Belfast TradFest 2026

What to Expect

Belfast TradFest 2026 is the 8th edition of the festival, running Sunday 26 July to Sunday 2 August across Belfast’s UNESCO City of Music. The programme includes headline concerts at Mandela Hall and Empire Music Hall, a week-long Summer School of Traditional Music at Ulster University, pub sessions, ceilis, workshops, talks and lectures. Confirmed headline acts include Michael McGoldrick Big Band (26 July, Mandela Hall), Cherish the Ladies (26 July, Mandela Hall afternoon), The Bonny Men with Brid Harper, Sylvain Barou and Libby McCrohan (30 July, Empire), Cuas and Barry Kerr with Pauline Scanlon and Gerry O’Beirne (29 July, Empire), Solas (31 July, Mandela Hall), Flook (1 August, Mandela Hall), and Four Men and a Dog.

Good to Know

• Dates: 26 July to 2 August 2026

• Headline concerts ticketed; many community and pub sessions free

• Full programme launched 25 June 2026 at belfasttraditionalmusic.com

• Summer School runs 27-31 July at Ulster University Belfast campus

Getting There

Mandela Hall and Empire Music Hall are both in the Queen’s University area of south Belfast, accessible by Metro bus routes from the city centre.