Brussels Jazz Festival
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The Brussels Jazz Festival is an annual event that takes place in the last week of May, featuring world-class musicians from Belgium and beyond.
With multiple stages and a diverse lineup, this festival is a must-visit for jazz enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the genre, you’re sure to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and top-notch performances.
Enjoy over 150 free jazz concerts around the city!
Grand Place
Don’t miss the concerts at Grand Place. It is simply beautiful to experience some good music in this gorgeous setting. Go early to get seats, it’s more convenient with kids – otherwise it can be challenging with little ones in the crowd
There are cafés and restaurants at Grand Place, you can also bring your own picnic or buy a waffle from the streets around. We just bought some fruits from the stand in front of the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
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Sainte-Catherine
There are also concerts at Sainte-Catherine. Dansaert is the hip part of the center of Brussels and there are several cafés, bars and restaurants for all tastes
There is a tiny playground near Sainte-Catherine as well. Now the playground is tiny, so it’s not really something on its own – but it’s right next to some nice cafés and restaurants, like De Markten Café (also snacks to eat) and Otomat pizza (with a beer suggestion for every pizza, plus chilly oil and olive oil in beer bottles!). Also get ice cream from Gaston afterwards at the other side of Sainte-Catherine! You get to enjoy some drinks or good food, the kids get to enjoy themselves, what more can you ask for?
Here’s the address for the tiny playground. It’s best for kids 3-6 years old, as younger won’t be able to climb up the slide and older will get bored too easily
Rue du Vieux Marché aux Grains 5, 1000 Bruxelles
https://goo.gl/maps/PqH39Tsa8gL57Pgh7
There is also the little red cantine for cocktails opposite of the church
Bourse
There are concerts also at Bourse, so don’t miss that if you are walking from Grand Place to Sainte-Catherine (which you should walk going through the lively area of Saint-Géry, maybe stopping at Zebra for a drink). Boulevard Anspach has been pedestrianized and there are little fountains where kids can play a bit further away, but still Grand Place and Sainte-Catherine are better options
Practical stuff
*This is not an event for families per se, but it is a great way for families also to enjoy some good music in the city
*You can find the full program here
*There are also many other venues participating, like Jazz Station, Sounds Jazz Club – also many of our favorite bars, like Monk and Roskam
*Stroller friendly, wheelchair friendly
*Closest metro to Grand Place is Gare Centrale, closest metro to Sainte-Catherine is Sainte-Catherine. If you want to go by car (which is not a very good idea for the center), we usually use this parking
Interparking Brussels – Parking Grand Place
Rue du Marché Aux Herbes 104, 1000 Bruxelles
https://goo.gl/maps/oof12CKyzN8WnvmS8
