August is a very good month to enjoy Brussels with your family. Between the major summer events, the open-air festivals, the children’s courses, the immersive exhibitions, the aquatic outings and the free events, there is something to keep the children busy during the holidays, without necessarily going far.
Here is a selection of ideas to do in Brussels in August with children, between cultural outings, outdoor activities, creative moments and great summer classics.
August news not to be missed
The programme for the month of August in detail
From 3 July to 16 August 2026: visit the Royal Palace of Brussels
It’s one of the great summer outings in Brussels. The Royal Palace of Brussels reopens its doors to the public from 3 July to 16 August 2026, with a visit possible during the day, except on Mondays. It is a perfect outing to introduce children to an emblematic place in the capital, between large rooms, Belgian history, architecture and a city holiday atmosphere.
When : Friday, July 3 to Sunday, August 16, 2026
Where: Royal Palace of Brussels, Place des Palais
Price: reservation according to the terms of the visit
For whom: families, older children, teenagers, children curious about history and monuments
🎡 From July 18 to August 23, 2026: the Foire du Midi
The Foire du Midi is one of the great classics of the Brussels summer. It will be located on Boulevard du Midi from 18 July to 23 August 2026, with 130 attractions for young and old. Access to the fair is free, the attractions are paid. It’s a very effective outing with the kids, especially at the end of the day, to enjoy the rides, food stalls, and city holiday vibe.
📅 When: Saturday, July 18 to Sunday, August 23, 2026
📍 Where: Boulevard du Midi, Brussels
🎫 Price: free access, paid attractions
👨 👦 👧 👩 For whom: children, teenagers, families, a must-see summer outing
🎻 From 5 to 11 August 2026: the Classissimo Festival
The Classissimo Festival celebrates its twentieth edition with seven evenings dedicated to classical music. The programme travels from Mozart to Brahms, through opera, tango and music from Spain and Latin America. Rarer instruments, such as the cimbalom and the glassharmonica, will also allow you to discover classical music from an original angle.
📅 When: Wednesday, August 5 to Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Concerts at 8 p.m.
📍 Where: Théâtre Royal du Parc, rue de la Loi 3, 1000 Brussels
🎟️ Price: €15 in advance, €18 on site, free for under 18s and students
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: older children, teenagers, music-loving and curious families
🌳 August 9, 2026: the planting of the Meyboom
Every 9 August, Brussels perpetuates one of its oldest folk traditions. The Meyboom crosses the city centre accompanied by giants, brass bands and the Compagnons de Saint-Laurent. The tree must be planted before 5 p.m. at the corner of Rue des Sables and Rue du Marais, otherwise this privilege will be symbolically lost to Leuven.
📅 When: Sunday, August 9, 2026. Passage near the Grand-Place between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., planting before 5 p.m.
📍 Where: centre of Brussels, then corner of Rue des Sables and Rue du Marais
🎟️ Price: free
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: families, children, lovers of folklore and Brussels traditions
🌺 From 13 to 16 August 2026: the Brussels Flower Carpet
The famous Flower Carpet returns to the Grand-Place for a twenty-fourth edition dedicated to Japan. Hokusai’s Great Wave of Kanagawa will be reinterpreted using more than 500,000 dahlias. The installation will measure 70 by 24 metres and can be admired free of charge from the Grand-Place or from the balcony of the City Hall with a specific ticket.
📅 When: Thursday, August 13 to Sunday, August 16, 2026. Sound and light show from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., every 30 minutes
📍 Where: Grand-Place in Brussels
🎟️ Price: free access from the Grand-Place, panoramic access to the balcony of the City Hall for a fee
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: all ages, families and lovers of flowers and beautiful images.
🎪 From 13 to 16 August 2026: the Nomadic Theatres Festival
The Bois de la Cambre is transformed for four days into a huge village dedicated to the performing arts. More than 30 theatre, circus, puppetry, music, storytelling and street art shows are announced. Outdoor shows are freely accessible, while some performances under the big top require a reservation.
📅 When: Thursday, August 13 to Sunday, August 16, 2026
📍 Where: Bois de la Cambre, Carrefour des Attelages
🎟️ Price: free admission with the possibility of supporting the artists with the hat. Reservation for some big top shows
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: children, teenagers, families and lovers of live performance
✨ August 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28, 2026: Park Poétik
Park Poétik sows shows, workshops, concerts and activities in the streets, squares and parks of Forest and Saint-Gilles all summer long. The Mini Fiestas allow you to discover different artistic proposals in a participatory and accessible atmosphere. The program and location change depending on the dates.
📅 When: August 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28, 2026, usually from 4 p.m.
📍 Where: different places in Forest and Saint-Gilles
🎟️ Price: free
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: all ages, families and lovers of outdoor entertainment
💃 From 14 to 23 August 2026: the Brussels Dance Festival
For ten days, the centre of Brussels becomes a large stage dedicated to dance. Shows, workshops, battles, DJ sets, screenings and participatory experiences take over various emblematic places in the capital. The programme mixes contemporary dance, urban cultures and events accessible to the general public.
📅 When: Friday, August 14 to Sunday, August 23, 2026
📍 Where: in different locations in the centre of Brussels
🎟️ Price: depending on the appointment chosen, with several free activities
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: families, older children, teenagers and dance enthusiasts.
🎶 August 17-22, 2026: The Hide & Seek Festival
The Hide & Seek Festival offers eleven concerts in unusual Brussels venues or places usually closed to the public. A tram depot, the ballroom of the Council of State, a Buddhist centre or the studios of the P.A.R.T.S. dance school became the backdrop for concerts devoted to traditional and world music.
📅 When: Monday, August 17 to Saturday, August 22, 2026
📍 Where: eleven different locations in Brussels
🎟️ Price: varies according to the concert. Advance booking strongly recommended
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: teenagers, music-loving children, curious families and heritage lovers
🌱 August 22 and 23, 2026: the HappyLife Festival
For two days, the Ferme Nos Pilifs hosts a family-friendly, inclusive and sustainable festival. More than 70 exhibitors are gathered around a creative market, a gourmet village, a space dedicated to nature and a Kids Village. Workshops, concerts, animal encounters, wooden games, merry-go-round and children’s activities complete the programme.
📅 When: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August 2026, from 10 am to 6 pm
📍 Where: Ferme Nos Pilifs, Trassersweg 347, 1120 Neder-over-Heembeek
🎟️ Price: free
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: children, families, lovers of nature, creation and sustainable consumption
🕺 August 23, 2026: The Modern Ball
The Place de la Monnaie is transformed into a large open-air dance floor. The public is invited to learn four short choreographies free of charge to music by Beyoncé, Prince, Lily Allen and Hamsa El Din. No particular level is required: the choreographies are designed to bring together children, teenagers, adults, beginners and experienced dancers.
📅 When: Sunday, August 23, 2026 from 2 p.m.
📍 Where: Place de la Monnaie, Brussels
🎟️ Price: free
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: children, teenagers, adults and families.
🎲 From 28 to 30 August 2026: the Brussels Games Festival
The Brussels Games Festival brings board game lovers together for three days at The EGG Brussels. Family games, new products, prototypes, role-playing games, figurines, trading cards and meetings with creators are on the program. There are also special areas for children.
📅 When: Friday, August 28 to Sunday, August 30, 2026. Friday from 2 pm to 00:30 am, Saturday from 10 am with a Game Night until Sunday morning, Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm
📍 Where: The EGG Brussels, rue Bara 175, 1070 Anderlecht
🎟️ Price: €6 in presale, €7 on site, subject to availability
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: children, teenagers, families and board game enthusiasts
🎵 From 28 to 30 August 2026: Plazey
Élisabeth Park is home to Plazey, a free neighbourhood festival created with the inhabitants. Music, dance, workshops, arts and gourmet stands take over the park for three days. The atmosphere is friendly and intergenerational, with the possibility of coming for a specific activity or simply to enjoy the park.
📅 When: Friday, August 28 to Sunday, August 30, 2026. Start Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Detailed Saturday and Sunday schedules still to be confirmed
📍 Where: Elisabeth Park, Koekelberg
🎟️ Price: free
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: families, children, locals and outdoor festival enthusiasts
🪆 August 29 and 30, 2026: Insifon, the puppet festival
The Meudon park becomes a real open-air theater on the occasion of the Insifon festival. Eleven puppet, object theatre and visual arts shows are offered by Belgian and international companies. Face painting, a travelling show, a bar and snacks complete the programme.
📅 When: Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August 2026, from 2 pm to 6.30 pm
📍 Where: Meudon Park, Rue des Faînes, 1120 Neder-Over-Heembeek
🎟️ Price: free
👨 👦 👩 👧 Who is it for: young children, families and puppet lovers
Cool museums to visit with the family in August
Immersive Experiences: Ideal if it’s hot or raining
Air-conditioned places if it’s very hot this summer
Guided tours to discover Brussels this summer
Essential family leisure activities
Discover the world of comics in Brussels in August
In the evening, in August in Brussels
Ideas for evening outings with your child or teenager