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seasonal · Sunday 2 August 2026 · Various 
Six Mile Festival Antrim 2026
At Antrim Castle Grounds · Randalstown Road, Antrim, Co. Antrim
At Antrim Castle Grounds · Randalstown Road, Antrim, Co. Antrim
A free three-day summer festival run by the local council, the Six Mile Festival has become one of the August highlights for people across Co. Antrim. It takes its name from the Six Mile Water, the river that flows through the town before emptying into Lough Neagh, and it uses Antrim Castle Grounds as its stage - a handsome stretch of parkland well suited to a festival. There is no single headliner-and-done formula here; each day runs at its own pace, pulling in live music, food and craft stalls, family entertainment and street carnival acts. It is a good option if you have children in tow, or if you simply want to spend time outdoors with something going on around you.
The festival has a clear shape across the three days. Friday evening leans into live music, with local and regional acts performing to an end-of-week crowd. Saturday typically splits between a daytime food and craft market - local produce, handmade goods and street food - and an evening headline set drawing on musical theatre or popular vocal performers. Sunday brings Party in the Park, the most family-facing day, with afternoon entertainment that in previous years has included live acts, face painters and inflatables for younger children. Evening concerts have historically been ticketed at around £10-15 per person; daytime and family events are free. Confirm current ticketing at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/sixmilefestival before travelling.
The event is organised by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council - well staffed, well stewarded, and reliably well run. Bring a layer or two; August evenings in Co. Antrim are cool once the sun drops.
Antrim station sits on the Belfast to Derry/Londonderry rail line, less than ten minutes’ walk from the Castle Grounds on Randalstown Road. By road, Antrim is just off the M2, roughly 20 miles north-west of Belfast; follow signs for the town centre and then Randalstown Road. Town centre car parks are available nearby, though the Sunday family day draws large crowds so arriving early is worth it.
Antrim Castle Grounds are worth a look in their own right - the formal gardens are a rarity in Northern Ireland, and the town sits at the north shore of Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in Ireland, with shore paths close by. There is more to see in Antrim and across Co. Antrim.
Heading to Antrim Castle Grounds in Antrim? Antrim has plenty more to see. Read the Antrim area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.