An annual summer fair that has taken place in the heart of Europe since 1880 is back for its 146th edition, with 123 attractions and stalls occupying a 1.6-kilometre route along Boulevard du Midi, in Brussels, conveniently close to the city’s international rail station.
Described by Patrick De Corte, president of the Brussels Showmen’s Union, as one of the biggest events of its kind, and “part of Brussels’ identity,” the traditional travelling fairground has been recognised since 2024 on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The event brings classic family-friendly entertainment and treats to the Belgian capital every summer, and this year is expected by organisers to attract over a million visitors.
The Royal Wheel is back with fully enclosed cabins, and this year boasts an accessible pod for visitors with reduced mobility. Popular fairground attractions such as shooting galleries and children’s amusements will also be in the mix alongside the time-honoured haunted house and a giant Hawaiian-themed ride dubbed “Tiki Ville.” The usual refreshments such as Belgian mussels, fries, waffles, and ice cream will be available, as well as a range of other food stall offerings.
But due to infrastructure works taking place around Eurostar station Gare du Midi, this year’s event, like those in the last seven years since the roadworks began, will be compromised. The fairground area will be split in two, with some attractions relocated towards the Arts et Métiers area.
Other changes this year include additional safety and security measures in the form of a Red Cross station, a permanent police presence on site and more patrols. Reducing noise pollution is also high on the agenda, with 31 attractions fitted with monitors and amplified sound capped at 90 decibels in daytime hours, dropping to 75 decibels after 10 pm.
The site is free to enter. Visitors can arrive in the fair’s vicinity by bus, metro, tram, and train, as well as by car, with reduced-price parking (€5 flat rate) available at the Porte de Hal Interparking facility.
And on 12 August, in another annual tradition, the fair will welcome 360 disabled, disadvantaged or poorly children, completely free-of-charge. The goodwill day is run by the fairground managers in partnership with sponsoring charity “Make A Wish.”
In keeping with that spirit of open access, the fair’s 2026 motto is We will all, all, all go to the Foire du Midi, a nod to the song Torremolinos by the Belgian comic rock band Sttellla. Lead vocalist Jean-Luc Fonck is this year’s event patron.
