You know what’s great about summer in Brussels? There’s something for each of us to enjoy. Concerts that draw crowds to the Heysel, festivals that make the city centre buzz, spontaneous drinks on a terrace, walks from one comic-strip character to the next, open-air shows and evenings when you end up staying just a little longer than planned. In July and August, the capital tunes into holiday mode, and those summer vibes are within easy reach for you too.
And the best part? Many of these activities are just a stone’s throw away from a metro, tram or bus stop. That’s why we’ve collected a few ideas to help you make the most of summer in Brussels, without having to circle the neighbourhood three times looking for a parking space. All that’s left to do is choose your programme.
Big summer concerts, from Heysel to the Palace
This summer, Heysel is set to be a little louder than usual. On 1 and 2 July, BTS will be delighting their fans with two undoubtedly unforgettable evenings. On 22 July, it’s Bad Bunny’s turn with his long-awaited concert. And on 15 August, Hangar will be shaking up Place des Palais with an afternoon and evening dedicated entirely to electronic music. Wherever you’re heading, here’s some good news: for each of these concerts, your journey there and back is completely free thanks to your Event Pass.
Pssst… Don’t have tickets for Bad Bunny yet? From 2 to 13 July, you can enter a competition for the chance to win one after all: https://play.stibstories.be/quiz
And Hangar fans should keep their eyes peeled too: a little birdie has just told us that a competition is also being planned for this event.
Practical info:
Venue: King Baudouin Stadium (Bad Bunny and BTS), Place des Palais (Hangar)
Dates: 1 and 2 July (BTS), 22 July (Bad Bunny), 15 August 2026 (Hangar)
Getting there: metro 6 or tram 7 and 9, stop ‘Heysel’ (BTS & Bad Bunny); metro 2 and 6, stop ‘Trône’, or tram 92 and 93, stop ‘Palais’ (Hangar)
More info: https://www.stib-mivb.be
Admiring the comic strip murals
IIn Brussels, you don’t just read comics in albums: you come across them on street corners, on façades, during a walk. Tintin, Gaston Lagaffe, the Smurfs, Lucky Luke and many other heroes take you on an open-air trail full of illustrated winks, vibrant colours and hidden urban gems.
It’s the perfect activity for rediscovering the capital in a different way, with family, friends or simply on your own: look up and keep your camera close to hand. And to round off the adventure in style, the Comic Art Museum welcomes you with its summer exhibitions.
Practical info:
Venue: Brussels city center and various quarters
Date: trail accessible all year round; guided tours from 5 July to 30 August 2026.
Getting there: metro 1 and 5, stops ‘Gare Centrale’, ‘De Brouckère’ or ‘Parc’, depending on your trail
More info: https://www.visit.brussels
Belgium’s National Day in black, yellow and red
If there’s one weekend when Brussels really knows how to celebrate, it’s the Belgian National Day weekend. For two days, the capital turns into one big festive playground, with concerts, street entertainment, lively terraces and a warm atmosphere where Brussels locals, tourists and families come together to enjoy the moment.
The festivities kick off on 20 July with the legendary National Ball on Place du Jeu de Balle. On the programme: music, dancing and good vibes until late in the evening. The next day, it’s time for the official ceremonies, activities in Brussels Park and the Belgian National Day Concert at the Royal Palace. To round off the day, the traditional fireworks light up the Brussels sky.
Whether you’re coming to sing, dance, enjoy the performances or simply soak up the unique atmosphere in the streets, this is and remains one of the most festive moments of the year to (re)discover ÉBrussels.
Practical info:
Venue: Place du Jeu de Ball, Place des Palais, Brussels Park and city centre
Dates: 20 and 21 July 2026
Getting there: metro 1 and 5, stop ‘Parc’ and ‘Gare Centrale’, or metro 2 and 6, stop ‘Tröne’
Meer info: https://www.2107.be
Plaisirs d’Été
Plaisirs d’Été invites you to enjoy Brussels like never before. Vaux Hall Summer brings a unique summer experience to Brussels Park, with concerts, performances, workshops and cosy open-air evenings. Quai d’Été wraps the canal banks in a holiday atmosphere, with activities, music and relaxing moments along the quays.
In August, Classissimo brings classical music to the Royal Park Theatre, while the Brussels Dance Festival gets the capital moving with performances, workshops and spectacular dance shows. Four different experiences with one shared aim: making the most of summer in Brussels.
Practical info:
Venue: Brussels Park, Quai des Péniches, Royal Park Theatre and city centre
Dates: from 17 June to 23 August 2026
Getting there: metro 1 and 5, stop ‘Parc’; metro 2 and 6, stop ‘Yser’; tram 4 and 10, stop ‘Bourse’
More info: https://www.plaisirsdete.be
The Midi Fair: the annual event you won’t want to miss
It’s one of those classics you never get tired of. Every summer, the Midi Fair brings atmosphere and magic to Boulevard du Midi, with music, colourful rides and the irresistible smell of ‘smoutebollen’. You go for the thrills, the dodgems, the big wheel, the game stalls… or simply for that typical fairground atmosphere that instantly puts you in the holiday mood.
With family, friends or for an outing with a touch of nostalgia: it’s the perfect way to make a summer’s day last just a little longer. And let’s be honest, going home without a little treat? That’s almost impossible!
Practical info:
Venue: Boulevard du Midi
Dates: from 18 July to 23 August 2026
Getting there: metro 2 and 6, stop ‘Porte de Hal’; tram 4 and 82 halte ‘Zuidstation’
More info: https://www.foiredumidi.brussels
A journey through time and a living spectacle
Summer in Brussels also has a taste of history and theatre. With the Ommegang, the streets of the city centre travel back several centuries in time. Historical costumes, horses, musicians and historical figures bring one of Brussels’ most iconic traditions back to life.
A few days later, Karreveld Castle once again becomes the rustic setting for the Bruxellons festival all summer long. Comedies, fresh takes on classics and open-air performances follow one another throughout the summer, in a setting that is well worth the detour.
Practical info:
Venue: Grand Place, Sablon, Royal Park (Ommegang) and Karreveld castle (Bruxellons)
Dates: Ommegang from 1 to 4 July; Bruxellons from 9 July to 27 September
Getting there: metro 1 and 5, stop ‘Gare Centrale’ or ‘Parc’ (Ommegang) ; metro 2 and 6, stop ‘Osseghem’(Bruxellons)
Meer info: https://ommegang.be/en/ en https://www.bruxellons.be
Bruxelles au rythme des festivals
This summer, Brussels is turning up the volume and rolling out the red carpet for its festivals. A jazzy atmosphere beneath the trees, cultural discoveries, world music or major concerts in the heart of Brussels: there’s something for everyone.
On 7 and 8 July, Brosella opens the festival season at the Green Theatre, in the park by the Atomium. An almost magical setting, surrounded by greenery and music, where you can enjoy jazz, folk and world music, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet just a stone’s throw from the metro.
On 11 and 12 July, Afrodisiac takes over. This vibrant, festive and socially engaged festival explores African roots through music, performances, encounters and flavours. A wonderful invitation to discover, dance, taste and share.
Practical info:
Venue: Green Theatre, Avenue de l’Atomium, 1020 Brussels (Brosella) and Carrefour des Attelages, Bois de la Cambre (Afrodisiac)
Dates: from 7 to 12 July 2026
Getting there: metro 6 stop ‘Heysel’ (Brosella); tram lines 7 and 93 stops ‘Legrand’, ‘Buyl’ or ‘Cambre-Étoile’ (Afrodisiac)
More info: https://www.brosellafestival.be and https://www.visit.brussels
En hoe ga je best naar al dat leuks?
Good news: most of these events are within walking distance of a metro, tram or bus stop. And to make travelling even easier, you can pay contactless: all you need is a bank card or smartphone to hop on board and make the most of your Brussels summer.