Ballina Fringe Festival returns this autumn for its 9th festival season. It will bring ten days of visual art, theatre, film, literature, live music, community events and youth programming to Ballina, lasting from Friday 2nd to Sunday 11th October 2026.
This year’s festival is centred around the theme of RESILIENCE. Focused on exploring identity, community and the enduring power of culture to bring people together.
‘Borderline’ by Shiro Masuyama
Fri 2nd Oct – Sun 4th Oct, Military Barracks Square
A highlight of the opening weekend is Borderline, a striking site-specific installation by Belfast-based Japanese artist Shiro Masuyama. Transforming a caravan into an evolving museum of Irish and British culture. Masuyama has filled its interior with everyday objects and traces of countless conversations, creating a fascinating reflection on shared culture and identity.
The caravan will be open to visitors free of charge throughout the day from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th October at Military Barracks Square. Visitors are invited to simply step inside and experience the installation for themselves.
Neill Tully in Conversation with Finola Cahill
Sun 4 Oct, 3pm, Methodist Church
Born and raised in Ballina, Neil Tully now lives in Cork. His debut novel The Visit, set in New Ross as the town prepares for JFK’s famous visit will resonate with so many in Ballina. It will be an intimate Sunday afternoon conversation with two local literary artists, and we’d love to see you there.
Buy Tickets Here
Live Concert – ‘I Draw Slow’
Sat 10 Oct, 8pm, St Michael’s Church
🎵 BFF presents I Draw Slow. One of Ireland’s most loved folk and Americana bands in one of the most beautiful venues in Ballina. The festival’s flagship musical gig is always our most popular gig. Support from All Folk’d Up.
Buy Tickets Here
Ballina Smartphone Short Film Festival
Sat 10 Oct, 2–5pm, The NCF
Big stories filmed on small screens. Come and see short films made entirely on phones and enjoy an eclectic selection of animated shorts presented by Dodgy Lady.
Buy Tickets Here
Short Film – ‘The Glory Days’ / Live Reading – ‘The Boys of ’91’
Sun 11th Oct, 8pm, Ballina Arts Centre
The festival closes with a special double bill at Ballina Arts Centre celebrating a much-loved chapter in the town’s sporting history.
The evening opens with The Glory Days. A short film by Andy Smyth capturing the real-life magic of the 1990s golden era of Irish basketball. This will be followed by a live staged reading of The Boys of ’91. A brand-new play by Niamh McGrath, directed by Veronica Coburn.
The play tells the incredible true story of Connacht Gold Ballina’s historic 1991 National Cup victory, marking 35 years since the famous win. Warm, funny and rooted in Ballina’s identity, it promises an evening of community, local pride and great storytelling. More details about play here.
Tickets are on sale now at Eventbrite.ie.
Also on…
Exhibition openings:
- Join us from 2pm Saturday for the opening art trail – starting at 2pm with PLUS by Fiona & Louise Wilde (Ballina Library)
- Borderline by Shiro Masuyama (IQ Quarter, 2–4 Oct)
- Skull Moss & the Diaphonous Body by Nuala Clarke (Ballina Civic Office, on until 30 Oct)
Music:
- Ballina Punx (Fri 2 Oct)
- Death Milkshake & Doppler (Fri 9 Oct)
- Days of Gold & The Boys of ’91 (Sun 11 Oct)
Community:
- West Works BFF Youth Festival
- Ballina Global Kitchen
- Ballina Cine Club
Mairéad Melody Carr, Manager of Mayo North Tourism, said:
“Festivals like Ballina Fringe are so important to our town and our wider destination. They bring people together, create opportunities for artists and performers, and showcase the creativity, community spirit and unique character of Ballina. We warmly encourage everyone, locals and visitors alike, to come out, explore the programme and experience what Ballina Fringe has to offer. Congratulations to the hardworking committee and volunteers whose dedication makes this wonderful festival possible.”
With a diverse programme taking place throughout the town, Ballina Fringe Festival offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Ballina through art, culture, creativity and community this October.
For the full programme, venue information and tickets, visit: https://ballinafringefestival.ie/