Big Grill Festival 2026 - Herbert Park

What to Expect

The Big Grill Festival returns to Herbert Park, Ballsbridge for its 2026 edition from Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 August, cementing its reputation as Europe’s largest live-fire food festival. Over four days, the park is transformed into a showcase for some of the world’s finest BBQ, smoke and live-fire cooking, brought together by an international lineup of pitmasters alongside the best of Irish food and drink.

The 2026 lineup spans everything from Michelin-starred chefs to pitmaster legends from Texas, with a breadth of food on offer that ranges across Northern Thai cuisine, high-end Irish ingredients treated to live-fire techniques, corn dogs, craft ice cream, and elaborate BBQ cuts from every tradition. Irish craft breweries take a central role in the drinks offering, with a dedicated bar and tasting area featuring the best independent Irish producers.

For families, there is a dedicated free kids area throughout the weekend. Live music and entertainment runs throughout, and the festival’s food competition and eating contest formats create a lively spectacle across all four days. Thursday and Friday feature early entry from 3pm, making them ideal for a post-work visit, while Saturday and Sunday open from 11am for a full day experience.

This is one of the most distinctive food events in Ireland’s calendar, drawing a strong international following alongside a loyal Dublin audience who return year after year.

Good to Know

• Thursday and Friday: early entry from 3pm, general entry from 5pm

• Saturday and Sunday: early entry from 11am, general entry from 2pm; evening entry from 5:30pm on Saturday

• Tickets from approximately - ‚¬35; premium zone tickets available

• Free kids area throughout the weekend

• Herbert Park has significant green space for sitting out between sessions

Getting There

Herbert Park is in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. The nearest DART station is Sandymount, approximately ten minutes on foot. Ballsbridge is also accessible by Dublin Bus from the city centre. Metered parking is available on surrounding streets but the area gets busy during the festival weekend; public transport is recommended. The venue is approximately a 35-minute walk from the city centre along the Grand Canal.