Event Details
Welcome to the Brussels Dance Festival 2026
From 14 to 23 August 2026, the heart of Brussels turns into a vast open air stage. For ten days, the Brussels Dance Festival brings dance in all its forms (urban, contemporary, classical, popular and experimental) directly into public space, with performances, battles, workshops, DJ sets, film screenings and interactive experiences at the city's most iconic locations.
Highlights
- Ten days of free dance programming in central Brussels
- Around 45 indoor and outdoor activities across multiple venues
- "Plaisirs Démodés" interactive karaoke experience on Place de la Bourse
- "Heritage in Motion", a contemporary dance performance at Brussels City Hall (19 to 23 August)
- Rooftop party on the Bourse with DJs playing Afro Caribbean, rap and baile funk
- BELGIGABARRE: a giant open air ballet barre on Place de la Monnaie on 22 August
- Afterparties on Fridays and Saturdays until 2:00 AM
- Over 40 partners, including Théâtre de la Monnaie, Bozar and the KBR Museum
Program
The festival takes place simultaneously across several central squares: Place De Brouckère, Place de la Bourse, City Hall and Place de la Monnaie. The program is built jointly by Brussels artists, dance schools, companies and cultural institutions, with the ambition of making Brussels Europe's dance capital by 2030. Alongside classical ballet and salsa, expect Irish dancing and contemporary choreography. Running in parallel at Place De Brouckère through 23 August is "Prodigy12", an immersive light installation blending performing arts, architecture and digital technology. The program is designed for everyone: families, dance lovers, tourists and locals alike.
Tickets
The entire festival is free to attend; most performances, workshops and parties require no registration. Exact times for individual program items are published on the official website.
Visitor Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the program is spread across several squares in the city center.
- Arrive early if you want a good spot for a popular event like the BELGIGABARRE.
- Traveling by STIB/MIVB public transport, train or on foot is recommended, as the city center gets busy during festival days.
- The Friday and Saturday afterparties are a good fit if you want to keep dancing into the night.
- Keep checking the official website, since new program items are added throughout the ten days.
