Festival
Festival & Concert Series in August & September
Check out what festivals and concert series you can see this August & September in Ireland.
As summer draws to a close, August & September is the perfect time to make the most of those long, sun-filled days and unforgettable nights. Ireland’s music scene is ending the summer with a bang, offering a mix of massive festival headliners, intimate performances, and everything in between! There’s no better way to finish off the summer than with live music. Don’t miss out what Festivals & Concert Series you can catch in Ireland in August & September.
CHSQ
Custom House Square | 7 August – 6 September
CHSQ returns to the historic surroundings of Belfast’s iconic Custom House Square running from 7 August – 6 September. This concert series will showcase a vibrant mix of international headliners and homegrown talent. Limerick trio Kingfishr open the concert series, featuring other acts Australian DJ Mall Grab, Belfast punk band Stiff Little Fingers and LA Alt-Rock band Wallows.
The Farmer’s Bash
Boucher Playing Fields, Belfast | 9 & 10 August
Meanwhile, The Farmers Bash comes to Boucher Playing Fields, Belfast on 9 & 10 August. With the festival’s continued growth since the 2017 inaugural event, this year features four stages for festivalgoers to explore. The line-up includes headliners such as Kaiser Chiefs & The 2 Johnnies, alongside Irish music favourites Boyzlife, B*Witched, The Coronas and Nathan Carter. Adding to the fun are events like Bingo Loco and 30+ Club, along with a broad range of activities such as The Big Tractor Showdown, Husband Calling Championships, and Piggy 500 Pig Racing.
Live at the Docklands
Dock Road, Limerick | 9 – 24 August
Moving down south, Live at the Docklands returns for its sixth edition. The concert series takes place in the heart of Limerick’s industrial docklands along the banks of the River Shannon from 9 – 24 August. This years concert series promises a dynamic line-up under the marquee, including legendary rock bands The Saw Doctors, The Waterboys and Kaiser Chiefs. Audiences can also look forward to performances from Irish pop singer-songwriter Moncrieff and theatrical tribute sensation Qween.
Summer Session Letterkenny
Kiltoy Roundabout, Ballyraine, Letterkenny | 15 & 24 August
Over in Letterkenny, the north west’s newest and biggest festival, Summer Sessions, takes place at Live in the Big Top. This exciting two-part day festival offers something for everyone. On 15 August, superstar DJ and producer Jax Jones headlines ‘Summer Nights’, joined by Scottish DJs Kimmic and Levi Heron. On 24 August, the ultimate throwback party ‘Memories’ features nostalgic favourites with acts Cascada, B*Witched, DJ Sammy, N-Trance, and Special D.
Wider Than Pictures
Collins Barracks, Dublin | 19 – 24 August
Back for its fourth year, Wider Than Pictures returns to the atmospheric grounds of the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin from 19 – 24 August. The concert series opens with British rock band Wunderhorse and continues with 80’s synth-pop pioneers The Human League, American singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory, before closing out the series with indie/folk artist Father John Misty.
The Big Day Out
TUS Gaelic Grounds, Limerick | 23 August
The Big Day Out returns with a star-studded line-up of pop and electronic dance music icons from the 90s and 00s at TUS Gaelic Grounds, Limerick on Saturday 23 August. Headlining the stadium show are the beloved boy band Blue, alongside poptastic artists Peter Andre, DJ Mark McCabe and Whigfield. Prepare for a high-energy celebration of classic hits!
Emerge
Boucher Road Playing Fields, Belfast | 23 & 24 August
Following last year’s sold-out weekend, Ireland’s biggest electronic music festival, Emerge, returns to Boucher Road Playing Fields, Belfast. The festival takes place over the August bank holiday weekend on Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 August. The two-day event will feature world-leading talents such as Fatboy Slim and BICEP presenting their Chroma AV set, along with acts Sonny Fodera, Hannah Laing, Jazzy, and many more.
Belfast Vital
Boucher Road Playing Fields, Belfast | 28 & 29 August
Rounding out the month, Belfast Vital comes to Boucher Road Playing Fields with two unmissable nights of music. On 28 August, indie rock singer-songwriter Sam Fender will be joined by Irish pop singer-songwriter CMAT. Following them is Dublin post-punk band Fontaines D.C who take to the stage with special guests Belfast rap trio Kneecap.
Electric Picnic
Stradbally Hall, Co. Laois | 29 – 31 August
Ireland’s largest celebration of music & arts, Electric Picnic is set to return to Stradbally Hall, Co. Laois for the festival’s 21st chapter on 29 – 31 August. Across this action-packed three-day weekend headliners include rising pop princess Chappell Roan, soulful folk artist Hozier and indie-rock favourite Sam Fender plus more. In addition welcoming an exciting line-up of international acts including Confidence Man, Barry Can’t Swim, Alessi Rose, and Black Country New Road, along with homegrown heroes such as Amble, Bell X1, For Those I Love, Just Mustard, and KhakiKid across 27 stages!
Oakfest
Oakfield Park, Raphoe, Donegal | 6 & 7 September
Finally, closing the summer season is Donegal’s family-friendly festival, Oakfest, returning to Oakfield Park, Raphoe on 6 & 7 September. This two-day festival promises a lively blend of music, food, fun, and entertainment for all ages. Saturday headliners include Scottish pop legends Wet Wet Wet, German reggae-funk icons Boney M., and Tyrone trad-rock band The Whistlin’ Donkeys. Throughout the night, DJ Darren B and DJ Crazy Conal will keep the party alive with throwback classics.
Want to find out more about the biggest Festival & Concert Series in August & September? Check out our summer guide HERE to find out more!
