The Comic Strip Festival takes over the heart of Brussels on 19 and 20 September

Brussels does not need a museum to prove it is the world capital of comics: it simply opens its streets. On 19 and 20 September 2026, the Bourse and the pedestrian zone turn into one giant open-air comic strip for the Comic Strip Festival.

A festival back in the city centre

This year the BD Comic Strip Festival returns in a new, more compact edition. Meet-ups, signing sessions, exhibitions, sales, activities for everyone and the traditional Atomium Comics Awards ceremony.

What’s on

• More than 150 activities over two days
• More than 70 authors, illustrators and guests
• A giant comic mural drawn live in the pedestrian zone
• A huge comics market for browsers and collectors
• Talks, screenings, exhibitions and workshops
• Most activities are free

The Atomium Awards

On Saturday 19 September, visit.brussels and its partners reveal the winners of the 8 Atomium Comics Awards, most of them cash prizes designed to fund creators’ work.

The City of Brussels behind the event

The festival is an initiative of the pedestrian-zone shopkeepers, supported by the City of Brussels, Entreprendre Bruxelles, Brussels Major Events and visit.brussels.

❓ Frequently asked questions

When is the Comic Strip Festival 2026? Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026, at the Bourse and across the Brussels pedestrian zone.

Is it free? The vast majority of activities are free and open to all.

Are there signing sessions? Yes, dozens of authors sign all weekend at the Bourse site.

How do I get there? Metro Bourse/De Brouckère, or a short walk from the Grand-Place.

🔗 Sources & verifiable links

• visit.brussels — Comic Strip Festival
• The Pedestrian Zone — Brussels
• City of Brussels
• Atomium Awards — Association Raymond Leblanc