Saturday 12th – Sunday 19th July 2026 | Ballina, Co. Mayo
Now in its 62nd year, the Ballina Salmon Festival 2026 is back with eight days of tradition, music, celebration and community spirit! Whether you’re a returning visitor or experiencing the magic for the first time, the festival offers a jam-packed calendar of free and family-friendly events that showcase the very best of Ballina.
Here’s a snapshot of what you can look forward to, day by day. This is all thanks to an amazing organising commitee. Don’t forget, for all updates visit Ballina Salmon Festival web page and follow their social channels.
See below the full programme of events at the start of this blog, and the childrens programme below. Its going to be a great one.
Programme of Events – Ballina Salmon Festival 2026
- See outline of full schedule here, and see childrens programme below.
3rd July 2026
Lady of the Moy
The festival begins with elegance and local pride as the Lady of the Moy competition returns to the Great National Hotel Ballina. This beloved event celebrates local women who exemplify community spirit and warmth. The winner will represent Ballina Salmon Festival for the week and will act as ambassador for the town of Ballina for the year ahead.
- Doors open: 7:00pm (8:00pm start)
Saturday, 11th July
Celebrate Ballina Salmon Festival with Springsteen Tribute band this summer at Ballina Arts Centre. Boasting the only one-hundred percent American ‘Bruce’ in the UK and Europe, Springsteen – A Tribute brings the passion and energy of Bruce Springsteen’s classic hits to life.
Based in Ireland, this seven-piece band is comprised of top Irish session musicians that have played at the highest level for acts such as Mary Black, Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor, The Waterboys, Foy Vance, Henry McCullough, Joan Jet, The Wallflowers, Smashmouth and many more.So tag your fellow Springsteen fans and don’t miss the best of the Boss when Springsteen- A Tribute takes to the stage at a venue near you. Springsteen – A Tribute… accept no substitutes!
Sunday, 12th July
Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Children are in for a treat with the return of the Teddy Bear Picnic, offering a delightful selection of activities and entertainment in Tom Ruane Park. With an impressive line up of 60 events curated by the children’s committee, there’s something for every young festival goer to enjoy.
- Time: 12 – 13:30 (Sensory Hour) and Gates Open: 2:00 – 5:00pm
- €3 per person
The Ballina Agricultural Show
One of Mayo’s biggest summer events, the Ballina Agricultural Show promises a wonderful day out for all ages, featuring livestock competitions, agricultural exhibits, local crafts, food stalls, children’s entertainment, and plenty of community spirit. Adding to the excitement, Patrick Feeney will perform live, bringing his much-loved hits and crowd favourites to Ballina for an unforgettable afternoon of country music.
Whether you’re a farming enthusiast, a music lover, or simply looking for a great family day out, the Ballina Agricultural Show has something for everyone.
Monday, 13th July
Festival Car Treasure Hunt
A fun and challenging adventure for all ages, departing from The Cot & Cobble
- Registration: 6:00 – 7:00pm
- Entry: €20 per team
Tuesday, 14th July
Mayo Fit Games
Who’s the Fittest in the County Mayo? From solo warriors to full-force teams, you’ll battle through 12 high-energy events testing strength, endurance, speed, and pure grit. Expect everything from rows, runs and Assault Bikes to Tyres, Carries and chaos – all set against the backdrop of IQ Ballina / former The Old Military Barracks. Whether you’re just looking to participate, or take the title of Mayo’s Fittest…this is the event to show what you’re made of. Experience the buzz in a high-energy environment.
- Time: Starts at 6.30pm
- Venue: IQ Ballina (Old Military Barracks)
- Categories: Male/Female/Team of 4 (participants must be over 16’s to enter)
Wednesday, 15th July
Step back in time on National Heritage Day
Ballina Town Centre
- Wednesday, July 15th from 10am-6pm
- Admission: FREE
One of the cornerstones of Ballina Salmon Festival, and an original concept, National Heritage Day at Ballina Salmon Festival was developed by the festival committee over 25 years ago and attracts up to 40,000 people to the town every year.
On this very special day, feast your senses on the sights, sounds and sensations of a market day 100 years ago, as the past comes to life and the streets are transformed. From the whistling of steam engines, to the smell of the thresher and the sound of traditional Irish songs, this is an evocative trip back in time on a scale you won’t find anywhere else.
Watch the finest of Ireland’s craftsmen and women as they demonstrate time-honoured traditional skills. You’ll find basket making, thatching, turf-cutting, cooperage, spinning, glass-blowing and weaving. You can even watch the blacksmith at work. Wander the streets, soak in the atmosphere, listen to the music and learn about many of these ancient crafts, passed down from generation to generation.
Thursday, 16th July
Ballina Credit Union are delighted to sponsor the Marian Browne 5k as part of the Ballina Salmon Festival. This special event honours the memory of Marian Browne, whose dedication, leadership and kindness has left a lasting impact on the festival and the wider Ballina community. Whether you’re walking, jogging or running, we encourage everyone to come out, get involved and show their support.
Registration from 5:30pm at Ballina Athletic Track
Race begins at 6:30pm sharp
Bring your friends, family and neighbours and be part of a special evening of remembrance, community and wellbeing.
Friday, 17th July
Cruinniú na mBád – Gathering of the Boats
A beautiful evening along the Lower Bridge as Ballina’s maritime traditions are brought to life. Enjoy a flotilla of decorated boats, plus food and festivities along Bachelors Walk. Enjoy samples of Guinness, traditional brown bread and fresh salmon.
- Time: 7:00pm – 9:30
Saturday, 18th July
Heyco River Moy Swim
Swim Ireland, Heyco and the Ballina Salmon Festival present one of Ireland’s oldest and most iconic river swims. Swimmers of all levels are welcome. With two distances on offer both the 600m and 2.5km and 600m youth distance swim this promises to be a fantastic opportunity to experience a competitive race in the scenic surrounds of the wild Atlantic way in the west of Ireland.
Ballina Busking Competition Finale & Fireworks
Join the community on Emmet Street for the grand finale of the Ballina Busking Competition. As night falls, gather near the Cathedral and along the riverbanks for the spectacular fireworks finale from 11:00pm – a beloved tradition that brings Ballina together under the night sky.
Email [email protected] to enter!
Sunday, 19th July
Enjoy a night of brilliant theatre at Ballina Arts Centre
Am I Irish Yet? is one-woman show chronicling the life of Kate Kerrigan, a New York Times bestselling author who began her career as an editor for Just Seventeen magazine (where she was credited for discovering the band Take That). After spending her childhood in London in the 80s as the ‘Bombing Irish’ to some and a ‘Plastic Paddy’ to others, she moved to her parent’s native Ireland in the 90s where she became a full-time author.
Children’s Programme as Part of Ballina Salmon Festival
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re diving into the River Moy, dancing in the streets, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Ballina Salmon Festival 2026 promises a week you won’t forget. Come celebrate everything that makes Ballina so special.