- City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival 25th Anniversary: Marking its 25th year in May 2026, this festival features five days of jazz music across streets, bars, and venues, including international artists, gigs, and free pop-up shows, enhancing the musical experience for visitors with expanded celebrations.
- Derry Halloween 40th Anniversary: Celebrating 40 years in October 2026 as Europe’s largest Halloween festival, it includes four nights of folklore, history, heritage, and street celebrations with ancient spirits, offering immersive and expanded themed experiences for families and thrill-seekers.
- Foyle Maritime Festival: Returning in June 2026 as a biennial event, this award-winning festival along the River Foyle features tall ships, entertainment, continental markets, and local produce adventures, providing enhanced maritime and cultural interactions over four days.
- Millennium Forum 25th Anniversary: In 2026, this performing arts venue celebrates 25 years with a programme of drama, dance, comedy, music, and family shows, enriching the cultural offerings for theatre enthusiasts visiting the city.
- Maiden City Hotel Opening: Set to open in late 2025 but fully operational in 2026, this 43-room hotel on Strand Road includes a residents’ lounge, Olive Room restaurant, and Spire Bar, boosting luxury accommodation options and visitor stays in the city centre.
- Walled City Hotel Opening and Expansion: Opening in late 2025 with 40 rooms in a restored 1920s Bank of Ireland building on Strand Road, expanding to 72 rooms by 2027, this boutique hotel enhances heritage-focused stays with modern amenities in 2026.
- City Hotel Refurbishment and Rebranding: Following a £7 million investment, the City Hotel in Derry will be rebranded as DoubleTree by Hilton in 2026, offering upgraded facilities and improved hospitality experiences for visitors.
- Da Vinci’s Hotel Refurbishment: Completing a major refurbishment in February 2026, this hotel will provide refreshed accommodations and amenities, enhancing comfort for tourists exploring the area.
- Roe Park Resort Acquisition by Galgorm Group: In Limavady, this resort’s acquisition will lead to enhancements in spa, golf, and lodging experiences available in 2026, attracting wellness and leisure visitors to County Derry.
- New Direct Flight from Dublin to Derry: Planned for 2026, this route will improve connectivity, particularly to North America, making it easier for international visitors to access County Derry’s attractions.
- Love LegenDerry Food Month: In February 2026, this event celebrates local food and drink with producer stories, cheese and beer tours, foodie cycles, and cooking classes, enriching culinary experiences for visitors.
- Autumn/Spring Heritage Lecture Series: Starting 8 January 2026, events like “The Dunmore Mystery” offer educational talks on local history, enhancing heritage appreciation for interested tourists.
- Legenderry Musical Mystery Tour: Season beginning 17 January 2026, this music-themed city centre tour provides engaging storytelling and exploration of Derry’s musical heritage.
- Robert Burns Festival: From 17 to 31 January 2026, the Bready Ulster Scots Burns Festival features cultural performances and events, adding to the literary and traditional experiences available.
- IMBOLC Gan Siniú // IMBOLC Unsigned: On 3 February 2026, featuring performers like Cora Harkin and others, this event dedicates to IMBOLC with live music, boosting the contemporary arts scene.
- Sí-Bín Céilí: On 7 February 2026, a LADTA+ friendly céilí celebrating IMBOLC, offering inclusive traditional dance and social experiences.
- Seisiúin Bhosca Lóin // Lunchbox Sessions: From 2 to 6 February 2026, traditional music sessions provide natural, hourly performances, enhancing casual cultural immersion.
- Brian Finnegan and The Hunger Of The Skin Band // Tara Breen agus Marty Barry: On 7 February 2026, featuring renowned musicians, this concert adds high-quality live music options for visitors.
- Stitch & Weave: A new dining and social experience in Ebrington Square, open throughout 2026, adjacent to the Peace Bridge, providing fresh culinary and communal enhancements.
- Walled City Brewery Taproom: Newly added alongside the brewhouse and restaurant, open in 2026, offering craft beers and food tastings to enrich the local brewing experience.
- Austins Building Conservation: With planning and works advancing in early 2026, this historic department store’s restoration will enhance shopping and heritage experiences in the city centre.
- Coach Tourism Association Annual Workshop: Held in Derry from 6-10 February 2026, this industry event with a new format promotes networking and may lead to improved group tour experiences for visitors.
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