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

7:00pm (doors)

Music

More Info Orchestra Baobab

Tickets

Tickets available at the door.

Thanks for Being Here

Date

Thursday, 15 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

Ed O’Brien

Date

Monday, 19 October 2026

7:30pm

Music

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

A bearded man in a flat cap and waistcoat dances with a smiling woman in a white top, holding her hand as they move together. Behind them, a crowded dance hall is filled with people dancing and chatting under warm, low lighting.

The Devil’s in the Dance Hall

Date

Thursday, 22 October 2026

8:00pm

Theatre & Dance

NI Premiere

More Info The Devil’s in the Dance Hall Book Now for The Devil’s in the Dance Hall

The Light Within & Tá Brón Orm

Date

Saturday, 24 October 2026

7:45pm

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

Sold Out

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

The Songs of Joni Mitchell

Date

Thursday, 29 October 2026

7:30pm

Music

NI Premiere

More Info The Songs of Joni Mitchell Book Now for The Songs of Joni Mitchell

Bel Trew – From the Front Lines

Date

Saturday, 31 October 2026

4:00pm

Talks & Ideas

More Info Bel Trew – From the Front Lines Book Now for Bel Trew – From the Front Lines

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

Latest News

View The2026 Brochure

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Belfast International Arts Festival

Welcome to Belfast International Arts Festival

Selected Highlights

Faith Healer

Orchestra Baobab

Tickets

Thanks for Being Here

Parade – The Giant Wheel

Ed O’Brien

The Devil’s in the Dance Hall

The Light Within & Tá Brón Orm

Simon Mayo

Takkuuk

The Songs of Joni Mitchell

Bel Trew – From the Front Lines

Joshua Idehen

Bette A. & Brian Eno | What Art Does

Sebastian Barry

Nōs

Rory Friers

Latest News

Volunteer @ #BIAF26

In tribute to Prof Jackie McCoy MBE

BIAF Unveils 2026 Programme

Glen Hansard | 1970 – 2026