Belfast International Arts Festival returns from 14 October – 8 November 2026, bringing over 200 events to more than 30 venues across Belfast.
Highlights include concerts from Orchestra Baobab and Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien, the Lyric’s production of Brian Friel’s Faith Healer and the world premiere of Luail’s landmark triple bill of dance Nōs.
There’s also an exciting new immersive arts strand at Studio Ulster, talks from Sebastian Barry, Brian Eno and Jan Carson, and a host of exhibitions and free events across the city.
To celebrate the festival’s 64th edition, we’ve got a great competition prize up for grabs.
THE PRIZE
Win an overnight stay for two with breakfast at Ramada by Wyndham, located in the heart of the buzzing Cathedral Quarter, on Saturday 7 November.
The prize also includes two tickets to see Nōs at The MAC.
Presented by Luail, Ireland’s National Dance Company, Nōs brings together work by world-renowned choreographers Akram Khan, Oona Doherty and Liz Roche.
About Nōs
Luail presents Nōs, a landmark triple bill of internationally acclaimed contemporary dance works by choreographers Akram Khan, Oona Doherty and Liz Roche.
Kaash, by Akram Khan, is rooted in the rhythmic complexity of Khan’s classical background. Exploring cycles of creation and destruction, black holes and mythological gods, Kaash moves between the earthly and the transcendent.
Oona Doherty’s Lazarus (2016) is a bold and deeply affecting work from one of the most vital voices in contemporary dance today. Raw, confrontational, and emotionally charged, it explores masculinity, socio-economic stereotypes, and rebirth with unflinching physicality and humanity.
Completing Nōs are two works from Liz Roche’s 12 Minute Dances (2009): vivid studies in colour, rhythm and emotion. Set to music by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Julia Wolfe and Ed Rosenberg III, the works are inspired by painter Mark Rothko’s belief that art “lives by companionship”.
Competition
To be in with a chance to win this great prize:
- Answer the following question:Which famous Radiohead guitarist is performing at the festival?
- Email your response to: competitions@totallydublin.ie
- Make sure you have sign up for our newsletter here
Competition closes at 2 pm on Friday 23rd October 2026.
Winners will be contacted directly by email.
Best of luck!
Check out the full 2025 programme here – belfastinternationalartsfestival.com/
