October in Brussels is basically an excuse to make plans every other day — preferably with a warm drink in hand and a scarf you may or may not actually need. Crisp autumn air, golden leaves, cosy cafés, and a calendar packed with reasons to step outside and set the scene. Think giant pumpkin displays, jazz after dark, art worth getting lost in, Bavarian beers, thought-provoking festivals, and just enough Halloween mischief to keep things interesting. Whether you are here for culture, cosy autumn moments, or simply a fun reason to explore beyond the usual sights, here are some of the best things to do in Brussels this October.
Picture Courtesy: Pumpkinmania's Website
For the Love of Pumpkins: Pumpkimania
If October had a dreamland, it would probably look a lot like Pumpkimania. From 25 September to 1 November 2026, at the Château de Grand-Bigard, thousands of pumpkins transform the castle park into a colourful autumn wonderland — complete with giant sculptures, forest animals, and plenty of photo-worthy corners.
This year’s theme brings the magic of the forest to life, with pumpkin creations shaped like foxes, owls, deer, and other woodland creatures. And it is not just for looking: visitors can carve their own pumpkin, watch professional pumpkin artists at work, sample pumpkin-inspired treats, or even paddle around the castle pond in a giant pumpkin boat on weekends. Yes, really.
Your October Dose of Art, Music & Big Ideas
October is when Brussels gets its creative spark on. Think art that makes you stop and stare, jazz that keeps you out past bedtime, and bold ideas that stay with you long after the evening ends. Whether you are here to browse, listen, question, or simply stumble into something unexpected, these cultural highlights are your excuse to make an October plan.
Art on Paper
Saint Jazz Festival
Festival des Libertés
Picture Courtesy: Art on Paper's Facebook
Picture Courtesy: Saint Jazz Festival's Facebook
Picture Courtesy: Festival des Libertés's Facebook
Art on Paper proves that paper is anything but plain. From 2 to 4 October 2026, Tour & Taxis fills up with drawings, prints, collages, and contemporary works from galleries around the world for the fair’s 10th edition. Wander through the Sheds, discover an artist you have never heard of, and maybe leave with a new favourite — or at least a very full camera roll. Find it at The Sheds, Tour & Taxis, Rue Picard 3, 1000 Brussels
Saint Jazz Festival is your cue to swap the usual Friday-night plan for something a little more soulful. On 9 October 2026, the festival brings its 40th-anniversary groove to Centre Culturel Jacques Franck in Saint-Gilles, for a night where jazz slips into trip-hop, electronic sounds, Latin-pop energy, and plenty of rhythm in between. Come for the music, stay for that warm, buzzy feeling of discovering your new favourite artist in a room full of people doing exactly the same.
For culture that comes with a point of view, make time for Festival des Libertés at Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles from 8 to 17 October 2026. Over ten lively days, the festival mixes concerts, documentary films, theatre, talks, and exhibitions — using art and conversation to explore freedom, justice, solidarity, and the questions shaping the world around us.
Prost! Brussels Is Going Bavarian
No flight to Munich required — Brussels is bringing the Oktoberfest spirit to the city. From 14 to 24 October 2026, the Parc du Cinquantenaire transforms into a lively Bavarian-style beer tent, complete with authentic beers, hearty specialities, live music, and the kind of joyful, table-tapping energy that makes you want to stay for “just one more". Come with friends, bring your best Prost!, and feel free to go all in with a dirndl or lederhosen — although regular clothes are very much welcome too. Also, reserve your tables in advance, thank us later!
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Picture Courtesy: Brussels Oktoberfest's Website
Picture Courtesy: Bruxelles Secrète's Website
Trick, Treat & Spooky Streets
When Halloween hits Brussels, the city goes all in: cobwebs, costumes, pumpkin-fuelled adventures, and just enough spooky chaos to keep little monsters entertained. On Saturday 31 October, head to Saint-Gilles for the Halloween Festival around Parc Louis Morichar, with shows, animations, a lively parade, and a firework finale. Pick a costume, bring your bravest sidekick, and let the trick-or-treating begin.
A Taste of Autumn at Grand Café 1909
October in Brussels is not a race to tick everything off — it is a reason to slow down, stay a little longer. After a day of pumpkin hunting, jazz listening, art browsing, or Halloween wandering, DoubleTree by Hilton Brussels City is a lovely place to come back to and slow the pace down. Our in-house Belgian brasserie, Grand Café 1909, has just launched a new autumn menu filled with seasonal comfort: think warming flavours, fresh local ingredients, and Belgian classics given a contemporary little twist. Drop in for an unhurried dinner, a cosy drink, or simply a moment to recharge between plans.
