Bruxellons! 2026: musicals under the stars at Karreveld

For summer 2026, the Bruxellons! Festival returns to the Château du Karreveld with a programme that puts Belgian talent centre stage and doubles down on its love for musical theatre. This year, the festival offers two major musicals, alongside comedies, one‑person shows and a big musical theatre concert under the stars.

Kinky Boots: feel‑good pop and fierce heels

Headlining the courtyard, Kinky Boots arrives as the big feel‑good musical of the summer. Inspired by a true story, it follows Charlie Price, who inherits a failing English shoe factory, and Lola, a charismatic drag performer who turns his world upside down. Together, they decide to save the business by creating bold, high‑heeled boots for drag and cabaret artists – the now iconic “kinky boots”.

With music by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein, the show mixes flamboyant pop numbers, heartfelt ballads and high‑energy ensemble scenes. It’s a story about changing the world by changing your point of view, celebrating difference, solidarity and the courage to be yourself – perfect for a warm summer night in Brussels.

John & Jen: an intimate musical about family and time

In the Karreveld barn, the festival presents the world premiere in French of John & Jen, a small‑scale musical with big emotions. Written by Andrew Lippa and Tom Greenwald, it explores the complex bond between Jen and her little brother John in 1950s–60s America: a violent father, a protective sister, and choices that pull them apart when John goes to war in Vietnam.

Nearly thirty years later, Jen is a mother raising her son – also named John – and finds the past resurfacing in unexpected ways. Between love, guilt and the weight of memory, the musical asks how we grow, repair ourselves and care for the next generation when we carry old wounds inside us.

A summer line‑up full of stories

Around these two centrepieces, Bruxellons! 2026 offers a whole menu of shows that play with history, family, Brussels and sheer theatrical fun:

• La fuite à Waremme – a Magic Land Théâtre comedy sending Louis XVI and his family off‑course to… Belgium.
• En route – a bilingual musical road‑trip through French chanson by Les Quatre au quai.
• Ma vie, mes défis et mes filles – a moving, funny monologue about a woman’s life, faith, trials and rebirths.
• C’était mieux après – Alexis Goslain on parenthood, letting go and a son leaving home.
• Musicals sous les étoiles 2026 – the 9th edition of the festival’s big musical theatre concert with more than 20 artists.
• Un monde idéal, Bruxelles Chaos, Shéhérazade & les 1080 nuits, Bobonne Star, Coucou, c’est la guerre!, Impro Justitia 2026 and Pensées secrètes round off a programme that moves from stand‑up lecture to collective creations and mentalism.

Tickets, subscriptions and early‑bird deals

The festival offers subscriptions that make it much easier to binge theatre all summer:

• 10‑show subscription: 16€ per seat instead of 35€ or 55€, valid for all shows including Kinky Boots and John & Jen.
• 5‑show and 3‑show subscriptions are also available.
• Subscriptions are only on sale until 30 June.

For single tickets:

• Kinky Boots: 35€ instead of 55€ (early‑bird price).
• Other shows: 25€ instead of 35€.

Online booking and full information are available via the festival website. Phone bookings (02 724 24 24) start from 22 June, Monday to Friday (12:00–18:00) and Saturday (14:00–18:00).

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