Ans Persoons, Brussels State Secretary for the Environment, Climate and the Image of Brussels, is pleased to announce the return of the guinguettes to Brussels' parks for the 2026 season. The guinguettes have since become an indispensable part of our parks during the spring and summer months and will open by the end of April.
“For many Brussels residents, our parks are the garden they don't have at home. They are places to relax, exercise, let their children play, or meet up with friends. The guinguettes are a nice extra for those who want to enjoy a drink and a snack. What’s more, they also offer toys for children and provide free toilets. This way, they encourage encounters between neighbours and bring people closer to nature. And importantly: they increase the feeling of safety in the parks,” says Ans Persoons.
Spring is back in the country and it's drawing many Brussels residents into our parks once again. Despite a period of uncertainty due to ongoing matters, it was a priority to find a solution for the guingettes. And that's now in place, just in time for the warmer weather.
The Brussels Government has, at the ministerial council, approved the reopening of the guinguettes in 2026. The presence of these venues has a positive social effect on residents, users, and the neighbourhood. The guinguettes add an extra dimension to the recreational function of the parks managed by Leefmilieu Brussel. The guinguettes bring life and soul to the place.
A garden for the people of Brussels
The results of the 2022 Nature Barometer by Brussels Environment confirm the importance of public green spaces. More than nine out of ten people believe that green spaces are essential for Brussels residents who do not have a garden. The survey also shows that 95% of respondents believe that nature makes the city more beautiful and offers them the opportunity to relax, whilst also giving them energy. More than 90% of respondents emphasise the social importance of green spaces as pleasant meeting places, which also contributes to the regeneration of the surrounding neighbourhoods.
These guinguettes will soon open in Brussels parks:
- Henri – Georges Henripark
- Maurice – Parc du Cinquantenaire
- Emile – Dudenpark
- Fabiola – King Baudouin Park
- André – Park of Laeken
- Vincent – Good Shepherd Park
Each guinguette bears a first name linked to the park's location. Fabiola, in the King Baudouin Park, refers to Queen Fabiola, for example. André, in Laeken Park, honours the two André's who were behind the Atomium: engineer André Waterkeyn and architect André Polak.
Laeken Park
© visit.brussels – Jean-Paul Remy – 2021