Festivals & Events in Sligo 2026
A year of culture, creativity, and connection on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
Sligo’s calendar for 2026 is bursting with festivals, music, arts, sport, and community gatherings that capture the energy and creativity of the county. From experiences on the coast to traditional music, heritage traditions to modern performances, there’s something happening in every corner of County Sligo — all year long.
Here’s your month-by-month guide to the unmissable festivals and events lighting up Sligo in 2026.
January – A Bright Start to the Year
Sligo begins the year in style with Sligo On Ice, the Yeats Winter School, and The Sligo Tournament — a celebration of sport, culture and creativity that sets the tone for an exciting year ahead. Whether you’re skating under the winter lights or exploring Yeats’ legacy, January in Sligo blends art, literature and fun.
February – Comedy, Innovation, and Community
February welcomes the return of the So Funny Sligo Comedy Festival, bringing laughter and top talent to venues across town. The Sligo Engineering Fair showcases innovation and creativity, while the Western Drama Festival in Tubbercurry continues South Sligo’s proud theatrical tradition.
March – Drama and Celebration
As spring arrives, the Western Drama Festival continues in Tubbercurry, celebrating community theatre from across Ireland. The West of Ireland Amateur Golf Championship draws players and spectators to scenic fairways, while St. Patrick’s Day Festival fills Sligo’s streets and villages with parades, music and colour.
April – Tradition and Getting active
April invites exploration and culture, with the Castle to Cave Camino offering a beautiful walking route through Sligo’s landscapes, and Feis Shligigh celebrating Irish language, dance, and music — an enduring showcase of local talent and cultural pride.
May – Coastal Adventures and Local Spirit
May is made for the outdoors with the Coastal Cycle Event and the Cóis Cóis Sean Nós Festival, bringing traditional music and dance to communities along the Wild Atlantic Way. Sligo Chamber Music Festival, Sligo Races, and the extremely popular Love Is A Stranger Festival add to a month rich in culture, creativity and community spirit.
June – Summer in Full Swing
Festival season blooms in June with the Sligo County Fleadh, Yeats Day, and the lively Wild Atlantic Shanty Festival celebrating maritime heritage in coastal villages. Add in the Streets of Sligo 5k, Ballisodare Falls Festival, and Sligo Indian Association Events, and you have a month that reflects Sligo’s diversity, energy, and global connections.
July – Music, Heritage, and Family Fun
July is one of Sligo’s most vibrant months. From Cairde Festival and Sligo Camino to the South Sligo Summer School and Benbulben Country Music Festival, every corner of the county comes alive. Highlights include the Sligo International Jazz Festival, Yeats International Summer School, and Black Pig Festival in West Sligo. Whether it’s theatre, jazz, or traditional tunes, July in Sligo is unforgettable.
August – Heritage and Celebration
August brings heritage and culture to the forefront with the Tubbercurry Old Fair Day Festival and Sligo Heritage Week. Traditional music takes centre stage at the Coleman Traditional Festival and Warriors Festival, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the South Sligo Walking Festival, Sligo Glow Walk, and Tread Softly, a celebration of creativity inspired by Yeats. The Sligo seaside shines with the Strandhill Film and Folk Festival, and community spirit is celebrated at the Sligo Volunteer Centre’s 20-Year Anniversary.
September – Food, Wellness, and the Arts
As summer fades, Sligo’s harvest season begins with the Taste of Sligo Food Festival and Ballintogher Traditional Music Festival. The Wild & Well Festival and Relay for Life encourage health and community connection, while Culture Night Sligo and the Sligo Baroque Festival bring creativity and elegance to the fore. History lovers can commemorate the Remembering the Armada events along north Sligo’s dramatic coastline.
October – Music and Mindfulness
October offers the perfect mix of reflection and rhythm. The Change Your Mind Festival explores wellbeing through talks, art, and performance, while Sligo Live draws major music acts and audiences from across Ireland. The Coastal Cycle Event also returns, inviting cyclists to experience Sligo’s stunning Wild Atlantic Way scenery.
November – Winter Warmers
As the evenings grow shorter, November fills with music, movement, and light. The Yeats Winter School continues, alongside Spilt Milk Festival, Salsa Festival Sligo, and the joyful Christmas Lights Turn On in Sligo Town. Winter fun returns too, with Sligo On Ice reopening for another festive season.
December – Giving Back and Looking Ahead
The year ends with International Volunteer Day, celebrating community spirit across the county — a fitting close to a year that highlights all that makes Sligo such a vibrant, welcoming place to live and visit.
Plan Your Visit to Sligo
With events spread from Enniscrone to Ballymote, Tubbercurry to Strandhill, and every village in between, Sligo 2026 offers a celebration in every season. Whether you’re here for music, wellness, sport, or food, you’ll find the heartbeat of the Wild Atlantic Way right here in County Sligo.
Use the Ideas Engine to get your tailored, bespoke itinerary for Sligo here.
