Custom House Square Concerts – Belfast, Northern Ireland 2026
Overview
Custom House Square Concerts 2026 promises to light up Belfast’s historic waterfront with a dynamic series of outdoor headline performances throughout the summer, transforming the iconic Custom House Square into a premier music destination. As Northern Ireland’s go-to open-air venue series since 2017, CHSq blends international stars across rock, pop, electronic, and indie genres with the city’s vibrant energy, drawing over 5,000 fans per night to an intimate, cobblestoned setting that echoes Belfast’s maritime heritage and UNESCO City of Music status.
Organized by a dedicated team focused on fan experience and local pride, the 2026 edition will feature a diverse lineup of global acts in a safe, accessible space, complete with top-tier production, nearby pubs for pre-show craic, and seamless public transport links. Whether it’s anthemic rock nights or electronic euphoria, CHSq delivers unforgettable evenings under the stars, celebrating Belfast’s evolving music scene.
Event Highlights
- Main Performances: A rotating roster of international headliners across multiple nights, building on past successes with acts like Nile Rodgers & Chic and Chase & Status; 2026 specifics TBA, promising high-energy sets from rock to dance.
- Special Features: Support acts tailored to each bill, immersive sound and lighting, and post-show vibes spilling into nearby Cathedral Quarter bars for extended celebrations.
- Unique Attractions: Cobblestone square with harbor views, pop-up food stalls from local vendors, and community-focused elements like artist meet-and-greets or acoustic interludes.
About This Event
- Annual summer concert series since 2017, held at Custom House Square in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, showcasing headline international artists.
- Produced by the CHSq team, with capacity for 5,000 per night and a focus on diverse genres from indie to electronic.
- All-ages for most shows (under-16s with 25+ guardian); some 16+ events with ID checks.
- Features general admission standing format, with gates around 6 PM and curfews near 11 PM; no camping or on-site parking.
- Emphasizes accessibility with dedicated platforms and staff; supports local economy via nearby hotels and pubs.
- Part of Belfast’s UNESCO City of Music initiatives, blending global talent with Northern Irish hospitality.
Why Attend
Custom House Square Concerts 2026 is the heartbeat of Belfast’s summer nights, where the square’s historic charm amplifies powerhouse performances from world-renowned acts, creating electric atmospheres that feel both intimate and explosive. Nestled in the lively Cathedral Quarter, it’s a stone’s throw from buzzing pubs and street art, making it effortless to weave music with the city’s renowned craic—perfect for locals and visitors chasing that authentic Irish festival spirit.
Beyond the beats, CHSq’s commitment to inclusivity and smooth logistics ensures everyone from families to die-hard fans can dive in worry-free, with wristbanded kids zones and accessible viewing turning potential barriers into highlights. In a venue that once buzzed with maritime trade, these concerts honor Belfast’s resilient soul, leaving you with echoes of anthems and a playlist full of new favorites, ready to relive the magic year after year.
Date & Duration
- Dates: August 6 – September 5, 2026 (multi-night series, exact dates TBA)
- Duration: 1 day per concert (series spans ~30 days)
Venue / Location
- City: Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Main Venue: Custom House Square, a historic cobblestone plaza in the Cathedral Quarter, originally built in 1840 as a customs house, now a UNESCO-listed music hub with harbor views.
- Notable Areas: Open-air standing pit for headliners, accessible viewing platform near Gate 1, welfare tent for families, and adjacent bars for pre/post mingling.
- Google Maps Address: Custom House Square, Belfast BT1 3FG, United Kingdom
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Online via Ticketmaster UK (official partner); individual night tickets, no multi-day passes; accessible tickets through dedicated channels.
- Admission Type: Paid.
- Ticket Pricing Range: $60 USD (minimum) – $150 USD (maximum).
- Special Seating/VIP Options: VIP packages with premium viewing and fast-track; accessible tickets include companion (1:1) and raised platforms; family wristbands for under-16s.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@customhousesquare.com (general inquiries); accessibility@customhousesquare.com (access needs).
- Phone: +44 28 9032 7007 (English available).
- Website: https://www.customhousesquare.com (See Official Site).
- Social Media: @chs qbelfast (Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter).
- Key Staff: Not specified; direct to CHSq team via email.
- Press/Volunteers: Email press@customhousesquare.com (press); volunteer info via info@customhousesquare.com (TBD).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support available.
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Belfast City Airport (BHD), 3 miles east; Belfast International (BFS), 15 miles west.
- Public Transport: Translink Metro buses (e.g., 26 from city center, 10 mins); late-night services post-show; trains to Lanyon Place then short walk.
- Parking: No on-site; accessible spots nearby at Lombard Street (blue badge holders); paid city center lots like Victoria Square.
- Other: Taxis/Uber (~£5 from center, 5 mins); walking from Great Victoria Street (10 mins); road closures around square on event nights.
Accommodation Options
- Hotels: The Merchant Hotel (luxury, 0.5 miles); Bullitt Hotel (boutique, city center); Clayton Hotel (budget, near bus station); Malmaison (harbor views, 0.3 miles).
- Airbnb: Cathedral Quarter apartments for immersive stays.
- Camping: No on-site; nearby options like Langford Lodge (10 miles) with shuttles.
- Booking Tip: Book via VisitBelfast.com—August peaks with festival demand; aim for Cathedral Quarter for walkable access.
Reviews
- Killer nights with epic sound in that historic square—Belfast’s summer staple!
- Family-friendly for the rock shows; wristbands kept things smooth, tunes were fire.
- Chic’s disco set was unreal—cobblestones shaking, couldn’t have been better!
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What is the expected lineup and schedule for CHSq 2026?
Following the 2025 pattern of August-September headline nights, 2026 will feature 10–12 international acts across rock, pop, electronic, and indie, with announcements starting early 2026 via the newsletter. Gates open ~6 PM, supports at 7 PM, headliners by 9 PM, ending ~11 PM. Past vibes included Nile Rodgers' funk and Chase & Status' bass drops—expect similar diversity. Subscribe at customhousesquare.com for presale alerts; app for set times. It's a series, so mix nights for variety; weather backups include covered areas.
What are the age policies and ID requirements?
Most shows allow under-16s (min 5) with a 25+ ticketed guardian (max 2 kids per adult); wristbands with contacts issued at gates—accompaniment required always. Some electronic nights (e.g., like Mall Grab) are 16+ with ID. Acceptable IDs: passport, driving license, PASS/Citizen card, electoral/student card, or Yoti app. No unaccompanied minors. Policies per event—check lineup page. It's inclusive for families on rock/pop bills; email info@customhousesquare.com for clarifications.
How accessible is CHSq for people with disabilities?
Dedicated accessible entrance at Gate 1 with escorts to raised platforms; companion tickets (1:1) via Ticketmaster accessibility portal. Nearby accessible parking (Lombard Street, show badge); toilets and changing places in welfare tent. Trained stewards and St John's Ambulance assist; no chairs in standing but respite seating available. High noise/crowds expected—quiet zones in family hub. Contact accessibility@customhousesquare.com pre-event for plans; exchanges from GA possible if spaces open. Flat cobblestones aid mobility, but sturdy shoes recommended.
Where and how do I buy tickets for 2026 shows?
All via Ticketmaster.co.uk—individual per night, no multi-day; presales for subscribers in spring 2026. Prices $60–$150 USD; VIP for perks like fast-track. Accessible via dedicated booking (register needs). Tickets posted or e-tickets; bring order ID for collection. No refunds unless canceled; resale banned. For issues like delays, contact Ticketmaster support. Early birds sell out—join newsletter for priority. It's straightforward, with no fees on official sales, ensuring easy access to your faves.
What prohibited items and logistics should I know?
Banned: glass/cans, large bags (>A4), drones, pro cameras, umbrellas (obstruct views), and substances—searches at gates. Bring sealed water (500ml), ID, sunscreen. No cloakroom/banking on-site; ATMs nearby. Lost property to info points. Pubs like McHugh's (0.2 miles) for pre-drinks; hotels like Radisson Blu walking distance. Translink boosts late buses; taxis queue post-show. Road closures around square 4 PM–midnight—plan drop-offs. App for maps; arrive early to beat lines in this compact 5,000-cap venue.
