October Rose 2026 in Essonne: the BriisCars, a charity soapbox derby that's both heartwarming and offbeat.

Craving something unexpected and fun, with a dash of solidarity? For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the town of Briis-sous-Forges in Essonne hosts a quirky, family-friendly soapbox derby. Join us on Sunday, October 18, 2026, for the fifth edition of the "BriisCars."

Offbeat, playful, wild, and quirky... For years now, soapbox derby cars have drawn curious onlookers and enthusiasts alike. The concept? Organizing a race of motorless vehicles powered solely by the force of gravity. While the idea was born in the United States in 1933, it has since spread worldwide, notably in France where some participants push their imagination to the limit to craft the best and most powerful soapbox car ever conceived.

On Sunday, October 18, 2026, for the Breast Cancer Awareness Month event, the city of Briis-sous-Forges kicks off the new edition of the "BriisCars", a soapbox race that is meant to be friendly and community-driven. This town in Essonne is organizing, in partnership with the Ligue contre le Cancer, the fifth edition of the race, and hopes to attract as many participants and spectators as possible for a good cause: the prevention of breast cancer. All proceeds from the event will go to cancer-fighting associations.

For racers, as for spectators, a wild, offbeat event is taking shape in the streets of Briis-sous-Forges. The soapbox cars will have to cover 637 meters of downhill, a 6.5% incline, twists and even a ramp...

In addition to the soapbox derby runs scheduled from 9:30 a.m., the event will also give guests a chance to watch the racers as they prepare, and enjoy a range of activities, including concerts. A health village lets visitors connect with screening and cancer-fighting organizations, and raise awareness about prevention for a disease that can affect one in eight women. For those with a craving, food stalls and a refreshment bar are planned.

From 7 : 30 a.m.: Pilots begin arriving.
9 : 30 a.m.: Spectator welcome — follow the arrows to the fan zones.
From 9 : 30 a.m. to noon: Free-practice runs for each soapbox car.
From 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.: Concert and showcase of the race cars.
From 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.: Two official runs for each soapbox car.
Around 5:30 p.m.: Prize giving.
From 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.:
- “Health Village” with local partners involved in cancer prevention, screening and care.
- Surprise activities.

So, eager to discover this soapbox derby? Mark your calendar for October 18, 2026 at rue Boissière à Briis-sous-Forges, in Essonne. And head to the town’s website to register (before October 5) and to learn how to build your speedster by the book!