Here are the upcoming festivals and events in County Down from 20 March to 1 May 2026, featuring a vibrant mix of music performances, high-adrenaline motorsport, family-friendly Easter activities, and cultural celebrations across towns like Bangor, Newtownards, Ballynahinch, Warrenpoint, and more.
March Events
- The 4 Of Us (Acoustic) (27 March, 20:00): An intimate acoustic set by the Murphy brothers (founders of the iconic Newry rock band The 4 of Us) at The Court House in Bangor, delivering heartfelt performances of their hits in a cosy venue.
- Motorcycle Track Day (29 March, 10:30): A thrilling open track day at Kirkistown Racing Circuit near Newtownards, one of Ireland’s premier motorsport venues. Suitable for all rider levels, it offers a safe environment to push bikes to the limit with expert guidance.
April Festivals & Events
- Club Zero Disco (Easter Edition) (1 April, 21:00): A fun, alcohol-free disco night for young people during the Easter holidays at Castlewellan GAC, promoting safe and inclusive entertainment.
- Easter Saturday Afternoon Blues (4 April, 15:30): Live blues and soul music from the Backbone Blues Band at St Peters GAA Club in Warrenpoint, perfect for a relaxed afternoon vibe.
- Easter Monday at Montalto (6 April): A popular family festival at the stunning Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch, featuring Easter egg hunts (including eggs designed by local schools), tractor rides, bouncy castles, outdoor games, live music, and exploration of 400 acres of grounds-ideal for all ages.
- The Talland Quartet (7 April, 19:00): An evening of exquisite classical chamber music by this award-winning quartet at Newcastle Community Cinema (NCC).
- Ards International Guitar Festival (starts 18 April; main dates 15-19 April across venues): Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this landmark event at Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards and surrounding locations brings world-class guitarists across genres like blues, folk, rock, bluegrass, classical, and contemporary. It includes headline performances (e.g., tributes to John Martyn, sets by Pierre Bensusan and Andy McKee), workshops, and free fringe events.
- The Boondocks: Old School Country (18 April, 20:00): A nostalgic musical tribute to classic country storytelling with songs from legends like Hank Williams and Willie Nelson at Down Arts Centre in Downpatrick.
- Pet Nose Day (26 April, 10:00): A delightful dog-focused festival at Mount Stewart in Newtownards (National Trust property), featuring County Down’s cutest Fun Dog Show (classes like “Hairiest Beastie”), scentwork stations, artisan pet stalls, and family-friendly activities for pet owners and enthusiasts.
Annual & recurring festivals
- County Down features a diverse range of festivals, from maritime celebrations on Strangford Lough to prestigious musical and agricultural events. Here are the recurring and annual festivals in County Down:
- Festival of Flight (June): A massive seaside air show in Newcastle featuring vintage and modern aircraft displays, including the Red Arrows, over Dundrum Bay.
- Comber Earlies Food Festival (June): A celebration of the famous PGI-status Comber Early potato, featuring cookery demos, vintage tractors, and local food stalls.
- Belfast City Blues Festival (June): While centered in the city, many events spill into North Down venues, featuring local and international blues artists.
- Donaghadee Summer Festival (July): A community-led festival in the seaside town featuring the “Lifeboat Festival,” raft races, and family fun days.
- Soma Festival (July): An eclectic festival in Castlewellan focused on traditional music, wellness, local food, and craft beverages.
- Fiddlers Green Festival (July): An internationally renowned traditional music festival in Rostrevor, featuring hundreds of events, hill walks, and world-class folk concerts.
- Castleward Opera / Arts Festival (July/August): A season of high-quality vocal performances and arts workshops held in the historic surroundings of the Castle Ward estate.
- Hilden Beer & Music Festival (August): Ireland’s oldest independent brewery festival in Lisburn, showcasing local craft ales alongside a diverse lineup of live music.
- Wake the Giant (August): A spectacular family festival in Warrenpoint based on the legend of the giant Finn McCool, featuring a massive marionette and street theatre.
- Clandeboye Festival (August): A prestigious classical music festival curated by Barry Douglas, held in the historic chapel and courtyard of Clandeboye Estate.
- Ards Blair Mayne International Festival (September): A heritage and sports festival in Newtownards celebrating the life of the SAS co-founder with historical reenactments and community events.
- Hans Sloane Chocolate & Fine Food Festival (September): A biennial (sometimes annual) food festival in Killyleagh honoring the local physician who brought the milk chocolate recipe to Europe.
- Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride (December): A unique festive tradition where hundreds of Santas on horseback parade through the streets of Saintfield to raise money for charity.
- Festival of Light (December): An annual winter illumination event at Mount Stewart gardens, featuring spectacular light installations and festive trails.
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