Fleadh Cheoil Day 3: Music, Culture, and Family Fun Across Belfast!

Get ready for another day packed with traditional Irish music, dance, and culture as Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann continues its vibrant run in Belfast! Today, August 4, 2026, promises a fantastic mix of entertainment, so grab your umbrella and raincoat just in case – we're celebrating come rain or shine!

The heart of the action continues at the Gig Rig main stage at City Hall, with free admission and no booking required! The music kicks off at 12:50 pm with Cuimsiú, followed by the McCullough Curran School of Irish Dance, the DownRight Musical Trio, Cairde Community Choir, and Ceoltóirí Óga - Etain agus a cairde. Later in the afternoon, catch The McClean family at 4:20 pm and Buaiteoirí Siansa – Aistear. From 6 pm, enjoy performances from Ards CCÉ Entertainment Classes, Nigel Black, Tunes Translated, Oriel Traditional Orchestra, The Cedar Dobson Band, and Ruciteme Club. The evening culminates with headliners Macalla, an incredible 8-piece ensemble blending traditional Irish and Iraqi instruments, taking the stage around 9:20 pm.

This evening, City Hall will also be the proud host of the Comhaltas Ceannródaithe Bardic Awards. These prestigious awards honour individuals who have made outstanding contributions to preserving and promoting Irish traditional music, song, dance, and culture. Among tonight’s deserving recipients are Níall McClean, Chair of Ards CCÉ (this year’s Fleadh host branch), and Maurice Brown from the Belfast Bands Forum, recognised for their vital support in bringing the Fleadh to our city. Accolades will also go to Belfast TradFest’s Dónal O’Connor and renowned uilleann piper Francis McPeake, celebrating their significant impact on traditional music development in Belfast.

For a powerful and uplifting experience, head to the Ulster Hall for the Ómós na n-Ultach performance. Composed by Micheal Rooney and performed by the Ulster Youth Folk Orchestra along with guest musicians, this evening will be a beautiful celebration of Ulster's music, history, and cultural identity, covering the local landscape and key historical moments.

Around the City Centre

Beyond the main stages, there’s a wealth of other fantastic events happening today:

• Edward Bunting – The Man and his Legacy: A free celebration of Ireland’s rich harping heritage at Belfast Cathedral at 12 pm.

• Ursula Burns: Belfast harpist and composer Ursula Burns will be performing outside the historic Assembly Rooms from 1 pm to 4 pm (free).

• Families of Ulster recitals: Daily sessions featuring talented family ensembles, today welcoming the Cathcart and Dolan families from Fermanagh and Tyrone, at 2 Royal Avenue from 1 pm to 2 pm.

• Alternative Ulster: Visit Vault Studios, Bedford Street, for an exhibition celebrating the city’s arts and music scene, with screen printing, lino cut, and craft workshops (daily, 12 pm-6 pm, workshop times vary).

• ‘Passing Voices’: At Saltwater Square outside Grand Central Station at 1 pm, artist Dragoș Mușat transforms fragments of voices, movement, laughter, and conversations into an evolving live composition, celebrating the musicality of everyday life (free).

• Craic to the Future: Join World of Hans Zimmer soloist Dave Marks at the Oh Yeah Music Centre at 7 pm for a night of stunning musicianship blending Celtic sounds with Rock, Jazz, film scores, and World Music (£8).

Fun for the Whole Family

Families are spoilt for choice with a range of free and engaging activities:

• Ar Shiúl Leis Na Sióga / A Way with the Fairies: Storytelling with acoustic performances on harps, guitar, and other instruments at Central Library (various times).

• Won’t Be Told by Tumble Circus: Prepare for jaw-dropping acrobatics, crazy juggling, and hilarious comedy at Saltwater Square outside Grand Central Station at 1 pm and 3 pm (free).

• Belfast Barge: Free daily sessions and home to the Belfast Traditional Music Trail.

• Children’s daily seisiúns: In the tent at 2 Royal Avenue from 3 pm to 5 pm (free).

• Children’s Trad Trail: With Glengormley School of Music at Raidió Fáilte, 30 Divis Street, from 12 pm to 2 pm (free).

• Sustainability workshops: Make your own instruments, bunting, and photo stands from scrap materials in the tent at 2 Royal Avenue (various times, free).

Your Local Fleadh Fix: North Belfast Events!

We’re delighted to see Fleadh events happening right here in North Belfast, ensuring our community can easily join the celebrations:

• North Belfast Loughshore Trad and guests: Enjoy a free session at Caifé Ceoil, Antrim Road, from 11 am to 12:30 pm.

• Before the Fleadh talk/tour: Discover how Mary Ann McCracken & Edward Bunting preserved Irish music from 1 pm to 2:15 pm.

• Live music at Chichester Library: A free session from 2 pm to 3:30 pm.

• Evening of folk song with Patrick Ní Hoolihan: Carrick Hill, 7:30 pm.

Across Belfast

While we encourage you to support local, the Fleadh is a city-wide celebration! Here’s a glimpse of what else is happening:

• South Belfast: Highlights include the Art of the Bodhrán at Ormeau Library (fully booked), Storytelling with Richard O’Leary at The Commons (£5), and a Foxglove Alley music session (free).

• East Belfast: Tinteán East at the former Ballymacarrett Masonic Hall offers exceptional folk and trad artists in an intimate setting (£8).

• West Belfast: Enjoy family fun at Grosvenor Community Centre and activities hosted by the All-Ireland Men's Shed, including a Guided Tour of Milltown, a Traditional Bodhrán Beater making workshop, and a Heritage Walk.

Exhibitions, Hubs & Foodie Delights

Don’t forget to explore the wide range of exhibitions on offer at venues including Craft NI, 2 Royal Avenue, Golden Thread Gallery, the grounds of Queen’s University Belfast, the QFT, St Joseph’s Sailortown, and the Ulster Museum – many of which are free to explore. The Irish Language Hub at The MAC is open again today with daily activities for families, tea and chat sessions, beginners’ classes, and more, as well as the Instrument Makers' Village at Belfast Met where you’ll find talented makers of harps, violins, and banjos. For foodie treats, St George’s Market is open until 5 pm, while there are plenty of covered areas to still enjoy a snack or drink at the Food and Drink Village at Belfast Cathedral, the Craic and Craft Market, and loads more pop-up options right across the city centre.