Events in Charleroi: what's on at the Grand Palais and around the city
Fairs, sport, concerts and festivals in the heart of the Upper Town
The Grand Palais, the new driving force of Charleroi's calendar
The Grand Palais de Charleroi —
Formerly the Palais des Expositions, the Grand Palais reopened after a renovation worth around €48.5 million carried out
as part of Charleroi District Créatif. Located at Rue de l'Ancre 2 in the Upper Town, a few minutes' walk from Charleroi-Central
station, it is operated by Belhabitat, the company to which the City granted its management. Since the 2025-2026 season it has
hosted consumer fairs, conventions, boxing galas, festivals and parties, with a far busier programme than before.
Coming up at the Grand Palais
The Salon des Arts Ménagers — 31 October to 15 November 2026 —
The big autumn event: 16 days, more than 350 exhibitors announced, an extra hall dedicated to cars, chefs, concerts,
improv shows and two late openings. Full details on our dedicated page.
Catch of Legends — Wednesday 11 November 2026 —
Organised by Succès Events and billed as Belgium's biggest wrestling event, with international professional wrestling stars.
The show starts at 3 pm, right in the middle of the Salon des Arts Ménagers.
Insectopy 10 — 21 and 22 November 2026 —
The insect, reptile and amphibian fair celebrates its 10th edition at the Grand Palais with more than 500 tables,
for enthusiasts, professionals and families. Opens at 10 am.
Charleroi Wedding Fair — 9 and 10 January 2027 —
More than 65 wedding suppliers in one place, bridal and suit fashion shows and exclusive offers for couples,
from 10 am to 5 pm.
SIEP Fair — 12 and 13 February 2027 —
The studies, training and careers fair: secondary, higher and university education, training and jobs, for young people,
parents and adults. 10 am to 6 pm, admission by prior registration on the SIEP website.
Talentum Charleroi — Thursday 25 March 2027 —
The jobs and training fair organised by Références: graduates, experienced professionals and career changers meet
recruiters and advisers.
Pixel Days XL — 15 and 16 May 2027 —
The big gaming fair: thousands of video games from every generation, more than 200 exhibitors, free-play arcade machines
and tournaments, 10 am to 6 pm.
Highlights of the 2025-2026 season
The return of the Arts Ménagers (November 2025) —
After seven years away, the fair made a big comeback at the Grand Palais with around 150,000 visits,
including a record of some 25,000 visitors on the first day.
Sport and big shows —
The Grand Palais hosted the start of the Charleroi Métropole Marathon (26 April 2026) and a WBC world championship
boxing bout between Ryad Merhy and Kevin Lerena (30 May 2026).
Fairs and festivals —
Salon Belhabitat (14 to 22 March 2026), SIEP Fair (6 and 7 March 2026), Talentum (16 April 2026), Carolo Tattoo Fest
(30 and 31 May 2026), Greenwood (3 July 2026), Charleroi Moto Festival (9 August 2026) and the Mega Vide Dressing
(4 October 2026): a season that brought together very different audiences.
Elsewhere in the city
Palais des Beaux-Arts (PBA) —
Right next to the Grand Palais, the PBA runs its 2026-2027 season of theatre, dance, music and musicals,
including "No, No, Nanette" on 11 December 2026 and several festivals in spring 2027.
The Fêtes de Charleroi —
A late-summer classic until 2015, the festival returned in September 2026 to bring the city centre back to life.
The Christmas Village —
Every year, Place de la Digue turns into a festive village. The 2025 edition ran from 21 November to 24 December;
the 2026 dates are to be confirmed on the City's website.
Getting to the Grand Palais
Address and access —
Rue de l'Ancre 2, 6000 Charleroi. By car via the R9 ring road (linked to the A54 towards Brussels and the E42 towards Mons,
Namur and Liège). By train, Charleroi-Central station is a few minutes' walk away; the light metro serves the Beaux-Arts and Palais
stations. Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is about ten kilometres away.
Where to stay? —
Whether for a fair, a concert or a weekend, our SofieFlat apartments in Charleroi welcome you close to the city centre.