At Multiple venues across Belfast · Various locations, Belfast, Co. Antrim
Only the published dates are confirmed for this programme.
The Belfast International Arts Festival marks its 64th edition from Saturday, 14 October to Sunday, 8 November 2026, presented across more than 30 venues around Belfast.
The 2026 programme runs to more than 200 events across five main strands, theatre, dance, music, visual arts and literature, plus a new Immersive Arts strand making its debut this year. Confirmed names include Ed O’Brien, Orchestra Baobab, Brian Eno and Sebastian Barry. A number of events are free to attend, among them Parade - The Giant Wheel on 17 October, the 145th Royal Ulster Academy Exhibition, which runs from 18 October to 3 January 2027, and the immersive pieces Takkuuk and Lost Communications: Underwater. The festival closes on 8 November with Rory Friers appearing as Artist in Residence.
Events are spread across more than 30 venues in and around Belfast city centre. Addresses and travel details for individual events are confirmed on the festival website when booking, and each venue sets its own doors and access arrangements. The festival box office can be reached on 028 9024 6609 for general enquiries.
Belfast is home to around 352,000 people in the city itself and around 672,000 across the wider metro area. Its charter dates back to 1613, and the city centre is walkable end to end in around 25 minutes, so a festival visit can easily take in more than one venue in a day. There is more to see in Belfast and across Co. Antrim.
Heading to Multiple venues across Belfast in Belfast? Antrim has plenty more to see. Read the Belfast area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.
We do not yet have a suitable Antrim tour in our reviewed collection that starts locally. Use the IrelandMe tour finder to compare bookable experiences for the rest of your trip.