Events, festivals and family outings not to be missed for the start of the school year
In September, Brussels resumes its back-to-school rhythm without giving up outdoor outings. The month is particularly rich in free festivals, sporting events, cultural events and entertainment in the different districts of the capital.
Between the Brussels International Film Festival, European Heritage Days, Car-Free Sunday, the Brussels Urban Sessions and several medieval festivals, here is our selection to enjoy Brussels with your family in September 2026.
🎬 From 4 to 12 September 2026: the Brussels International Film Festival
The Brussels International Film Festival returns in September for nine days of cinema in the heart of Brussels. Previews, competitions, meetings, open-air screenings and special screenings take over several major venues in the capital.
The festival also announces family sessions and workshops for young people. You will have to check the detailed program in order to choose the films adapted to the age of the children.
📅 When: Friday, September 4 to Saturday, September 12, 2026
📍 Where: UGC De Brouckère, Cinéma Galeries, Cinéma Palace and various Brussels venues
🎟️ Price: from €10.50 for a classic session
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: families according to the films, older children, teenagers and film lovers
⚠️ Good to know: the recommended age varies according to each screening
📚 September 5 and 6, 2026: StoryHeaven at Tour & Taxis
StoryHeaven is a new show dedicated to fantasy, romance, romantasy and fantasy literature. For two days, visitors will be able to meet authors, attend conferences, participate in workshops and discover new literary worlds.
Quizzes, signing sessions, writing and calligraphy workshops, creations around the book and a cosplay contest are notably announced. An outing that should particularly appeal to teenagers who are passionate about reading and fantasy universes.
📅 When: Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6, 2026
📍 Where: Tour & Taxis, Avenue du Port 86C, Brussels
🎟️ Price: €15 for the day, €25 for the weekend; Reduced rate for cosplay visitors
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: teenagers, young adults and passionate readers
📖 Included: access to activities, workshops, conferences and meetings
🚲 From 11 to 13 September 2026: the Brussels Urban Sessions
For three days, the Parc du Cinquantenaire is transformed into a huge field dedicated to urban sports. BMX Freestyle occupies a central place, alongside other disciplines, entertainment, music and events around urban culture.
Visitors will be able to watch some of the world’s best athletes perform particularly spectacular tricks. Access to the urban festival is free, but some official competitions have a separate ticket office.
📅 When: Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13, 2026
📍 Where: Parc du Cinquantenaire, Brussels
🎟️ Price: free access to the festival; Some competitions are paid
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: families, older children, teenagers and urban sports enthusiasts
🎪 September 13, 2026: FestiWHalll in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
The WHalll cultural centre is organising a big free day to present its new season. Indoor and outdoor shows, creative workshops, concerts, exhibitions, food trucks and an association village follow one another throughout the day.
Family programming includes circus, a Brazilian silent film for children and a dance-theatre show for toddlers. The activities are free, but registration is required for several proposals.
📅 When: Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
📍 Where: WHalll, avenue Charles Thielemans 93, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
🎟️ Price: free, registration required for some activities
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: All ages, including toddlers
🍴 On site: food trucks and catering areas
🏰 From 18 to 20 September 2026: the Medieval Festivals of Forest
The gardens of the Forest Abbey are immersed in the era of the knights for a whole weekend. Camps, craftsmen in costumes, sword fights, equestrian jousting, musicians, jugglers and ancient trades allow you to discover the Middle Ages in a particularly festive atmosphere.
Children will be able to take part in period games, observe the work of craftsmen and attend various shows. A late-night opening is organised on Friday and the entertainment continues until 11pm on Saturday.
📅 When: Friday, September 18 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, September 20 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
📍 Where: Forest Abbey Gardens
🎟️ Price: free
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: children, teenagers, families and history lovers
⚔️ On the program: jousting, fighting, games, workshops, music and a medieval market
🏛️ September 19 and 20, 2026: European Heritage Days
Each year, European Heritage Days allow you to discover buildings, places and spaces that are usually closed or difficult to access. For their 38th edition, the theme will be “Our landscape, our heritage”.
The programme will explore the built, natural and social landscapes of Brussels, as well as the infrastructure, public spaces and viewpoints that shape the capital. Some tours will be freely accessible, while others may require a reservation.
📅 When: Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026
📍 Where: throughout the Brussels-Capital Region
🎟️ Price: depending on the activities; Detailed terms to come
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: families, older children, teenagers and architecture lovers
⚠️ Good to know: the full programme and bookings will be published at a later date
🚴 September 20, 2026: Car-Free Sunday
For one day, the entire Brussels-Capital Region is closed to car traffic, with the exception of vehicles with an exemption. The streets become a huge space dedicated to pedestrians, bicycles, scooters and rollerblades.
Many activities are organized in the different districts. It’s a rare opportunity to cross Brussels in a different way and enjoy a quieter city with the children.
📅 When: Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
📍 Where: throughout the Brussels-Capital Region
🎟️ Price: free
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: all ages
🚋 Good to know: public transport is free all day
🏹 September 26 and 27, 2026: the Médiévales de Rouge-Cloître
For their first edition, the Médiévales de Rouge-Cloître transform this natural and heritage site into a medieval village. A craftsmen’s market, entertainment and immersive shows are announced throughout the weekend.
Visitors will be able to discover creations inspired by ancient eras, meet craftsmen and enjoy the green setting of the Rouge-Cloître. A family outing particularly suitable to end the month in the great outdoors.
📅 When: Saturday, September 26 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, September 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
📍 Where: Rouge-Cloître, rue du Rouge-Cloître 8, Auderghem
🎟️ Price: free
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: all ages, families and lovers of medieval worlds
🏃 September 27, 2026: Run to Kick in the Bois de la Cambre
Run to Kick is a solidarity run and walk organized for the benefit of research against pediatric cancers. Participants can form a team with family, friends or colleagues.
Several distances are offered: walks of 2 or 5 kilometers and races of 2, 5 or 10 kilometers. The participants commit to raising funds, which are entirely donated to research projects.
📅 When: Sunday, September 27, 2026
📍 Where: Bois de la Cambre
🎟️ Participation: registration and minimum fundraising
💰 Collection requested: €200 for adults; €100 for children and students under 25 years old
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: families, children, teenagers, walkers and runners
September news not to be missed
The events that will take place throughout September in and around Brussels, not to be missed
Immersive experiences
It is a very trendy activity that appeals to children and teenagers. Most use VR (virtual reality). A minimum size is required for some immersive experiences.
Leisure: fun family activities
The great classics such as Laser Games, Bowling or amusement parks.
Shows: to be booked in September
There are few scheduled dates for certain shows (such as the Ballet of Light). It is advisable to book in advance.
Museums: to visit with the family
There are many museums in Brussels. You will be spoilt for choice depending on the age of your child or his desires. Museums generally offer children’s tours or audios adapted to young audiences.
Guided tours: tours scheduled this month
They allow you to discover Brussels in a different way, with a tour guide or in complete autonomy.
Workshops: family, duo, solo
Discover the workshops open in September 2026
