Festival season is calling!

The Mourne Gullion Strangford region is packed with vibrant, family friendly festivals celebrating everything from local music and food to arts, culture and heritage. With a strong community spirit and a passion for showcasing local talent, it's the perfect place to create lasting family memories. With so much to choose from, there's something for everyone. So, read on and discover the fantastic festivals taking place across the region.

Eats and Beats Newcastle

As the summer season winds down, Eats and Beats takes centre stage in Newcastle, County Down, celebrating the very best of the Mourne Gullion Strangford region's thriving food and music scene. From delicious local produce and mouth watering street food to outstanding live performaces, this lively festival offers something for every taste, with events and entertainment happening across the town. 
Click here to visit our website for tickets and more details about this festival.

Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 September 2026 | Newcastle.

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Wake the Giant 

Step into a world of myth, magic and adventure as the legendary Giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill returns to Warrenpoint for an unforgettable weekend of storytelling and celebration. Enjoy live music, hands on creative workshops, family garden games and the forgettable Giant Awakening Ceremony. Wander through the bustling Food Village, where local favourites meet flavours from around the world. Discover a host of crafts, activities and fascinating curiosities along the way. Packed with fun for all ages. This family friendly festival brings ancient legend to life in the heart of Warrenpoint. Click here to visit our website for more details about this festival.

Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 August 2026 | Warrenpoint.

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Down by the Dibney

Held in Killyleagh each summer, is a vibrant, community-run event perfect for family fun and making local memories. The festival brings together a rich variety of activities, from treasure hunts and pool competitions to bake-offs, quizzes and football knockout tournaments. For those who love being on the water, there are canoe races, paddle‑board challenges and other water-based competitions. Whether it’s friendly rivalry or creative flair, there’s something for every member of the family.

August 2026, Dates to be confirmed | Killyleagh.

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Pride Newry

Newry comes alive with colour, music and celebration each August as Pride returns to the city. The festivities begin with a vibrant parade through the streets, followed by a lively open air concert in Marcus square featuring local performers, dazzling drag acts and entertainment for all ages. Beyond the main event, the programme includes literature readings, community discussions, a Pride 5K, a range of activities that celebrate diversity and inclusion. This festival is all free to enjoy.

Saturday 22 August 2026 | Newry City.

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Fiddlers Green Rostrevor

Nestled in the picturesque village of Rostrevor, the Fiddler's Green Festival is a celebrated showcase of traditional music, arts and community spirit. Experience outstanding performances from acclaimed artists including Luka Bloom, Dervish and The Sands Family.

Beyond the main stage, the festival comes alive with vibrant pub sessions, arts and crafts, family friendly activites and guided walks through the breathtaking Mourne Mountains. With almost 40 years of history, this much loved event offers a rich and welcoming experience for visitors of all ages, set against one of Northern Ireland' most spectacular landscapes.
Click here to visit their website for tickets and more details about this festival. 
Wednesday 15 July - Sunday 19 July 2026 | Rostrevor.

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Dundrum Festival - Summer Fun By The Castle

Soak up the summer atmosphere at Dundrum Festival,a fun filled day packed with entertainment for the whole family. Enjoy themed activities, bouncy castles, face painting and a vibrant selection of market stalls showcasing local crafts, artisian products and delicious treats. 

Live performances from talented local musicians will keep the festival buzzing throughout the day, while the ever-popular Daft Raft Race brings plenty of excitement, creativity and laughs to the water. With something for every age and interest, Dundrum Festival is the perfect opportunity to make lasting memories with family and friends in a truly spectacular setting. 

Saturday 18 July 2026 | Dundrum.

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Ardglass Festival - Summer in Ardglass

Experience the vibrant spirit of Ardglass as the village comes alive for a week long celebration filled with fun, community spirit and entertainment for all ages. From exciting raft building challenges and charity football matches to scavenger hunts, health and wellbeing activities, a 10K run, cinema nights, colour fun runs and inflatable laser tag adventures, there's something happening everyday for everyone to enjoy. 
The festival also offers plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind, with paint and sip evenings, morning yoga sessions, the much loved floating parade, featuring colourful costumes and creative displays. Bringing together lively activities, local pride and memorable moments. Ardglass Festival is the perfect way to celebrate summer with family, friends and neighbours.

Wednesday 29 July - Sunday 2 August 2026 | Ardglass. 

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Downtime Festival Downpatrick

Downtime Summerfest 2026 returns to Down County Museum for a fantastic weekend of music, heritage, arts and family fun in the heart of Downpatrick.
The celebrations begin on Friday 21 August with an adults only evening of live music in the Museum Courtyard from 5pm to 9pm. Enjoy live performances from talented local musicians, including headline act The Unholy Gospel Band, in a unique historic setting. With great music, food a relaxed summer atmosphere, it's the perfect way to start the weekend. 

The fun continues on Saturday 22 August from 11am to 4.30pm with DownTime Heritage and Arts Day. Visitors can enjoy treasure hunts, storytelling, archaeological digs, living history characters, traditional music and plenty of family friendly activities. Whether you're exploring the museum, lsoaking up the local heritage or simply enjoying the entertainment, there's something for all ages to enjoy. 

Click here to visit our website and book your ticket. 

Friday 21 & Saturday 22 August 2026 | Downpatrick.

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Killough Shore Festival 

Set against a stunning coastal backdrop, Killough Festival is a vibrant celebration of summer by the sea.

From colourful fancy dress parades and football tournaments to boxing exhibitions, inflatable attactractions, and fun filled family activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The village comes alive with excitement throughout the day, culminating in fantastic live music and a warm community atmosphere. A true seaside tradition, the festival captures the spirit of summer with laughter, entertainment and local pride. 

Tuesday 7 - Sunday 12 July. | Killough.

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Strangford Festival – Seaside Summer Fun

Set against the backdrop of Strangford's picturesque harbour, this much love festival offers a perfect blend of coastal charm and community spirit. Enjoy the excitement of traditional skiff races, live music performances, scenic boat trips, and a tempting selection of local food and drink. With family friendly games, creative activities, and entertainment for all ages, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Relax, soak up the atmosphere, and experience a vibrant summer celebration where stunning scenery, great company and seaside traditions come together. 

Friday 28 - Monday 31 August. | Strangford.

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Mourne Chamber Music Festival – August in Newcastle

Experience the beauty of world class music in the intimate surroundings of Newcastle Community Cinema. This acclaimed festival showcases exceptional young musicians from across Northern Ireland and beyond. Bringing together outstanding talent in a relaxed and welcoming setting. From timeless classical masterpieces to contemporary works, each performance promises to inspire, captivate and delight. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Mourne coast, it offers a memorable cultural experience for seasoned music enthusiasts and first time concertgoers alike. 

For more information, click here to visit our website.

Tuesday 25 August - Saturday 29 August 2026 | Newcastle.

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Soma Festival – Summer in Castlewellan

Celebrate the spirit of summer at the Soma Festival, a vibrant showcase of Irish music, language, and local culture in the heart of Castlewellan. Blending traditional folk music with contemporary arts, interactive workshops, and a strong sense of commuity, the festival offers something for everyone. Enjoy live performances, captivating storytelling, artisian markets, and plenty of craic in a welcoming atmosphere. Proudly rooted in local heritage, Soma Festival is a heartfelt celebration of creativity, culture and community.

Click here to get your tickets now before they sell out.

Friday 17 - Sunday 19 July 2026 | Castlewellan. 

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Back from the Boley – Summer in the Hills

This unique festival in Hilltown County Down celebrates the ancient tradition of 'Boleying' and the rich heritage of life in the Mourne uplands. Experience all this festival has to offer, local crafts, traditional music, delicious food and captivating storytelling that brings the mountain culture to life. A heartfelt celebration of the enduring connection between people, place and heritage. It's a soulful summer gathering where community, culture and the landscape come together on the hillside.

Thursday 27 - Monday 31 August | Hilltown.

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Skiffie Fest – Summer on Strangford Lough

Set against the stunning backdrop of Delamont Country Park near Killyleagh, SkiffieFest - The Strangford Lough Water Sports Festival returns for an action packed weekend of sport and family fun. Watch exciting St. Ayles skiff racing as teams from across Northern Ireland, the UK and overseas compete over the 2km course. Beyond the regatta, enjoy live music, locally produced food and drink, family friendly activities and a range of land and water based activities. From toddler rowing taster sessions and treasure hunts, to climbing walls and model aircraft displays. With something for all ages, it's a vibrant summer celebration on the shores of Strangford Lough. 
Click here to find out more information and check out their video.

Friday 31 July - Sunday 2 August | Delamont Country Park.

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Tha Hairtlan Festival – Celebrating Ulster-Scots in Kilkeel

Celebrate the rich heritage of Ulster-Scots culture at this vibrant, family friendly festival in the heart of Kilkeel. From traditional music, storytelling, drumming and dance. To historical re-enactments, arts and crafts, highland games and family activities. There's something for every generation to enjoy. As the day unfolds, the festivities continue with a colourful street pageant, an open air concert and a spectacular bonfire and fireworks display. Creating a memorable celebration of culture, community and tradition. Free to attend, it's one of the highlights of the Mourne summer calender. 

Click here to check out their full programme.

Saturday 27 June - Saturday 11 July | Kilkeel.

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Leitrim Fontenoys Festival

Celebrate 30 Years of one of County Down's longest running festivals as the Leitrim Fontenoys Festival 2026 returns with an unforgettable programme of live entertainment, community spirit, and family fun. The village of Leitrim will come alive with a packed schedule of events, featuring headline performances from The Tumbling Paddies, Derek Ryan and the Nooks, alongisde plenty of festival excitement for all ages. Event programme and performances are subject to licence. 
For tickets and the latest updates, visit their festival's Facebook page. 

Friday 31 July - Sunday 2 August | Leitrim. 

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Warrenpoint Loughside Festival

The Warrenpoint Loughside Festival is a vibrant, annual, week long summer celebration held each August along the stunning shores of Carlingford Lough in Warrenpoint, County Down. With a packed programme of events for all ages, the festival brings the town to life with tratitional currach boat races, bustling artisian markets, comedy nights and live music in the Town Park and The Square. Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

Visit our website for the full lineup by clicking here.
Saturday 8 - Sunday 16 August | Warrenpoint.

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Iúr Cinn Fleadh 

Iúr Cinn Fleadh is Newry's annual celebration of Irish culture, community and tradtional music. Every August bank holiday weekend, the city comes alive with the sounds of trad and folk music, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere for all to enjoy. 

Now celebrating over a decade, this year's Fleadh promises to be their best year yet. Most events are completely free, making the festival accessible for everyone.

Be sure to experience the popular Iúr Cinn Fleadh Cruises and discover everything else the festival has to offer.

Click here to check out our website for more information.

Thursday 27 - Monday 31 August | Newry.

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Crossgar Festival 

Crossgar summer festival returns for eight days of community spirit, entertainment and fun for all ages. The festival programme includes a lively table quiz, car treasure hunt, wine tasting and a fascinating history event. 

Get active with the Crossgar 10K, enjoy an afternoon of dancing at the tea dance and relax with live music at the Jammin' Session.

Enjoy a vibrant celebration packed wih something for everyone. Experience a colourful street parade, thrilling football action, family-friendly games and activities, delicious local food and live music throughout the day. Don't miss the Great Crossgar Duck Race, where every duck purchased helps support the communiy projects across the village. 

Visit their Facebook page by clicking here for more information.

Friday 31 July - Saturday 8 August | Crossgar. 

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This is just some of the summer festivals Mourne Gullion Strangford has to offer. If you have any details of other festivals in the region, drop us a message.  We would love to feature as many festivals as possible.