If you think Brussels goes quiet in August, you’re missing the rhythm. Brussels Dance Festival is back from 14 to 23 August 2026. This unique festival takes over the city, featuring performances, battles, workshops, concerts, DJ sets, screenings and participatory experiences.
Brussels Dance Festival is a must-see during August – the event transforms public space into an open-air dance floor and offers engaging activities during the usually sleepy summer season. The audience will be able to enjoy all styles of dances, from ballet and salsa to Irish dancing and contemporary dance.
The idea of the festival is celebration of dance in all its forms: urban, contemporary, classical, popular and experimental. Driven by a strong ambition – making Brussels Europe’s dance capital by 2030, the festival brings experienced artists and emerging talents together in an extensive, inclusive and accessible programme.
Most of the events and activities are free and open-air, taking place at some of the most iconic locations in Brussels. This year, major dance performances will take place at Place de Brouckère and Place de la Bourse, with additional interesting activities at Place de la Monnaie and in the former Town Hall on the Grand-Place.
For anyone interested in dance, this is an ultimate opportunity to not only discover but also participate and learn new skills in many diverse workshops and free dancefloor sessions.
Appealing to a wide and diverse audience — Brussels residents, families, dance enthusiasts, tourists and passersby, the event also aims to create an intergenerational and participatory space where everyone can feel invited to discover, dance and feel the energy. There will be shows, workshops, introductory sessions, dance parades, immersive installations and open dancefloors to transform the city into one big collective stage.
Some of the highlights:
The festival is built to be accessible and open to a broad audience, with a contemporary programme put together jointly by Brussels artists, schools, companies, collectives and cultural institutions.
These include the Théâtre de la Monnaie, Les Estivales de la Danse, Aurel Zola & The Revolutionary, Europa Danse Company, dancehouse.brussels, Bozar, the KBR Museum, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Palace and Belgian Beer World.
The festival kicks off on 14 August with a celebratory and colourful opening ceremony on Place de la Bourse.
The Fusion Stage — the main stage for dance and music performances, bringing together emerging and established artists.
The Labo by Dolce Gusto — an arena for workshops, free dancefloors and battles.
La Belgigabarre — a large-scale participatory classical dance class, open to all.
DJAM — La Convention — a full-day event conceived with Alex Francoeur and guests.
Dancing Visits (new format) — guided visits with dance, at the Hôtel de Ville from 19 to 23 August.
Screenings at Cinéma Palace.
Activations at the Mont des Arts and at various venues across the city centre.
Dance kick-off with Bal Moderne, in collaboration with La Monnaie & Dance workshops beforhand.
During the festival period, cultural partners across Brussels present their own performances, exhibitions, parties and workshops — many of them free.
To see more details about all the events & experiences, check the full programme.
Practical information
Free admission
14–23 August
Hours
Daily, 3pm–10pm
Fridays and Saturdays: afterparties until 2am
Venues: De Brouckère, Place de la Bourse, Hôtel de Ville, Place de la Monnaie, and further venues across the city centre.
