Fleadh Belfast Day 4 offers free storytelling, films, traditional music, Irish dancing and family craft activities across the city centre.
The free Gig Rig at Belfast City Hall will host live performances throughout the day. Meanwhile, the Ulster Hall will welcome Úna Monaghan, Duke Special and Ryan Vail for the Ebb and Flow concert.
Visitors are encouraged to use public transport, walk, cycle or travel through one of Belfast’s three official Fleadh Park and Ride sites.
Fleadh Belfast Day 4 brings another packed programme of traditional music, family entertainment and cultural activities to the city today, Wednesday 5 August.
Families visiting during the summer holidays can enjoy storytelling, films, children’s music sessions, Irish dancing, craft workshops and free performances across Belfast city centre.
The eight-day festival runs until Sunday 9 August. It celebrates Irish music, song, language and dance through concerts, competitions, street performances and community events.
Visitors can browse the latest events through the official Fleadh Cheoil programme.
Fleadh Belfast Day 4 at a glance
Date Wednesday 5 August 2026
Location Belfast city centre
Admission Many activities are free
Families Encouraged to Use Public Transport
Festival hosts Belfast City Council, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ are reminding visitors to avoid driving into the city centre where possible.
People attending Fleadh Belfast Day 4 should consider:
- Travelling by bus or train
- Walking or cycling
- Using an official Park and Ride site
- Checking their journey before travelling
- Allowing additional time for delays
- Following directions from event stewards and volunteers
Official Park and Ride services are operating from:
- Eikon Exhibition Centre
- Giant’s Park
- Belfast Harbour
Visitors can find parking, shuttle and accessibility information through the Belfast City Council Fleadh travel guide.
The latest bus and train updates are available from the Translink Fleadh travel page.
Passengers can also check temporary changes to Metro stops through the Translink service adjustments page.
A fully accessible city-centre shuttle is operating for people with accessibility requirements and those carrying heavy instruments. Further details are available through the Translink accessible shuttle guide.
Belfast is hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann for the first time from Sunday 2 August until Sunday 9 August 2026.
Belfast City Centre Road Closures
Several roads surrounding Belfast City Hall are closed to general traffic.
The closures affect:
- Wellington Place
- Donegall Square North
- Donegall Square East
- Donegall Square West
The restrictions will remain in place until the end of the festival.
Visitors should plan their journeys in advance and leave additional time for travel. Some Metro departure points have also moved temporarily during the event.
Belfast City Council’s official guidance confirms that city-centre traffic restrictions are operating throughout the Fleadh period.
Live Music Across Belfast on Day 4
Live music can be heard throughout Belfast city centre as the city continues to embrace the spirit of the Fleadh.
A few showers are forecast. However, visitors will still find plenty of indoor and outdoor entertainment across the festival area.
The official Fleadh What’s On guide provides the latest programme information and any scheduling updates.
Free Entertainment at the City Hall Gig Rig
The Gig Rig in the grounds of Belfast City Hall will provide free live entertainment throughout the day.
Scotstown CCÉ will take to the stage at 11.35am. They will be followed by a varied mix of traditional performers and dancing groups.
Scheduled acts include:
- Planxty O’Rourke
- Tír na nÓg Dancing Troupe
- Ealta
The midweek energy will continue into the evening with two groups bringing contemporary influences to traditional music.
Tempest is scheduled to perform at 8.45pm. NxNW will then appear at 10pm.
No tickets are required for the Gig Rig, and visitors do not need to book in advance.
The outdoor stage operates in the grounds of Belfast City Hall, with free performances presented throughout the festival.
Visitors should check the official Gig Rig programme before travelling because performance times may change.
Fleadh Belfast Day 4 Family Activities
Families can choose from storytelling, traditional music, films, theatre, dancing and hands-on creative workshops.
The official family-friendly Fleadh programme contains more activities for children and young people.
The family programme runs throughout the eight-day festival and includes interactive performances, music sessions and outdoor entertainment.
Sammy the Squirrel Storytelling
Early-years children can enjoy Irish storytelling through the Sammy the Squirrel event.
- Time: 10am
- Venue: 2 Royal Avenue
- Price: Free
The Secret of Kells Film Screening
Cinemagic will present a screening of the acclaimed animated Irish film The Secret of Kells.
- Time: 10.30am
- Venue: Belfast Barge
- Price: Free
The Salmon of Knowledge
Families can hear the famous Irish legend of the Salmon of Knowledge at Belfast Central Library.
- Times: 11.30am and 3.30pm
- Venue: Belfast Central Library
- Price: Free
The Plantin Folklore Theatre Experience
Belfast Central Library will also host The Plantin, a family theatre experience inspired by Irish folklore.
- Times: Performances vary
- Venue: Belfast Central Library
- Price: £5
The production is designed for children aged six to eight and runs for approximately 45 minutes. Visitors can check the official Plantin event listing for available performance times.
Children’s Traditional Music Sessions
Daily children’s seisiúns will introduce younger visitors to traditional Irish music in a welcoming environment.
- Time: 3pm to 5pm
- Venue: 2 Royal Avenue
Children’s Trad Trail
Young visitors can follow a traditional music trail beginning at the Castle Place tent.
- Time: 12pm to 2pm
- Starting point: Castle Place
The Children’s Trad Trail runs from Monday to Friday during Fleadh week. Visitors can view the official Children’s Trad Trail listing.
Echoes of Erin Irish Dancing
Irish dancing performances will take place at Victoria Square throughout the afternoon.
- Time: 12pm to 4pm
- Venue: Victoria Square
Families of Ulster Recital
The Meehan Family from County Armagh will present a special Families of Ulster recital.
- Time: 1pm to 2pm
- Venue: 2 Royal Avenue
Print Your Own Fleadh Linocut
Artist Jonathan Brennan will help participants create a Fleadh-inspired linocut print.
- Time: 1pm to 4pm
- Venue: Vault Studios
- Price: Free
Family Crafts and Activities Around Belfast
More family craft activities will take place inside the tent at Castle Place.
Children can create instruments using recycled materials during a scrap instrument-making workshop from 10am until noon.
Visitors can also explore:
- The Food and Drink Village at Belfast Cathedral
- The Craic and Craft Market at ICC Belfast
- Street entertainment across the city centre
- Traditional music sessions in participating venues
- Family activities along the Maritime Mile
Visitors can browse the official Fleadh food and drink guide before exploring the festival’s hospitality areas.
Further information about attractions along Belfast’s waterfront is available from the Maritime Mile website.
Flanagan Award Recognises Cathal Hayden
The Flanagan Award will pay tribute to great banjo players from across the traditional Irish music world.
This year’s award recognises County Tyrone musician Cathal Hayden and his contribution to traditional music.
Reverend Gary Hastings Receives Ard-Ollamh Award
The Ard-Ollamh Award will be presented at Belfast City Hall.
The award recognises Reverend Gary Hastings for his dedication to Irish music and the Irish language.
Ebb and Flow Concert at the Ulster Hall
The Ulster Hall will host Ebb and Flow, a special concert exploring the role of rivers, lakes and coastlines in shaping the places people call home.
The concert will feature performances from:
- Úna Monaghan
- Duke Special
- Ryan Vail
- Belfast Bands Forum musicians
- Ards CCÉ musicians
- The Ulster Orchestra
The performance will also be broadcast live on BBC Radio Ulster.
Tickets are priced at £15.
Ebb and Flow is listed as part of the Ulster Hall’s Fleadh programme for Wednesday 5 August.
Visitors can check availability and booking information through the Ulster Hall Fleadh programme or the venue’s What’s On page.
How to Check the Full Fleadh Programme
Event times may change, so visitors should check the latest information before travelling.
Official information is available through the following links:
- Official Fleadh Cheoil website
- Full Fleadh What’s On programme
- Family-friendly Fleadh events
- Gig Rig performances
- Belfast City Council Fleadh guide
- Belfast road closures and travel information
- Translink Fleadh travel guide
- Translink service adjustments
- Ulster Hall events and tickets
Visitors can also follow Fleadh Cheoil through its official Facebook page, Instagram account and TikTok account.
Enjoy Fleadh Belfast Day 4
Whether you enjoy traditional music, Irish dancing, storytelling, crafts or family entertainment, Fleadh Belfast Day 4 offers plenty to explore.
Plan your journey before leaving home, allow additional travel time and check whether individual activities require advance booking.
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