As summer brings longer days, warmer weather and time away from routine, Europe’s family festival scene promises a vibrant and eclectic escape. Whether you’re exploring Brussels, Edinburgh or London, each city offers the perfect starting point for a shared adventure through music, theatre, food and storytelling.
Celebrating creativity in Brussels
Brussels has always had a playful soul. From its love affair with comic strips to Art Deco curves and curious public sculptures, this is a city that celebrates imagination—and that same spirit spills joyfully into its summer festival season.
Until the 27th of September, Festival Bruxellons! brings a summer-long celebration of open-air theatre, music and circus acts to the atmospheric grounds of Karreveld Castle. Meanwhile, just south of the city, Park Poetik runs through to early September with more than 100 free activities for every age, from interactive installations to concerts and creative workshops. For young comic lovers, and grown-up collectors too, the Comic Strip Festival from the 26th–28th September offers a joyful deep-dive into the world of bandes dessinées. Held in the covered Gare Maritime, experience book signings, games, exclusive exhibitions and creative sessions for children. And for guests staying at Hotel Amigo, it’s the perfect time to check-in to the charming Tintin Suite, complete with illustrations, books and handmade touches dedicated to Belgium’s most beloved adventurer.
Edinburgh’s summer of stories
Few cities embrace their festival spirit as wholeheartedly as Edinburgh. And with a stay in The Balmoral’s Family Castle View Suite, the city’s creative energy feels even closer, with views across leafy Princes Street Gardens to the turrets of Edinburgh Castle.
August brings with it the world-renowned Edinburgh International Festival, and while it once leaned towards a more adult crowd, it now offers a host of family-friendly highlights. Look out for the National Youth Orchestra’s Family Concert, featuring much-loved scores from Star Wars and Encanto. There's also the interactive Art of Listening workshop—an engaging, multi-sensory session for all ages led by musicians and storytellers.
For budding writers, the Edinburgh International Book Festival (9th–24th August) provides storytelling tents, hands-on workshops and book signings within relaxed, green surroundings—perfect for a post-event picnic or a runabout between sessions. As autumn settles in, the city hosts one of the world’s largest storytelling events: the Scottish International Storytelling Festival. From the 22nd October–1st November, join in with face painting, crafts, and folklore brought to life during immersive sessions steeped in Celtic tradition.
A cultural playground for all ages in London
From classical concerts to flavours from around the world, there’s something happening in every corner of London this summer. And with the Interconnecting Family Room and Two Bedroom Family Suite at Brown’s Hotel, there’s plenty of space to stretch out after a busy day—ideal for little ones to wind down while parents enjoy a moment of peace and quiet.
Taking place across the August bank holiday weekend, Battersea Park in Concert pairs open-air classical performances with street food, deck chairs, and a charming Kids Tipiland offering games, crafts and fun until sundown. Across the same weekend, Hampton Court Palace Food Festival brings together over 150 vendors in the palace’s magnificent gardens. Alongside 60 acres of garden to explore, families can enjoy Shire Horse rides, an adventure playground, and, of course, a royal helping of refreshing craft beers and artisan wines from its pop-up bars to keep adults refreshed. To round off the season, HowTheLightGetsIn Festival sets up at Kenwood House beside Hampstead Heath from the 20th–21st September. This celebration of ideas and music is perfect for curious minds of all ages—with philosopher-led debates, toe-tapping performances and carnival-style fun, including a helter-skelter, a ferris wheel, and plenty of wood-fired pizza and gelato.
Whether you’re seeking music or magic, stories or street food, festivals promise shared memories, cultural discovery, and that most precious of things: time well spent together. To start planning your next family adventure in Brussels, Edinburgh, or London, please get in touch with our concierge teams.
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