Belfast comes alive with theatre, music, dance, literature and visual art every autumn, and Belfast International Arts Festival 2026 looks set to be one of the biggest editions yet.

Running from 14 October to 8 November 2026, the festival returns for its 64th edition, with more than 200 events across over 30 venues throughout the city.

The programme brings together artists from Northern Ireland and around the world, with everything from major theatre productions and live music to walking tours, exhibitions, talks and a brand-new immersive arts strand.

Whether you're planning a full Belfast city break or just looking for something different to do this autumn, here is everything you need to know about Belfast International Arts Festival 2026.

When is Belfast International Arts Festival 2026?

The festival runs from:

Wednesday 14 October – Sunday 8 November 2026

Events are spread across Belfast rather than concentrated in one location, so you can build your visit around the performances, exhibitions or talks that interest you most.

What is Belfast International Arts Festival?

Belfast International Arts Festival is the city's longest-running international arts event.

It was established in 1962 and has grown into a major celebration of contemporary arts and culture, covering theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literature and other creative disciplines.

For 2026, the festival welcomes artists from 19 countries, alongside performers and creators from Northern Ireland.

That international mix is one of the things that makes the festival so interesting. You can see a major touring production one night and discover a completely new local artist the next.

More Than 200 Events Across Belfast

The 2026 programme includes more than 200 events in over 30 venues.

Expect a mixture of:

• Theatre
• Dance
• Live music
• Visual art
• Literature
• Talks
• Walking tours
• Free performances
• Immersive experiences

The sheer scale of the programme means there is no single way to experience the festival. You can dip into one event or build an entire weekend around it.

New for 2026: Immersive Arts

One of the biggest additions this year is the festival's new Immersive Arts strand.

Studio Ulster becomes one of the main locations for these experiences, with work designed to surround the audience through sound, visuals and interactive technology.

Highlights include TAKKUUK, an immersive journey into the Arctic using infrared imagery and music by BICEP, and Lost Communications: Underwater, an audiovisual experience exploring an underwater world.

For anyone who wants something very different from a traditional theatre performance, these are worth looking at.

Orchestra Baobab Opens the Festival

The music programme gets underway with Orchestra Baobab on the opening night, 14 October.

The Senegalese group has built an international reputation for blending West African music with Cuban influences and other styles. Their appearance gives the festival an appropriately global opening and sets the tone for a programme that mixes international and homegrown artists.

Ed O'Brien Comes to Belfast

Another major music highlight is Ed O'Brien, best known as a member of Radiohead.

He performs on 19 October, adding another big name to the festival's music programme. If you're visiting Belfast specifically for live music, this is one of the dates to watch.

Clare Sands

Irish musician Clare Sands performs on 18 October.

Her music blends traditional Irish influences with contemporary sounds and gives the festival a strong homegrown element alongside the international acts.

Andy Irvine & Quilty

Later in the festival, legendary folk musician Andy Irvine joins Swedish traditional music group Quilty on 4 November.

For anyone interested in folk and traditional music, this could be one of the standout performances of the programme.

Faith Healer

Theatre is a huge part of Belfast International Arts Festival, and Faith Healer is one of the major productions appearing during the 2026 season.

Performances run from 10 October to 14 November, overlapping with the main festival dates. It's a useful reminder that some festival-linked productions begin before the official opening or continue after the main programme ends.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Families and younger theatre fans should look out for The Sorcerer's Apprentice.

The production runs from 10–25 October, with performances scheduled across several days each week. It gives families another option during the October half-term period and makes the festival more than an adults-only arts event.

Parade – The Giant Wheel

One of the most eye-catching free events is Parade – The Giant Wheel.

Taking place on Saturday 17 October, the performance combines theatre and spectacle and is making its Irish premiere. There are two performances scheduled, and admission is free with no booking required.

This could be one of the easiest festival events to enjoy if you're visiting Belfast for the day.

The Devil's in the Dance Hall

The Devil's in the Dance Hall arrives on 22 October for its Northern Ireland premiere.

The production combines theatre and dance and is another example of the festival bringing new work to Belfast audiences.

Beethoven 200: Dance Moves

Classical music fans should look out for Beethoven 200: Dance Moves on 23 October.

The performance forms part of the festival's wide-ranging music programme and shows just how varied the event can be. You can move from folk and jazz-inspired performances to classical music within the same week.

Talks, Books and Big Ideas

The festival is also a strong choice for anyone interested in literature and discussion.

Writers and broadcasters appearing in 2026 include names such as:

• Simon Mayo
• Sebastian Barry
• Jan Carson
• Rosemary Jenkinson

There are also discussions, workshops and talks spread throughout the programme.

Explore Belfast Through a Walking Tour

Not every festival event takes place inside a theatre.

Walking tours offer a chance to explore Belfast's history and literary connections while being part of the festival. Examples include:

• Oscar Wilde Walking Tour of Queen's University
• Belfast Literary Tour
• Queen Victoria in Belfast
• Look Up! walking tour

These are a great option if you're visiting Belfast from outside the city and want to combine culture with sightseeing.

Free Events at Belfast International Arts Festival

You don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy the festival.

There are plenty of free events and exhibitions throughout the programme, including visual-art exhibitions, talks and outdoor performances. Some immersive experiences are also free but require advance booking.

If you're visiting Belfast on a budget, it's worth filtering the programme for free events before planning your day.

Visit the Royal Ulster Academy Exhibition

The 145th Royal Ulster Academy Exhibition opens on 18 October 2026 and continues into January 2027.

The exhibition is free and provides a good option for anyone who enjoys painting, sculpture and contemporary visual art. It's also an easy event to combine with another festival performance later in the day.

Artist in Residence: Rory Friers

The festival's 2026 Artist in Residence is Rory Friers.

One of his major contributions is HOME, an immersive installation built around memories and recorded experiences from residents and staff at Glendun care home in Cushendun. Friers also performs the festival's closing event on 8 November.

Belfast International Arts Festival Venues

Events take place across more than 30 venues around Belfast.

Depending on the programme you choose, you could find yourself in theatres, galleries, concert halls, public spaces, universities, cultural centres and studio spaces. That spread across the city is one of the festival's biggest strengths — it encourages visitors to explore different neighbourhoods rather than staying in one festival zone.

Make a Weekend of It

Belfast International Arts Festival is an excellent excuse for an autumn city break.

Day One

Morning – Explore Belfast City Hall and city centre Afternoon – Visual art exhibition or walking tour Evening – Theatre or live music

Day Two

Morning – Titanic Belfast Afternoon – Festival talk or immersive experience Evening – Another festival performance

If you're visiting during late October, you could also combine the festival with some of Belfast's Halloween events.

Things to Do Between Festival Events

One of the advantages of attending a city-wide festival is that there is plenty to do between performances.

You could visit Titanic Belfast, Belfast City Hall, St George's Market, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast Castle, Cave Hill, Ulster Museum or the Botanic Gardens. Belfast is compact enough to fit in plenty of sightseeing between events.

Is the Festival Family Friendly?

Yes, although individual age recommendations vary.

Some theatre productions and public performances are suitable for families, while others are specifically aimed at adults. The free outdoor events can be particularly easy for families because you can experience part of the festival without committing to a long performance.

Always check individual event information before booking with younger children.

Accessibility

Belfast International Arts Festival provides dedicated accessibility information for its programme.

Concession rates are available for selected events, including for disabled visitors, students, those aged 16 and under, over-60s and the unemployed. Ticketing support is also available through the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre.

If you have specific accessibility requirements, check the individual venue details before booking.

How to Book Tickets

Festival tickets can be booked online or through the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre opposite Belfast City Hall.

Some events are free and require no booking, while others are free but still require advance registration. Popular events can sell out, so it's worth booking early if there is something you definitely want to see.

Belfast International Arts Festival 2026 at a Glance

Dates	14 October – 8 November 2026
Edition	64th
Events	More than 200
Venues	Over 30
Artists	From 19 countries
Categories	Theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literature, talks, immersive arts
Free events	Yes
Family-friendly	Yes
New for 2026	Immersive Arts strand
Booking	Recommended for popular performances

Is Belfast International Arts Festival Worth Visiting?

Definitely, especially if you're already considering an autumn trip to Belfast.

The festival's biggest strength is variety. You could spend one afternoon exploring visual art, watch an outdoor performance for free, attend a literary talk and finish the night with live music or theatre.

And because the festival is spread throughout Belfast, the city itself becomes part of the experience. You don't need to be an arts expert either — choose one or two events that sound interesting and build the rest of your trip around them.

Final Thoughts

The Belfast International Arts Festival 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest cultural events in Belfast this autumn.

With more than 200 events across over 30 venues, the programme covers everything from international music and major theatre productions to literature, walking tours, free exhibitions and cutting-edge immersive experiences.

Running from 14 October to 8 November 2026, it also falls at a perfect time for an autumn Belfast city break.

Whether you book a headline performance, try one of the new immersive experiences or simply catch a free event while exploring the city, there are plenty of ways to experience the festival. And with so much happening across Belfast for almost four weeks, you may find that one visit isn't enough.