Belfast St Patrick’s Day 2026: Full Events Guide from 1–17 March

Belfast St Patrick’s Day 2026 runs from 1–17 March, with a packed programme of parades, live music, family events and Irish language celebrations. Highlights include the city centre parade on 17 March, Belfast TradFest concerts, Féile an Phobail sessions, Spraoi Cois Lao at Custom House Square and live music at St George’s Market. Belfast City Council has delivered one of its biggest programmes yet.

Belfast St Patrick’s Day 2026: Music, Parade and Festival Highlights

Focus Keyphrase: Belfast St Patrick’s Day 2026

Belfast St Patrick’s Day 2026 promises two full weeks of music, colour and celebration across the city. Organised by Belfast City Council, this year’s programme runs from 1–17 March and features parades, traditional music festivals, family fun days and cultural events.

From the iconic parade through the city centre to world-class trad performances, there is something for every age group and interest.

St Patrick’s Day Parade Belfast 2026

The annual parade remains the centrepiece of Belfast St Patrick’s Day 2026.

• Date: Tuesday 17 March
• Start time: 1.30pm
• Starting point: City Hall
• Route: Chichester Street, Victoria Street, High Street, Castle Place, Donegall Place

This year’s theme celebrates the legends of St Patrick and the diversity of the city. Expect:

• Colourful carnival costumes
• Local dance troupes and schools
• Community groups
• Live musicians

The parade follows the annual Spar Craic 10K race, which leaves from City Hall at 9am.

Belfast TradFest: Five Days of Traditional Music

Belfast TradFest has extended its St Patrick’s Music Festival to five days, running from 13–17 March.

The festival offers a cross-community celebration of traditional music and song and serves as a preview for this summer’s Fleadh Cheoil.

Ticketed Highlights

• Dougie MacLean and Ursula Burns – Mandela Hall
• Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh Band and Andy Irvine – Mandela Hall
• Pipe Band Extravaganza – City Hall
• Michael McGoldrick Trio and Music Generation Cross Border Folk Orchestra – Ulster Hall
• St Patrick’s Day concert featuring The Bow Brothers and Aoife Scott Band – The MAC

Following the parade, visitors can head to the Festival Village in the Cathedral Quarter from 1pm–5pm. The main stage will be in Writers’ Square, with an acoustic stage in St Anne’s Square.

Activities include:

• Highland piping competitions
• Set and céili dancing
• Bodhrán circles
• Pilgrimage walks
• Trad picnic and family entertainment

Féile an Phobail and the Trad Trail

Féile an Phobail will host world-class traditional music and workshops from 10–17 March.

The popular Féile Trad Trail includes over 100 music sessions across Belfast, featuring some of Ireland’s leading traditional musicians.

This programme strengthens Belfast St Patrick’s Day 2026 as a city-wide celebration rather than a single-day event.

Spraoi Cois Lao and Irish Language Celebrations

Spraoi Cois Lao returns to Custom House Square on Saturday 7 March from 1pm–4pm.

Organised by Conradh na Gaeilge and Féile an Phobail, it is one of the largest Irish language family fun days of its kind.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Live music and dance
• Céili mór
• Zumba sessions
• Beginner-friendly taster classes
• Food stalls

In addition, Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia runs from 1–17 March. This international festival celebrates Irish language and culture through events suitable for learners and fluent speakers.

St George’s Market St Patrick’s Weekend

St George’s Market will host live traditional music on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March.

Expect:

• Performances from Ards CCÉ musicians
• Special trader offers
• Family-friendly entertainment

Why Belfast St Patrick’s Day 2026 Is Bigger Than Ever

Lord Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly said the festival continues to grow in popularity each year. Strong partnerships with arts organisations and cultural groups have expanded the programme significantly.

As a result, Belfast St Patrick’s Day 2026 is not just a parade. It is a two-week celebration of:

• Traditional arts
• Music and heritage
• Irish language and culture
• Community participation

For full event listings, ticket details and updates, visit:
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/stpatricks