50th Ballyshannon Folk & Traditional Music Festival

29 July – 1 August 2027 | Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Celebrate 50 Years of Music, Tradition & Community

In 2027, the Ballyshannon Folk & Traditional Music Festival proudly celebrates its 50th Anniversary—a remarkable milestone for Ireland’s longest-running folk and traditional music festival.

Join us for four unforgettable days as Ballyshannon, Ireland’s oldest town, comes alive with world-class performances, traditional sessions, cultural events, and the unique atmosphere that has made the festival one of Ireland’s favourite summer celebrations for five decades.

Whether you’re returning for another year or visiting for the very first time, the Golden Jubilee promises to be our biggest and most memorable festival yet.

Festival Highlights

🎵 Three Nights of Live Music

Experience spectacular evening concerts in the Festival Marquee featuring renowned Irish and international artists alongside the very best emerging talent.

🎻 Traditional Sessions

Enjoy spontaneous traditional music sessions throughout Ballyshannon’s pubs, where musicians and audiences come together long into the night.

🎪 Free Street Entertainment

The streets of Ballyshannon will be filled with live music, dancers, performers, family entertainment and festival atmosphere all weekend.

⭐ Showcase Performances

Discover the next generation of folk and traditional musicians as showcase winners perform alongside established festival favourites.

🎨 Arts & Culture

Celebrate the festival’s rich history through exhibitions, workshops, storytelling and cultural events taking place across the town.

🎼 Jam at the Dam

One of the festival’s most loved events returns, bringing musicians together in the unique setting of Ballyshannon’s historic hydro station.

❤️ The Legend Sessions

Our annual tribute celebrating the musicians and friends who helped shape the festival over the past fifty years.

🎶 Workshops & Masterclasses

Learn from some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians with workshops in fiddle, tin whistle, singing, guitar, bodhrán and set dancing.

Festival Programme

Thursday • 29 July

Festival Launch

Abbey Arts Centre

• Official Festival Opening
• 50th Anniversary Retrospective Exhibition With Barry Britton Art
• Opening Concert
• Traditional Music Sessions throughout the town

Friday • 30 July

• Free daytime entertainment
• Street performances
• Festival Marquee Concert
• Showcase performances
• Late-night pub sessions

Saturday • 31 July

• Jam at the Dam
• Live music across Ballyshannon
• Workshops and cultural events
• Festival Marquee Concert
• Traditional sessions until late

Sunday • 1 August

• Family entertainment
• The Legend Sessions
• Festival Finale
• Closing Marquee Concert
• Farewell sessions across the town

Tickets

Early Bird Tickets Now Available

Celebrate this historic milestone by securing your place at the 50th Anniversary Festival.

Choose from:

• Weekend Festival Passes
• Individual Concert Tickets
• Special 50th Anniversary Early Bird Offers

Book early to secure the best prices and avoid disappointment.

👉 Book Online:
www.ballyshannonfolkfestival.com

Stay Connected

Follow us throughout the year as we announce artists, programme updates and special events celebrating our Golden Jubilee.

Facebook & Instagram:
@BallyshannonFolkFestival

Contact Us

Ballyshannon Folk & Traditional Music Festival
Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Website:
www.ballyshannonfolkfestival.com

Email:
maryfowleydaly@gmail.com

Join Us for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Celebration

50 Years of Music • 50 Years of Memories • One Incredible Festival

29 July – 1 August 2027
Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, Ireland