Island Arts Centre Summer Arts Festival Lisburn 2026

The Island Arts Centre in Lisburn has been running its Summer Arts Festival for children and young people for 25 years, and by any measure it has become one of the most reliably popular things to do with kids in Co. Antrim during the school holidays. This is not a drop-in craft table - it is a structured, artist-led programme that gives children aged 4 to 16 three weeks of genuine creative work. If you have a young person who thrives with their hands busy and a bit of encouragement, this is worth booking early.

What to expect

The festival runs across three themed weeks between 29 July and 16 August 2026, with sessions running Monday to Friday. Past programmes have included circus skills and drama, juggling, poi spinning and hula hoop, pottery, digital art, ceramic garden projects, and stop-motion animation. Children have also visited the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum as part of themed days, and there are regular guest artists, writers and illustrators joining the mix.

Each week tends to close with a celebratory session, and artwork created by participants is displayed in the centre’s gallery - which gives the whole thing a sense of occasion rather than just a way to fill a Tuesday. The 2026 festival marks 25 years of the programme, so expect something a little more memorable than usual.

Prices vary by activity and session length. The festival is extremely popular and sessions sell out quickly - early booking through the Island Arts Centre website is strongly recommended.

Getting there

Island Arts Centre sits on The Island civic complex in Lisburn city centre, right beside Lagan Valley Island on the River Lagan. Lisburn is well connected to Belfast by train - the journey takes around 15 minutes from Great Victoria Street, with frequent services throughout the day. By road, Lisburn is just off the M1, about 18 km south-west of Belfast city centre. There is parking at Lagan Valley Island and in the surrounding city centre car parks.

While you’re in Antrim

Lisburn itself has the Irish Linen Centre and Museum on the same civic square, and the riverside walks along the Lagan are pleasant for a walk before or after a session. There is more to see in Antrim and across Co. Antrim.

Good to know

• Runs 29 July to 16 August 2026, Monday to Friday; times vary by session
• Prices vary - see the Island Arts Centre website for current rates and discounts (sibling and multi-week reductions have been available in past years)
• Book early at islandartscentre.com or call 028 9244 7452 - the festival sells out fast
• For ages 4 to 16; different sessions suit different age groups
• Located at The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL