🎡 Hello Brussels — The Fair is alive, and so is Brussels

📱 Follow the Fair live with Silvio!

To experience the 146th Midi Fair minute by minute—the atmosphere, behind-the-scenes glimpses, top picks, and best deals—follow Silvio on Facebook. He’ll be reporting everything in real time, from the first carousel ride to the final spin of the Royal Wheel. 🎡✨

This is it. On Saturday, 18 July 2026, the 146th edition of the Midi Fair will throw open its doors on Boulevard du Midi, between Arts et Métiers and Porte de Hal. Until Sunday, 23 August, 1.6 km of rides, laughter, and sweet scents will transform the south of the capital into a massive open-air playground.

And once again this year, the event is a City of Brussels initiative—led by the alderman for Economic Affairs, Didier Wauters, in tandem with the president of the Brussels Union of Showmen, Patrick De Corte.

A unifying summer event for all of Brussels

In his second year at the helm, Didier Wauters doesn’t hide his pride:

"This fair is an unmissable event for Brussels and its visitors. Beyond its festive and unifying character, it serves as an economic engine that upholds a centuries-old know-how."

Enhanced security, cleanliness, sound management adapted for local residents, a dedicated eco-team for waste sorting: the City of Brussels teams have worked for months to provide “the best possible conditions for everyone”.

Why the Midi Fair is a precious Brussels tradition

A historic figure in the Brussels funfair world, Patrick De Corte, president of the Brussels Union of Showmen, watches over the event’s magic:

"The Midi Fair remains one of Belgium’s most important fairs, ideally located in the heart of the city. The snail stalls, the terraces, the attractions, the funfair trades... all of this makes it a popular and friendly meeting place. It’s a tradition to be preserved."

Now retired, one of his sons runs the family stall. The torch has been passed on—just like the funfair memories that every Brussels resident holds dear.

Meet Jean-Luc Fonck, the fair’s laughing ambassador

This year, the Fair has a special ambassador: Jean-Luc Fonck, writer, composer, and singer of the cult band Sttellla (founded in 1975). With his quirky humour, wordplay, and unabashedly Belgian warmth, the promise is simple.

"We’ll all, all, all... go to the Midi Fair!"

The 2026 Midi Fair in numbers: 123 attractions & more

• 146 years of existence (first edition in 1880)
• Over 100 showman families, representing about 400 people who live at the Fair
• 123 attractions and stalls
• 1.6 km of festive route
• Over 1 million visitors expected
• 500 showmen working on site
• 360 children expected for the Day for Ill Children

In 2024, funfair culture was also added to the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list by UNESCO, a joint submission by Belgium and France.

The Royal Wheel: Accessible views over Brussels

You can’t miss it: the new Royal Wheel promises breathtaking views over Brussels from its enclosed, spacious, and comfortable cabins. A specially adapted PRM cabin ensures an inclusive experience for people with reduced mobility.

12 August: A day of magic for 360 children

On Tuesday, 12 August 2026, the showmen—in partnership with the City of Brussels and a dozen charities—will offer a full day of fun to 360 children who are ill, disabled, or from disadvantaged backgrounds. Laughter, rides, memories: the finest of funfair traditions.

And on the final Sunday of the Fair, several operators will offer reduced prices.

How to get to the Midi Fair Brussels?

• Metro: lines 2 and 6, stop Porte de Hal or Gare du Midi
• Tram: lines 51 / 82 (Arts et Métiers) — 10 / 4 / 32 (Lemonnier)
• Train: Gare du Midi (a 3-minute walk)
• Villo!: stations 40, 13, 51, 53
• Car: Porte de Hal car park for €5 (from 3 pm on weekdays, all day on weekends)

What are the Midi Fair Brussels opening hours?

• Weekdays: 2 pm → midnight (food stalls open from 11 am)
• Weekends & evenings before public holidays: 1 pm → 1 am
• Sunday, 23 August (closing day): until 11 pm

Is the Brussels Midi Fair free to enter?

Because the Midi Fair is more than just a fair: it’s a popular, family-friendly, and free-to-enter event that brings together generations and communities across Brussels. It’s also a tremendous economic driver for the city and the Midi district for six weeks. In short: Brussels is alive, and so is the Fair. Shall we go?

🔗 Verifiable sources & links

• Official website: foiredumidi.brussels
• City of Brussels: bruxelles.be
• Alderman Didier Wauters: didierwauters.be
• UNESCO — Funfair Culture: ich.unesco.org
• Press contact, Office of Didier Wauters: yliana.mondele-ondel@brucity.be — +32 490 32 06 42
• Contact, Union of Showmen: info@patrick-decorte.be — +32 475 41 07 61