July 1 to 4, 2026
Grand-Place and Sablon district, Brussels
The Brussels Ommegang is one of the major historical events of the summer. For a few days, the centre of Brussels is immersed in the era of Charles V with a procession, Renaissance costumes, horses, flags, ancient music, a market, jousting and a show on the Grand-Place.
The evening show is the most impressive moment, with a great historical re-enactment in an exceptional setting. It starts late and is especially suitable for older children and teenagers. With young children, the free activities at the Sablon are the easiest to experience during the day: Renaissance market, village, jousting, knight fights and medieval atmosphere.
It’s a very visual outing, perfect for discovering the history of Brussels in a different way.
Why go with children?
The Ommegang works very well as a family because history comes alive. Children see costumes, horses, standards, characters, knights, musicians and folk groups parade through the centre of Brussels.
For the youngest, the activities of the Sablon are the easiest to organise. You can spend the day there, enjoy the atmosphere, watch the jousting and discover the Renaissance market without necessarily staying too long.
For older children and teenagers, the historical procession and the show on the Grand-Place are the most spectacular moments.
What to see during the Ommegang
The highlight of the Ommegang is the historical show on the Grote Markt. It reconstructs the entry of Charles V and his son Philippe into Brussels, in an exceptional setting.
The historic procession crosses the centre of Brussels before reaching the Grand-Place. It’s a good way to enjoy the atmosphere of the Ommegang, with the costumes, horses, musicians and characters, without necessarily booking a seat in the grandstand.
In the Sablon, the free festivities allow you to discover the Renaissance market, the craftsmen, the jousting, the knights’ fights and the medieval atmosphere. This is the easiest part to experience with children during the day.
Practical information
- AGE: easy Sablon activities during the day with children. Evening show rather recommended with older children or teenagers.
- DATES: Wednesday, July 1 to Saturday, July 4, 2026.
- OPENING HOURS: historical show on Wednesday 1 July and Friday 3 July at 9 pm. Placement from 7:30 p.m. Japan pre-show at 8:10 p.m.
- DURATION: free for activities at the Sablon. Plan a full evening for the procession and the show.
- LOCATION: Grand-Place in Brussels and the Sablon district.
- PRICE: show on the Grand-Place for a fee, from €59 to €89 depending on the seat. Free procession and entertainment at the Sablon .
- RESERVATION: required for the historical show on the Grand-Place.
- EXPERIENCE: historical show, procession in costumes, Renaissance market, medieval village, jousting, knights’ fights, music, horses and entertainment at the Sablon.
- ACCESS: The festivities take place in the centre of Brussels, between the Sablon, the Royal Park and the Grand-Place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the event can be very impressive for children thanks to the costumes, the horses, the music, the jousting and the procession. The free activities at the Sablon are the simplest with young children. The evening show is best suited for older children and teenagers.
Reservations are required to attend the historical show on the Grand-Place. The procession through the streets of Brussels and the activities at the Sablon are free.
The show on the Grand-Place is not free, with tickets from €59 to €89 depending on the seat. The historical procession and the festivities at the Sablon are free.
The historic procession can be seen for free in the streets of Brussels before it arrives at the Grand-Place. The festivities of the Sablon are also free, with a Renaissance market, village, jousting, knight fights and a medieval atmosphere.
With young children, daytime entertainment at the Sablon is the easiest to live with. With older children or teenagers, the evening show on the Grand-Place is the most spectacular moment.
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