August 15 is a public holiday in Belgium, but Brussels remains particularly lively. In 2026, this date falls on a Saturday and coincides with several major events of the summer: the Flower Carpet on the Grand-Place, the Nomadic Theatres Festival in the Bois de la Cambre, the Foire du Midi or the exceptional opening of the Royal Palace.
Whether you’re looking for a free outing, an indoor activity, a cultural visit or an idea to extend the day into the evening, here is our selection to enjoy 15 August 2026 in Brussels with children or teenagers.
It takes place on August 15 in and around Brussels
All the free or paid events that take place this year on August 15: festival, guided tours, family activities etc…
Which museums are open on 15 August in Brussels?
The agenda for Saturday, August 15 in detail
🌺 The Flower Carpet on the Grand-Place
The Flower Carpet is the big event of this weekend of August 15th. For its 24th edition, the Grand-Place welcomes a huge floral arrangement inspired by The Great Wave of Kanagawa, Hokusai’s emblematic work revisited by Japanese artist Hiro Sugiyama.
The carpet covers an area of 1,680 m² and brings together more than 700,000 flowers, mainly dahlias grown in Belgium and near the Dutch border. The waves, Mount Fuji and different patterns inspired by Japanese culture appear in the middle of the flowers.
The installation can be admired free of charge from the Grote Markt. To better appreciate the drawing as a whole, it is also possible to book a view from above. A sound and light show is announced every evening during the event.
📅 When: Saturday, August 15, 2026, as part of the August 13-16 event
📍 Where: Grand-Place in Brussels
🎟️ Price: free access from the Grand-Place, panoramic views paid
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: all ages
🌙 Good to know: a sound and light show is offered in the evening
🎪 The Nomadic Theatres Festival in the Bois de la Cambre
The Festival Théâtres Nomades is one of our best free plans for August 15 with children. The Bois de la Cambre is transformed into a large village dedicated to theatre, circus, storytelling, puppetry, music and street arts.
Saturday’s program includes several shows for all audiences, such as Fête foraine, Je l’ai vu vol dans le ciel, Don qui trotte, Claꓘ or Le Voyage du jongleur. Other proposals are recommended from 7 or 8 years old.
Admission to the festival is free and the artists pass around a hat at the end of the performances. Some big top shows, including Le Songe, Famillissimo and Welcome Home, require prior reservation.
📅 When: Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 1:30 p.m.
📍 Where: Bois de la Cambre, Carrefour des Attelages
🎟️ Price: free, free participation in the hat
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: children, teens and families
⚠️ Reservation: mandatory for some shows under the big top
👑 Visit the Royal Palace of Brussels
The Royal Palace exceptionally opens its doors to the public during the summer. Saturday 15 August is one of the last days to discover the official fairs, the architecture of the building and several temporary exhibitions.
Four exhibitions enrich this summer visit. They are dedicated to Louise d’Orléans, first Queen of the Belgians, to music and imagination, to the creations of MyMachine and to the Royal Palace as a place of memory.
Reservation is mandatory for each visitor, including children benefiting from free admission. Visitors can also enjoy a 40% discount on their return train journey to Brussels using the SNCB code on their admission ticket.
📅 When: Saturday, August 15, 2026, depending on the time slot booked
📍 Where: Royal Palace of Brussels, Place des Palais
🎟️ Price: €10 from 13 years old, free for children under 13 years old
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: families, older children, teenagers and history lovers
⚠️ Reservation: mandatory for each visitor
🎡 Enjoy the Foire du Midi
The Foire du Midi is one of the great classics of the Brussels summer. It brings together about 130 attractions including carousels for the youngest, major attractions, games of skill, luna parks and gourmet stands.
Access to the site is free and each attraction is then charged. With young children, we advise you to come in the early afternoon, before the evening crowds. Teenagers will appreciate more the atmosphere at the end of the day and the attractions open until late at night.
On August 15, it falls on a Saturday, and the fair is announced until 1 a.m. Food stalls can open from 11 a.m.
📅 When: Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.
📍 Where: Boulevard du Midi, between the Porte de Hal and the Porte d’Anderlecht
🎟️ Price: free access, paid attractions
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: children, teens and families
🍟 Gourmet stands: opening possible from 11 a.m.
💃 The Brussels Dance Festival
From 14 to 23 August, the centre of Brussels will become a large stage dedicated to dance. Shows, performances, battles, workshops, screenings, DJ sets and participatory experiences take over several emblematic places in the capital.
The festival allows you to discover different styles of dance in public spaces and in cultural venues. The programme and access conditions vary depending on the appointment: remember to check the chosen activity before you go.
📅 When: Saturday, August 15, 2026
📍 Where: different locations in the centre of Brussels
🎟️ Price: depending on the activity chosen
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: older children, teenagers and dance enthusiasts
Visit Brussels differently on 15 August
Brussels, 1000 years of struggle
This guided tour allows you to discover the Marolles through the great social struggles that have marked the history of Brussels. The route evokes in particular the Battle of the Marolles, the War of the Mattresses, the transformations of the district and the struggles led by its inhabitants.
The walk also crosses the Place du Jeu de Balle, several little-known alleys and various emblematic places. The content will be especially suitable for teenagers and adults interested in history and social issues.
📅 When: Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
📍 Where: departure from the Place de la Chapelle, on the steps of the church
🎟️ Price: €3 at the time of booking, then free participation at the end of the visit
⏱️ Duration: about 2 hours
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: teenagers and adults
What to do on August 15 in Brussels if it rains or is very hot?
Harry Potter™: The Exhibition
Installed at Brussels Expo, this major exhibition allows you to rediscover the places, characters and creatures of the Harry Potter universe.
The tour features costumes, props and sets inspired by the movies, as well as several interactive experiences. Visitors can test their Quidditch skills, discover various emblematic rooms and participate in activities around magic.
The exhibition is on display in Brussels from 17 July to 8 November 2026. It is strongly recommended to book a slot for the day of August 15.
📅 When: Saturday, August 15, 2026, depending on available slots
📍 Where: Brussels Expo, Hall 2
🎟️ Price: from €18.20
⏱️ Duration: between 60 and 90 minutes
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: all ages, under 16s must be accompanied
Miraculous Experience
In this immersive adventure, kids join Ladybug and Cat Noir to take on several challenges and try to protect Paris.
They move from room to room, interact with the sets and participate directly in the various missions. The experience lasts about an hour and works especially well with children who are already familiar with the world of Miraculous. The sessions are announced until August 30, 2026.
📅 When: Saturday, August 15, 2026, depending on available slots
📍 Where: MOIR, rue du Marché aux Poulets 30, Brussels
🎟️ Price: from €17
⏱️ Duration: about 60 minutes
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: from 5 years old
Train World
Train World presents an impressive collection of locomotives, wagons and objects related to the history of the Belgian railway.
The scenography allows you to climb aboard several vehicles and discover the evolution of the train through large immersive spaces. Allow about two hours to enjoy the course with the children.
Train World is announced to be open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a last entry at 3:30 p.m.
📅 When: Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
📍 Where: Place Princesse Élisabeth 5, Schaerbeek
⏱️ Duration: about 2 hours
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: children, teenagers and train enthusiasts
⚠️ Last admission: 3:30 pm
The Museum of Natural Sciences
The Dinosaur Gallery remains a safe bet for a family outing. Children can observe the famous Bernissart iguanodons, learn about human evolution and browse various galleries dedicated to animals and biodiversity.
The museum announces an opening on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
📅 When: Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
📍 Where: rue Vautier 29, Brussels
🎟️ Price: €15 for adults, €6 from 3 to 25 years old, free under 3 years old
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: all ages, especially suitable for children