What's On in the Arts

Festivals

Stendal, Limavady: Stendhal Festival is Northern Ireland’s longest running Independent outdoor music and arts festival and returns from 2-4 July 2026. With over 8 stages, the programme is packed with an amazing array of performances, art, workshops, and activities for all ages. Visit https://www.stendhalfestival.c...

Belfast Tradfest and Summer School: The pinnacle of world-class traditional music concerts, pub sessions & Ireland’s fastest growing summer school of traditional music, is set to celebrate its 8th edition across Belfast UNESCO City of Music on Sunday 26th July – Sunday 2nd August 2026. Visit https://www.belfasttraditional...

Belfast Tradfest & Harps Alive:

Monday 27th July, 2.30pm, Ulster University. Harping with Words: Reimagining Gaelic Bardic Poetry with Harp Accompaniment – Dr Lauren Ní Néill from County Derry explores the lost sound world of bardic poetry and its relationship with the Irish harp.

Tuesday 28th July, 3pm, Ulster University. The Belfast Harp Festival as a Starting Point: Belfast composer and cellist Neil Martin traces the wider story of Irish music through the legacy of the landmark 1792 Belfast Harp Festival

Wednesday 29th July, 7.30pm, Redeemer Central. Harps Alive | An Chruit Bheo | Harps Leevin’: Celebrating 230 Years of Bunting’s Legacy, flagship concert bringing together some of Ireland’s leading harpers and traditional musicians, including Michael Rooney, Úna Monaghan, Lauren Ní Néill, Colm McGonigle and the Harp Ireland All-Island Ensemble together with renowned singer and flute player Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh.

Saturday 1st August, 2pm, City Hall. Harps Alive Walking Tour: Researcher and storyteller Mark Doherty leads a journey through Belfast’s rich harping heritage.

Visit https://www.harpireland.ie/events/

Walled City Music International Academy:

• 10 July, The Piano Illuminated, Bach, Handel, Debussy, Scriabin and Ravel, performed by members of the Academy's distinguished international faculty
• 15 July, The Piano Multiplied celebrates the joy of piano ensemble playing
• 17 July, The Next Generation – International Competition Final

Visit www.walledcitymusic.com Early booking is recommended.

Féile an Phobail: 25 Jul-9 Aug, is Ireland’s Biggest Community Arts Festival. Féile provides a programme of inclusive arts, cultural and community-based activities throughout the year, with its flagship festival, the August Féile being the highlight of Ireland’s festival calendar. View the programme at https://feilebelfast.com/wp-co...

John Hewitt International Summer School: returns to Armagh from 27-31 July. This year, the festival looks at the triumphs, trials, and diverse experiences of women throughout history and modern society. Their curated programme of readings, discussions, panel events, and creative workshops proudly welcomes an array of incredible female writers, poets, and thinkers. From standard-bearers of contemporary Irish literature to boundary-pushing new voices, we are delighted to host Louise Nealon, Sinéad Morrissey, Bernie McQuillan, and many more. Visit https://johnhewittsociety.org/...

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026: Belfast will host the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture, for the first time from Sunday 2 August 2026 to Sunday 9 August 2026. Qualifying competitors from all over the world will showcase the very best of traditional music, song, dance and language in All-Ireland competitions. Over 800,000 people are expected to enjoy the eight-day event which will also include street performances, pub sessions and stage concerts. Visit https://fleadhcheoil.ie/

August Craft Month: The largest annual celebration of craft on the island of Ireland has officially launched, unveiling an incredible line-up of almost 500 events taking place on both sides of the border this August. For the full island-wide programme and to sign up for events, visit www.augustcraftmonth.org

Open House Festival, Bangor: returns from 1-31 August with a packer programme of art, comedy, film, food, literature and music. To purchase tickets and view the full festival programme go to: www.openhousefestival.com

Clandeboye Festival, North Down: taking place from 22–29 August, this special 25th anniversary programme celebrates the alumni of the Camerata Ireland Academy, with every concert featuring outstanding musicians who have been part of the programme over the years. View the full programme at www.camerata-ireland.com

Arts Ekta’s Belfast Mela: takes place from 23-29 August 2026. Celebrating 20 years of Mela. Highlights include:

• Mela Carnival, 22 August 2026, 12.30PM, Belfast City Centre. A carnival parade fills the city centre with colour and rhythm, finishing with a global party across Cathedral Quarter.
• Mela at 20. 23 August 2026, 8PM, Titanic Slipways. A spectacular twilight celebration to mark 20 years of Mela, with music, dance, dramatic aerial performance and fiery pyrotechnics.
• Mela Day, 30 August 2026, 12-6PM, Botanic Gardens. Botanic Gardens is set to become global wonderland of music, dance, food and art.

Visit https://belfastmela.org.uk/

EastSide Arts Festival: The 2026 EastSide Arts Festival running from Friday 24th July to Sunday 2nd August. Full programme and dates to follow but highlights include:

• SOAK - Mercury-nominated singer-songwriter SOAK brings their raw indie-folk to Titanic Distillers
• Emer Maguire - Powerful storytelling, sharp wit, and irreverent comedy. Emer brings a no-holds-barred show to Shorts Sports and Recreation Club
• Gareth Dunlop – Renowed NI singer / songwriter returns to EastSide Arts Festival with a brand new intimate show in the iconic Titanic Distillers Pumphouse
• Football As Never Before – Matthew Nolan adapts his score for the long forgotten avant-garde film about George Best for an immersive, site-specific installation at the George Best House
• Elegy to Lough Neagh – EastSide Choir (celebrating its 10th year) teams up with Jan Carson for a new show inspired by Jan’s new novel “Few and Far Between”
• ParkFest – the annual free family event. This year the festival is working with Circusful to bring a packed schedule of performances and participatory workshops, and we’ll be celebrating the 25th anniversary of east Belfast SureStart with a wide range of activities for the youngest audience members

Full programme announced soon, https://www.eastsidearts.net/

Charles Wood Festival of Music and Summer School, Armagh: The festival takes place from 15-23 Aug and celebrates the music of Charles Wood and seeks to give singers and musicians an opportunity to perform and develop their talents. Visit https://www.charleswoodsummers...