On Tuesday morning we launched our Festival theme for 2026 – “ROOTS” ☘️
This year we are inviting you to celebrate the living roots of Ireland — the people, places and stories that connect us, and how those roots extend far beyond borders. We invite everyone, from local communities to the global Irish diaspora, and every individual that calls this island their home, to see themselves reflected in the narrative of St. Patrick’s Festival: a celebration of connection, belonging, creativity and pride.
4 days and nights – one shared story.
The full programme for St. Patrick’s Festival 2026 is now revealed, with 4 days and nights of events taking place across Dublin from 14–17 March.
Ireland’s national festival returns to its roots in 2026, bringing together communities, artists, visitors and audiences from around the world for one of the most recognisable celebrations of culture, creativity and community.
Ireland is a country deeply connected to story and tradition, where ancient myths sit alongside living culture, and seasonal rituals and everyday acts of connection are shared across communities. Ireland’s roots lie not only in history and folklore, but in the lived experiences of all those who call this island home, shaped by migration, emigration and cultural exchange across generations.
In 2026, the Festival explores roots as something living and evolving, inviting audiences to reflect on identity, belonging and shared stories, while creating space for new voices and contemporary expressions of Irish culture.
A VIBRANT CITY-WIDE PROGRAMME
St. Patrick’s Festival 2026 invites locals and visitors alike to experience a vibrant, city-wide programme featuring over 150 artists working across music, street theatre, dance, comedy, craft and participatory performance. This year’s programme places collaboration and accessibility at its heart, with highlights ranging from marching rhythms and immersive soundscapes to wheelchair-led dance, ballet for over-55s, iconic Irish theatre, subculture storytelling, hands-on craft workshops, family hubs and neurodivergent-friendly spaces. Together, these experiences reflect Ireland’s one shared story, rooted in tradition, community and creative exchange.
THE NATIONAL ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
The National St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns to Dublin on Tuesday 17 March, promising an unforgettable showcase of imagination, scale and creativity. The Parade will feature 12 large-scale floats from independent parade companies, with over 3,000 participants involved. Returning to the streets of Dublin are beloved pageant makers including Macnas, Bui Bolg, Spraoi, Inishowen Carnival Group, Curious State, Volkidana, The Outing Queer Arts Collective, Artastic and ArtFX, alongside exciting new entries from Lumen Street Theatre and Show CoMotion, a new Dublin-based parade company making its Festival debut. Adding to the festivities, The Rotunda Hospital makes its first appearance this year with a special float designed by ArtFX.
International participation remains a hallmark of the Parade, with marching bands travelling from Scotland and the United States, including eight American bands from Ohio, Arizona, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Mississippi, Indiana and Texas, reflecting the deep cultural connections between Ireland and its global diaspora.
Our festival programme is now live!