From 2 to 9 August, the streets of Belfast will come alive with the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026.
For the very first time, the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is coming to the streets of Belfast to celebrate and promote traditional Irish music, dance, and language.
The city will come alive with one week of unmissable pub sessions, spontaneous street performances, and countless fantastic events to celebrate Irish culture in a number of ways.
While it’ll be difficult to narrow down the best events to just ten, here are our picks of the events you can’t miss this August.
10. Fleadh Opening Ceremony, Belfast City Hall – kick off the craic at City Hall
Belfast City Hall will provide the backdrop for the Fleadh Opening Ceremony on Sunday, 2 August. The craic kicks off at 12:30 pm with a welcoming set, followed by speeches, and then music all day long.
Acts throughout the day at the Gig Rig Stage at Belfast City Hall include Goitse, Blackwater Céilí Band, and a final show-stopping performance at 8 pm from legendary accordion virtuoso Sharon Shannon and her Big Band.
Price: FREE
Address: Donegall Square N, Belfast BT1 5GS
9. Senior Ceílí Band Competition, Waterfront Hall – the best of the best
One of the best Fleadh events and the one that rounds off the entire week-long festival is the highly-anticipated Senior Ceílí Band Competition.
On the final day of the Fleadh in Belfast, Sunday, 9 August, the finest traditional Irish musicians from across the country and further afield will face off in a performance of passion, prowess, and undeniable talent in the exhilarating Senior Ceílí Band Competition.
Price: £25
More Info: HERE
Address: 2 Lanyon Pl, Belfast BT1 3WH
8. The Waterworks Station Sessions, Antrim Road – music, storytelling, and more
On Wednesday, 5 August, the Waterworks parkland on the Antrim Road will be transformed into a wandering cultural promenade.
From 11 am to 1 pm, you are invited to wander around the park meeting traditional musicians, poets, dancers, and storytellers along the way. Pontoons and lakeside benches will become mini-stages for ‘pop-up’ performances set against Binn Mhadagáin, Cave Hill, and the park’s wildlife.
This event is inspired by the historic “Stations” tradition, which emerged when secret mass was followed by spontaneous gatherings of storytelling, music, and dance.
Price: FREE
More Info: HERE
Address: Antrim Rd, Belfast BT15 5BG
7. Sessions On The Barge, The Belfast Barge – celebrate Irish traditional music on Belfast’s only floating music venue
The Belfast Barge is open from 10 am to midnight every day of the Fleadh, with a full array of entertainment throughout the Barge.
As the only floating live music event space in Belfast, popping in for one of the many sessions throughout the week is a must for a unique and unforgettable Fleadh experience.
Sessions On The Barge will take place from Monday to Friday during the week of the Fleadh with a mix of morning and evening sessions. With music from Laura Henderson, David Armstrong, and Paul Taylor, be sure to pick a day to pop in to one of these free events.
Price: FREE
More Info: HERE
Address: 1 Lanyon Pl, Belfast BT1 3LG
6. St George’s Market, Belfast City Centre – week-long sessions, local produce, and more
St. George’s Market is easily one of the best places to visit in Belfast on any given day, and for the week of the Fleadh, it is open the full 7 days with extended opening hours each day.
The usual weekend vendors will be out in force with unique Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann merchandise for you to stock up on for your Belfast visit.
From tasty food and outstanding live traditional Irish music performances throughout the week to local photography and a fully licensed bar for the occasion, a visit to St. George’s Market for its extended opening hours during the Fleadh is a must.
Price: FREE
More Info: HERE
Address: 12 East Bridge St, Belfast BT1 3NQ
5. Fleadh Fringe at Banana Block, East Belfast – one of Belfast’s best venues
The Fleadh Fringe will exist alongside the main Fleadh of the city centre, with venues, libraries, parks, alleyways and cultural spaces coming to life with workshops, sessions, storytelling, concerts, heritage tours and family events in every corner of the city.
One of these is the Fleadh Fringe at Banana Block in East Belfast. Curated by local singer-songwriter Joshua Burnside, this event will feature tunes from Rachel Sermanni, Córas Trio, Julie O’Sullivan and more special guests on Wednesday, 5 August from 7:30 pm.
Price: TBA
More Info: HERE
Address: PortView Trade Centre, 310 Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 1HE
4. 2 Royal Avenue Session Space, Belfast City Centre – family-friendly fun in the city centre
If you’re looking for one of the best family-friendly spaces and events during the week-long Fleadh in Belfast, then look no further than 2 Royal Avenue.
This fantastic city centre venue and event space will be hosting family-friendly workshops, music, and arts activities throughout the week of the Fleadh from midday every day.
There will be music from the next generation of Trad musicians, with Electric Reels and the Children’s Trad seisiún hosted by Glengormley School of Traditional Music and performances from the Four Corners Flute Orchestra and Alzheimer’s Society Singing for the Brain.
Price: FREE
More Info: HERE
Address: 2 Royal Ave, Belfast BT1 1DA
3. Cúig at Lavery’s Belfast – a unique and fresh sound
Hailing from the north, Cúig are a five-piece trad band that have earned themselves a reputation as one of the most innovative bands on the contemporary traditional music scene.
Their vibrant tunes feature the music of traditional Irish instruments like the fiddle, button accordion, uilleann pipes and more to bring a thrilling blend of traditional Irish music with a modern twist.
The band will be performing at one of Belfast’s best venues, Lavery’s Belfast, on the opening night of the Fleadh at 7 pm.
Price: £11
More Info: HERE
Address: 12-18 Bradbury Pl, Belfast BT7 1RS
2. Open Air Céilí, Belfast City Hall – one of the most fun and energetic events of the week
Certainly one of the unmissable Belfast Fleadh events is the Open Air Céilí which will be taking place on Friday and Saturday, 7 and 8 August, from 3 pm at the Gig Rig at Belfast City Hall.
A free, family-friendly event that is sure to be a highlight of the whole week, the Open Air Céilí will celebrate the very best of traditional music and dance.
This will be an energetic, fun experience whether you’re a veteran dancer or brand new. Expert callers will be on hand to guide you through the dances for maximum enjoyment.
Price: FREE
More Info: HERE
Address: Donegall Square N, Belfast BT1 5GS
1. Print your own Fleadh Linocut, Vault Artist Studios – take a piece of the Fleadh home with you
You’ll want to take home more than just the incredible memories you make at the Fleadh at the end of the week, and what better way to do it than with your own linocut of the Fleadh?
Artist Jonathan Brennan will be leading this relaxed, drop-in session on Wednesday, 5 August, to bring you through the hands-on process of traditional printmaking between 1 pm and 4 pm.
Price: FREE
More Info: HERE
Address: 62 Bedford St, Belfast BT2 7GP
Where to stay – the best accommodation options
Belfast has a number of excellent city centre hotels for you to stay in during the week of the Fleadh.
However, as prices have inevitably hiked up in hotels and other accomodation due to the event, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, Ormeau Park in South Belfast, not far from the city centre, is open for tents-only camping for the occasion.
Plus, there are several great hostels, too, including Vagabonds Belfast, Lagan Backpackers, and Global Village.
Embrace the fun, culture, and craic at the Belfast Fleadh 2026. Visit the best bars in Belfast for a session, check out some of the best musicians the country and beyond have to offer, and most of all, have fun! Sláinte!
