Event Dates
From: Thursday, February 12, 2026
To: Sunday, February 15, 2026
Bright Brussels 2026
Bright Brussels is a unique festival in the Belgian Capital featuring 16 artistic works and light installations leading through the Royal district.
Bright Brussels 2026
Bright Brussels is a unique festival in the Belgian Capital featuring 16 artistic works and light installations leading through the Royal district and European quarter to the Parc du Cinquantenaire.
- Visiting Brussels? Stay at The NH Brussels Grand Sablon, rated “Fabulous” by guests, featuring stylish rooms, delicious breakfast options and perfect location.
The Festival
- Next Edition: Thursday 12th – Sunday 15th February, 2026.
- Enjoy the Bright Brussels festival daily from 19:00 – 23:00 over four evenings and two routes and discover fun and immersive artistic works.
- There is also a fringe programme of various colourful events alongside the festival.
- Awaiting for the overall theme for the 2024 edition.
- Stay close to the gay district in Quartier Saint-Jacques. The Pillows City Hotel Brussels centre is rated “Suburb” by guests with beautifully designed rooms and is located in the centre of Brussels.
The Installations
- Brussels’ brightest event will illuminate three neighbourhoods: the Royal Quarter, the European Quarter and from the Lehon Quarter to Avenue Louis Bertrand in Schaerbeek.
- The routes will be subtly punctuated by some twenty immersive and poetic works of art.
The Night Market
- The Sibelga Bright Market covers 300m² and takes place in rue du Bois Sauvage/Wildewoudstraat, near the Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula. You can visit it from 19:00 to 23:00.
- Browse a stunning range of second-hand lighting and refurbished vintage lamps.
The Fringe Programme
- Bright Brussels also has a fringe programme. Brussels’ Festival of Lights will be punctuated by numerous events open to all.
- Visitors who are keen on culture will be able to choose from various museums participating in the event.
- Food lovers can stop at several great spots along the way to pick up a bite to eat.
- Shopping enthusiasts can take advantage of late evening openings in several shops.
- Other highlights include Gospel Choir signing by candle light.
Gay Brussels
- Most of Brussels’ gay bars, clubs, saunas and shops are located in the city centre, specifically around the Saint Jacuqes district. Its scene is true to the city’s image: discreet, varied, warm and friendly.
- Discover the best places to stay and play with our insider guide to gay Brussels.
Recommended Hotels in Brussels
Here are the Hotels we recommend with good reviews that keep you close to all the action
Hotel Amigo, Warwick Brussels, Hotel Grand Place, Motel One,
Save on Hotels
August is a busy time in Brussels
Book early and save money.
Where we stay!
The Hotel Brussels is one of the best
hotels in town with stunning views
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Bright Brussels, visit The Website
Gay Map of Brussels
Most of the gay bars in Brussels are located in the city centre around the streets Rue du Marché au Charbon. We have found good hotels close to the gay area keeping you in the middle of all the fun.
Rue Duquesnoy 51000 Brussels, Belgium
This luxurious hotel in the of Brussels is a 2-minute walk from the Grand-Place and . It features free access to the fitness centre and sauna. A brand newly installed air conditioning system is now fully operational for your satisfaction and comfort.
The offers modern rooms with a flat-screen TV, free internet and a marble bathroom. Guests can enjoy an American every morning in the salon
Rue de l'Amigo 1-31000 Brussels, Belgium
The 5-star Hotel Amigo boasts elegant rooms with designer features, on the corner of Place. It combines modern facilities, a gym and an award-winning restaurant with a picturesque historic setting.
Flat-screen interactive cable TV, a work desk and a minibar stocked with drinks and Galler chocolates are provided in the rooms at Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo. Each air-conditioned room has a seating area and a luxurious bathroom with mosaic details.
Rue August Orts 3-71000 Brussels,
Set within a 5-minute walk from Grand Place and Manneken Pis, and a 10-minute walk from Train Station, Marriott Hotel offers air-conditioned rooms and a fitness centre. There is an open-kitchen restaurant and private parking facilities are available.
Rooms at the Brussels Marriott Hotel are equipped with satellite TV, coffee and tea making facilities and a private bathroom with a bathtub.
Rue des Eperonniers 3, 1000 Brussel centrum, Belgium
Opening in April 2016, Hotel Agora Brussels Grand Placer is housed in a historical Brussels building dating from 1696, 220 m from The King's House in the Grand Place.
Hotel Agora Brussels Grand Place features free WiFi throughout the property. Rooms feature triple glazing to ensure tranquillity.
Rue Royale 120, 1000 Bruxelles,
Motel One is in Brussels, a away from the Grand-Place, the Manneken Pis Statue, the Rue Neuve Shopping District and Brussels-Central . is available throughout the entire accommodation.
The rooms are soundproofed and comprise a flat-screen TV. The en-suite bathrooms come with a shower, a hairdryer, a toilet and bath linens. All rooms are equipped with a centralized air cooling system.
Impasse des Boeufs 5, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
The apartment features 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with a shower. A patio and free WiFi. The apartment can sleep up to 7 Guests
Rue d'Arenberg 52, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
The apartments is conveniently located in the heart of Brussels, and all major tourist attractions, offering a living room with a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, and a private bathroom. Free WiFi. Sleeps 6 Guests
Boulevard Anspach 60, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a seating area with a sofa, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower. An oven, a stovetop and toaster are also available, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine. sleeps 8 Guests
Rue Grétry 32, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Each spacious and stylishly decorated apartment offers a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV, a living room with a sofa bed, a private bathroom and a washing machine. You cannot be better located! Free WiFi. Sleeps 6 Guests
106 Rue du Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt)
● A spacious gay sauna spread over several floors, including a basement and a roof terrace. ● It's conveniently located near the gay bars in the center of Brussels and is particularly popular on Sundays. ● The crowd is mixed in age.
● Admission: 15-25 €
Monday-Thursday: 12:00 – 24:00 Friday 12:00 – Sunday 24:00 nonstop
10 Rue Van Orley (Van Orleystraat) Brussels 1000
● Description: This older gay sauna is located at the edge of the city center. ● While the wet area is well-maintained, other parts of the sauna might seem a bit dated or tacky.
● Despite this, it enjoys good patronage, mainly from mature clients and bears.
● Admission: 23-28 €
Daily: 11:30 – 22:00
90 Rue Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● Stylish, LGBT-friendly café and wine bar
● Cozy bistro with a spacious street terrace
● Located in the heart of Brussels
Wednesday-Sunday ~ 12:00 – 24:00
41 Rue Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● Charming gay-friendly brasserie and restaurant
● Features a lovely terrace on the lively Rue Marché au Charbon
● Serves lunch and dinner with a traditional touch
Daily from 11:00, Lunch from 12:00 to 14:45, Dinner from 18:00 to 22:00
25 Rue du Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● LGBTQ-friendly bar with a 1920s vibe.
● Located on Brussels' gay street.
Thursday 18:00 – 23:00; Friday, Saturday 18:00 – 02:00 Sunday 18:00 – 23:00
53 Rue du Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● Small, gay-friendly cabaret bar.
● Features burlesque and "boylesque" shows.
● Mixed clientele; admission from 10 €.
Thursday 21:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday 21:00 – 03:00
94 Rue Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● Offers a small street terrace.
● Serves Irish and Belgian beers.
● Welcomes wolves and otters.
Thursday-Monday from 15:00
7 Rue des Grands Carmes (Lievevrouwbroersstraat), Brussels 1000
● Music bar with drag shows.
● Fresh and lively atmosphere.
● Mixed clientele that turns more gay as the night progresses.
● Special cabaret show on the first Friday of each month.
Friday, Saturday from 21:30 (1st Friday of the month from 24:00); Special show on the first Friday of the month 19:30 – 23:30 (by reservation only)
40 Rue du Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● Small, cozy bar.
● Attracts a more mature clientele.
Daily 16:00/17:00 – 01:00/03:00
5 Rue Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● Small queer cafe-bar in central Brussels.
● Run by the fetish store Spit It Out.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 14:00 – 23:00; Friday Saturday 14:00 – 24:00; Sunday 14:00 – 23:00
52 Rue des Pierres (Steenstraat), Brussels 1000
● Large cocktail bar with Indian decor.
● Features drag shows and karaoke.
● Mixed clientele.
Wednesday 19:00 – 24:00; Thursday 19:00 – 02:00 Friday, Saturday 19:00 – 05:00; Sunday 19:00 – 24:00
2A Petite Rue au Beurre (Korte Boterstraat), Brussels 1000
● Rustic bar near the Grand Place.
● Known as the oldest gay bar in Brussels.
● Popular among fun-loving forty-somethings.
Daily except Wednesday 14:00 – 23:00
44 Rue du Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● Rustic gay bar in central Brussels.
● Bear-friendly atmosphere.
Daily except Tuesday 16:00 – 01:00/03:00
32 Rue du Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● Probably the busiest gay bar in Brussels.
● Features live DJs on weekends.
● A classic pre-club spot that stays trendy.
Wednesday, Thursday 18:00 – 01:00; Friday, Saturday 18:00 – 03:00;
Sunday 18:00 – 01:00
Rue du Lombard 2, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
● Gay Bar with a friendly atmosphere ● Cocktails and a nice Terrace in the sun
Daily 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM Friday Saturday 4:00 PM - 2:30 AM
27 Rue du Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● Friendly, cozy bears bar located in Brussels' vibrant gay street.
● Perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere.
Tuesday-Thursday: 17:00 – 01:00 Friday, Saturday: 17:00 – 03:00 Sunday: 17:00 – 01:00 (In summer, open from 16:00)
Plattesteen 18/20, Brussels
● Queer-inclusive bar right in the heart of Brussels.
● A lively spot to enjoy good times with friends.
Wednesday, Thursday: 18:00 – 01:00 Friday, Saturday: 17:00 – 04:00 Sunday: 18:00 – 01:00
45 Rue des Pierres1000 Brussels, Belgium
● Gay Karaoke bar ● Cocktails, Belgian Beers, Champagne
Daily 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM, Friday Saturday 6:00 PM - 5:00 AM
114 Rue du Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● Modern gay cruise bar in the heart of Brussels
● Welcoming to a diverse age group
Monday-Thursday: 21:00 – 03:00 Friday-Saturday: 21:00 – 05:00 Sunday: 15:00 – 22:00
208 Rue Blaes (Blaesstraat), Brussels 1000
● One of Europe's top gay parties.
● Attracts partygoers from across Europe including Paris, Cologne, Amsterdam, and London.
● Features 3 levels with 4 bars and 2 big dancefloors.
● Held on irregular dates, typically Fridays or the night before a Belgian public holiday.
Take a look at the website for next party date
52 Rue des Chartreux / Kartuizerstraat, Brussels 1000
● A queer-inclusive dance club in the heart of Brussels.
● Hosts various themed parties such as HAUS, Toy Boy (by H.I.M, Antwerp), and Starboy.
● Admission from 15 € includes one drink
Saturdays from 23:30
Pl. de la Chapelle 6, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
● Cave is a party concept in Brussels for electronic music lovers, LGBT & friends giving you our best selection of locals and international DJs
Take a look at the website for the next party date
18 Rue Duquesnoy (Duquesnoystraat), Brussels 1000
● Weekly gay party held @ You Night Club
● Mixed clientele creating a vibrant atmosphere.
● Admission 13 € includes one drink.
Sundays from 22:00 – 05:00
Recommended Hotels in Brussels By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Brussels that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Rocco Forte Hotel
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-star, award-winning restaurant.
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars.
- Designer features, luxurious bathroom.
- Elegant rooms, ideal for luxury and history lovers, close to Grand Place.
Brussels Marriott Hotel
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, air-conditioned, fully equipped fitness center.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Satellite TV, coffee facilities.
- Great value, near Grand Place and Manneken Pis.
The Dominican
4 Star, Location
- 4-star, well equpped wellness facilities, free WiFi.
- Close to the gay district.
- Spacious accommodation, stylish.
- Central location, perfect for shopping and sightseeing.
ibis Hotel Brussels
3 Star, Readers Choice
- 3-star, clean modern style, Belgian beers.
- Close to the gay district.
- Air conditioning, flat-screen TV.
- Readers’ choice, near Grand Place, diverse dining options nearby.
Video Of Bright Brussels
Highlights of the festival
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Brussels
Brussels, the capital of Belgium and a hub for European institutions, has a thriving LGBTQ+ community and is known for being an inclusive and LGBTQ+-friendly city.
Saint-Jacques| Often referred to as the gay village
Photo: Saint-Jacques is home to some of Brussels most popular gay bars
- This area, often referred to as the “gay village” of Brussels, is located near the Grand Place.
- It’s known for its concentration of LGBTQ+-friendly bars, clubs, and venues.
- Rue du Marché au Charbon/Kolenmarktstraat is a street within this area that is particularly known for its gay bars and nightlife.
- Discover the best things to see and do in Brussels
Rue du Lombard
Home to several LGBTQ+-friendly establishments, including bars, cafes, and clubs. It’s known for its lively.
Grand Sablon
Grand Sablon: Elegant Brussels square with a weekend antique market, luxury shops, & charming cafes.
Grand Place
The heart of Brussels with its stunning architecture, often the hub of events, festivals, and markets.
Galeries Royales
Galeries Royales is one of the oldest shopping arcades in Europe, offering luxury boutiques, chocolatiers, & cafes.
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