The Iris Festival is the must-see annual event in the Brussels-Capital Region. This year, this festival so dear to the people of Brussels will officially kick off on May 9, 2026. With gourmet food trucks, guided tours, and music, May is shaping up to be a festive month…

Among the cultural outings to add to your May itinerary in Brussels, the Design Museum Brussels, located in Heysel near the Atomium, features an incredible permanent collection (notably The Plastic Design Collection, which reimagines the use of this controversial material) and temporary exhibitions such as Designing Childhood, which explores design for children, or the “Val Saint-Lambert & Design” exhibition, which opens on April 24, 2026. Enough to take you on a journey through time for a good two hours!