Belfast International Arts Festival

Welcome to Belfast International Arts Festival

The Festival returns for its 64th edition from 14 October – 8 November 2026.

With over 200 events across 30 venues, we’re delighted to once again celebrate the very best in Theatre, Dance, Music, Visual Arts and Literature — alongside, for the first time, our new Immersive Arts strand.

Faith Healer

Date

10 October - 14 November 2026

Time

7.30pm (Tues – Sat) | 2.30pm (Sat & Sun)

Theatre & Dance

More Info Faith Healer Book Now for Faith Healer

Orchestra Baobab

Date

Wednesday, 14 October 2026

Time

7pm (doors)

Music

More Info Orchestra Baobab Book Now for Orchestra Baobab

Thanks for Being Here

Date

15 October - 16 October 2026

7:30pm

Theatre & Dance

Irish Premiere

More Info Thanks for Being Here Book Now for Thanks for Being Here

Parade – The Giant Wheel

Date

Saturday, 17 October 2026

Time

1pm & 3.30pm

Theatre & Dance

Irish Premiere

Free

More Info Parade – The Giant Wheel

No Need to Book

145th Royal Ulster Academy Exhibition

Date

18 October - 3 January 2027

Time

10am – 5pm (Tues - Sun)

Visual Arts

Free

More Info 145th Royal Ulster Academy Exhibition

No Need to Book

Ed O’Brien

Date

Monday, 19 October 2026

7:30pm

Music

More Info Ed O’Brien Book Now for Ed O’Brien

Beethoven 200: Dance Moves

Date

Friday, 23 October 2026

7:45pm

Music

More Info Beethoven 200: Dance Moves Book Now for Beethoven 200: Dance Moves

The Light Within & Tá Brón Orm

Date

Saturday, 24 October 2026

7:30pm

Theatre & Dance

European Premiere

More Info The Light Within & Tá Brón Orm Book Now for The Light Within & Tá Brón Orm

Simon Mayo

Date

Saturday, 24 October 2026

6:00pm

Talks & Ideas

More Info Simon Mayo Book Now for Simon Mayo

Takkuuk

Date

28 October - 31 October 2026

Time

Wed & Thu: 5pm, 7pm | Fri: 3pm, 5pm, 7pm | Sat: 11am, 1pm, 3pm

Immersive Arts

Free

More Info Takkuuk Book Now for Takkuuk

Lost Communications: Underwater

Date

29 October - 30 October 2026

6:30pm

Immersive Arts

Free

More Info Lost Communications: Underwater Book Now for Lost Communications: Underwater

Joshua Idehen

Date

Sunday, 1 November 2026

Time

7:30pm (doors)

Music

More Info Joshua Idehen Book Now for Joshua Idehen

Bette A. & Brian Eno | What Art Does

Date

Sunday, 1 November 2026

2:00pm

Talks & Ideas

More Info Bette A. & Brian Eno | What Art Does Book Now for Bette A. & Brian Eno | What Art Does

Sebastian Barry

Date

Sunday, 1 November 2026

4:00pm

Talks & Ideas

More Info Sebastian Barry Book Now for Sebastian Barry

A group of dancers dressed in white move in unison against a dark stage background. In the foreground, a performer arches backward with arms softly raised and gaze lifted upward.

Nōs

Date

6 November - 7 November 2026

7:45pm

Theatre & Dance

World Premiere

More Info Nōs Book Now for Nōs

Rory Friers

Date

Sunday, 8 November 2026

7:30pm

Music

Closing Event

Artist in Residence

More Info Rory Friers Book Now for Rory Friers

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Belfast International Arts Festival

Welcome to Belfast International Arts Festival

Selected Highlights

Faith Healer

Orchestra Baobab

Thanks for Being Here

Parade – The Giant Wheel

145th Royal Ulster Academy Exhibition

Ed O’Brien

Beethoven 200: Dance Moves

The Light Within & Tá Brón Orm

Simon Mayo

Takkuuk

Lost Communications: Underwater

Joshua Idehen

Bette A. & Brian Eno | What Art Does

Sebastian Barry

Nōs

Rory Friers

Latest News

Glen Hansard | 1970 – 2026

First Shows Announced for Festival ’26

Volunteer @ #BIAF25

BIAF appoints new Artistic Director & CEO