🛼 Friday nights will once again smell of ball bearings
Updated on September 4, 2026 by Pierre
There are certain events that punctuate the Brussels summer almost as reliably as the unpredictable weather. The Roller Bike Parade is one of them. Every Friday evening, from the end of June to the beginning of September, Place Poelaert transforms into the starting point for an improbable procession of rollerblades, bicycles, skateboards, and scooters that takes over the city for three hours. And honestly, it's always one of the best free events on the Brussels calendar.
A tradition that never gets old
It's been going on for over twenty years now. The concept hasn't changed one bit since 2002: we meet up, we skate, we dance a little on the road, and we do it all again the following week. No tickets to buy, no registration forms to fill out, just rollerblades or a bike and the desire to experience Brussels in a different way than sitting in traffic. From age 10 and up, everyone can join in, whether a complete beginner or a seasoned skater.
One rule, however, admits no exceptions: you drive, you don't walk. Logical, given the number of people it brings together on the road.
Friday night's program
The meeting point is Place Poelaert, in front of the Palace of Justice, starting at 20 p.m. From there, two options are available. The shorter loop, approximately 5 kilometers and about forty minutes, is perfect for families and those who prefer to save energy for drinks afterward. The longer loop, on the other hand, is for those who really want to work up a sweat: starting on Chaussée d'Ixelles at Porte de Namur, for a 20-kilometer ride through the city. Two DJs perched on sound systems follow the procession, blasting music the whole way, giving the event the feel of a mobile block party rather than a simple sporting hike.
What we take with us (and what we check before leaving)
Nothing complicated about enjoying your evening. A bottle of water, some snacks if you're tempted by the longer route, and protective gear if you're not entirely sure of your balance on wheels (your knees will thank you). There's only one real risk of disruption: the weather. In case of heavy rain, the parade may be canceled for safety reasons, and the decision will be announced at 16 p.m. that same day on the event's official channels. A piece of advice we repeat every summer: keep an eye on the weather forecast before you hit the skates.
One small but important detail for local drivers: the procession will inevitably slow down traffic on several major roads between 19 pm and around 23 pm. Nothing dramatic, but good to know before getting in the car on a summer Friday evening.
See you every Friday until September
The 2026 season takes place every Friday from June 26th to September 4th. Whether you're planning to come once out of curiosity or become a regular on the little loop, Place Poelaert awaits you at 20pm. See you there?
Barely a foot in the Belgian capital, Pierre launched “InsideBrussels.be” more than 10 years ago, the idea is simple: “What to do? Where to go to eat or have a drink? “. Entrepreneur at heart, this is not his first project! Far from there. EatLocal.io; KingCard.be, Bricabrac.be … Like wine, with time the project improves!
Pierre does not hesitate to share his favorites and his best addresses of Brussels restaurants that he could recommend to you with his eyes closed.
