Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival (music) – Belfast, Northern Ireland 2026
Overview
The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival (CQAF), one of Northern Ireland’s most dynamic and longest-running cultural celebrations, returns in 2026 for its 26th edition, spotlighting music alongside comedy, theatre, art, and literature in Belfast’s vibrant historic heart. Founded in 2000 to regenerate the city’s north side post-Good Friday Agreement, this 11-day extravaganza draws over 60,000 visitors with an eclectic mix of global icons, emerging talents, and fringe acts across 30+ venues, fostering inclusivity and innovation through affordable access and experimental programming. Music remains a cornerstone, blending indie, folk, jazz, electronic, and world sounds in intimate spaces like pubs, cathedrals, and arcades.
In 2026, the festival continues its legacy of animating Belfast’s streets, with early announcements teasing early-bird events under the related Out to Lunch strand in January, setting the tone for May’s full program. Expect a surge in diverse lineups reflecting the city’s evolving scene, supported by Arts Council NI and local partners, while boosting tourism and community ties amid the Cathedral Quarter’s cobblestone charm.
Event Highlights
- Headline music acts in iconic venues like St Anne’s Cathedral and The Black Box, featuring past luminaries such as Patti Smith, Billy Bragg, and Sinead O’Connor, with 2026 poised for similar high-caliber indie and folk performances.
- Intimate sessions in unconventional spots, including folk on the Lagan River boat, string quartets in North Street Arcade, and electronic sets in pubs like The Sunflower, emphasizing creative use of urban spaces.
- Emerging talent showcases and collaborations, such as the Arco String Quartet joining atmospheric acts like The Darkling Air, highlighting experimental fusions of classical and contemporary music.
- World music and DJ nights, drawing from traditions like reggae sound systems with Explosion Selectors or soulful explorations by Don Letts, celebrating global rhythms in accessible, free-entry pop-ups.
- Fringe and workshop elements blending music with other arts, like sonic installations at Queen’s University SARC or collaborative gigs at Oh Yeah Centre, promoting sustainability and cross-genre innovation for all ages.
Why Attend
Diving into CQAF’s music program in 2026 means surrendering to Belfast’s pulse—where fiddles echo off ancient walls and basslines throb through hidden alleys, turning a historic quarter into a living symphony. From dawn choruses in cathedrals to midnight DJ drops, it’s a sonic odyssey for die-hards and explorers alike, forging bonds over shared anthems and undiscovered gems, all while championing affordability that democratizes culture in a post-pandemic world.
This festival isn’t just tunes; it’s a defiant celebration of resilience, spotlighting voices from Belfast’s gritty past to its borderless future, much like its role in reclaiming evenings after 1998’s peace accords. You’ll emerge buzzing with inspiration, pockets full of stories from global artists rubbing shoulders with locals, and a deeper love for a city that thrives on eclectic beats and unpretentious joy.
Date & Duration
Dates: May 1 – May 11, 2026
Duration: 11 days
Venue / Location
Spanning Belfast’s compact Cathedral Quarter with over 30 venues, including The Black Box for intimate gigs, St Anne’s Cathedral for choral spectacles, Oh Yeah Music Centre for workshops, The MAC Theatre for multimedia shows, and pop-up spots like North Street Arcade and the Lagan Weir boat. Fringe events extend to Queen’s University Sonic Arts Research Centre and pubs in the area.
Main event Google location address: The Black Box, 18-20 Hill Street, Belfast BT1 2LA, Northern Ireland.
Ticket Information
- Tickets sold online via cqaf.com and partners like the MAC box office, with on-site availability at venues; early-bird releases via mailing list, including bundles for multi-show passes—no lottery, but priority for supporters.
- Mix of free fringe events (street sessions, workshops) and paid for headline concerts, theatre-music hybrids, and exhibitions; many under £20 to maintain accessibility.
- Pricing in USD: Individual show tickets $10–$40; festival passes $50–$120 for unlimited access to select events (based on 2025 GBP rates at 1.30 USD/GBP; 2026 details via early announcements).
- Special seating or VIP options include reserved front-row for acoustics-focused music nights and lounge access at The MAC for premium packages.
- Minimum ticket pricing: $10 USD for entry-level workshops or fringe gigs.
- Maximum ticket pricing: $120 USD for multi-day passes covering headline music series.
Booking with Euro Travelo
Planning to enjoy this music festival without the stress? Euro Travelo can help you book tickets, organize travel, and handle your entire trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a vibrant music festival, live concert, or cultural celebration, our team ensures a smooth experience for music lovers across Europe.
Contact Euro Travelo today to secure your festival tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: info@cqaf.com (general inquiries and bookings).
- Phone: +44 28 9023 2403 (English support for festival team).
- Website: https://cqaf.com (official site); https://www.facebook.com/cathedralquarterartsfestival (events and videos).
- Social Media: @cathedralquarterartsfest (Instagram and X/Twitter); YouTube @CathedralQuarterArtsFestival.
- Key Staff: Sean Kelly (Director); Stephen Hackett (Creative Producer); Aoife Earley (Festival Manager).
- Press/Volunteers: Email info@cqaf.com (press releases); volunteer via website for roles in setup and stewarding (applications open Q1 2026).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support; join mailing list for 2026 updates.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: George Best City Airport (BHD), 3 miles away with direct flights from UK/Europe and a 10-minute taxi or 600 bus to city center; Belfast International (BFS), 19 miles west, linked by Airport Express 300 bus (30 minutes).
- Public transport: Translink Metro buses every 5–10 minutes to Cathedral Quarter stops (#23 on sightseeing tour), single fares from $2 USD; Smartlink day passes $3–$5 for unlimited rides—visit translink.co.uk.
- Parking: Saint Anne’s Square multi-storey car park on Edward Street, open 24/7 with rates $10–$20/day; EV charging available, walking distance to venues.
- Other access: NI Railways from Dublin (2 hours) to Central Station (20-minute walk); ferries from Cairnryan (Stena Line, 2 hours) or Liverpool; the quarter is pedestrian-friendly, 10 minutes from City Hall.
Accommodation Options
- Hotels and B&Bs: City-center gems like The Europa Hotel or Hilton Belfast ($120–$250/night), steps from venues—book via Tourism NI for festival packages.
- Hostels and apartments: Budget spots such as The Flint or self-catering in Cathedral Quarter ($50–$100/night), perfect for late-night music hops.
- Luxury stays: The Merchant Hotel with spa access ($200–$350/night), blending historic charm and modern comfort near St Anne’s.
- Family/group options: Roe Park Resort outskirts ($100–$180/night) with shuttles; high demand, reserve 6–9 months ahead.
- All via Discover Northern Ireland; eco-friendly choices prioritized, with walking access to cut transport needs.
Reviews
- Streets alive with eclectic beats and laughter—discovered hidden folk gems in pubs that felt like secret gigs just for us, pure Belfast magic.
- Unmatched vibe blending big names like Patti Smith vibes with local raw talent; affordable and inclusive, left humming tunes for days.
- From cathedral echoes to arcade jams, it’s a cultural whirlwind—diverse, welcoming, and hits every note for music lovers craving depth.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What defines the music strand at CQAF 2026, and how does it evolve from past years?
CQAF's music program shines with a blend of indie, folk, world, and experimental sounds, evolving since 2000 from modest pub sessions to 100+ acts drawing 60,000 fans. In 2026, expect amplified diversity post-2025's Toner collaborations and Meryl Streek agit-pop, with early January teasers like Don Letts' reggae DJ nights signaling bolder global fusions. Venues like SARC push sonic innovation, while free fringes ensure accessibility. Building on legacies like Sinead O’Connor or Billy Bragg, it spotlights emerging NI talents amid international stars. Sustainability tweaks, like low-emission shuttles, align with Belfast's green push. Overall, it's a sonic reclaiming of the quarter, more inclusive and boundary-breaking than ever.
Are there options for families or beginners in the music scene at the festival?
Yes, CQAF caters brilliantly with family zones at venues like Oh Yeah Centre offering kid-friendly workshops on instruments or songwriting, plus all-ages gigs in cathedrals blending choral and pop. Beginners thrive via affordable £10 intros to folk circles or electronic tastemakers, with no prior knowledge needed—past events like string quartet collabs make classics approachable. Quiet hours and accessibility aids (ramps, audio descriptions) support all. Fringe pop-ups in arcades add casual discovery, while parents catch sets sans worry thanks to stewards. It's crafted for multi-gen immersion, turning novices into enthusiasts through joyful, low-pressure vibes in Belfast's safe, walkable hub.
How can I get involved as a musician or volunteer for 2026?
Musicians submit via cqaf.com's artist portal by Q4 2025 for paid spots or fringes—past successes like emerging acts from submissions highlight opportunities for NI and international talent. Volunteers apply online for 200+ roles in sound tech, stage management, or welcome crews, earning perks like free tickets and behind-scenes access; training in February covers safety and inclusivity. No experience required, just passion—many start here and evolve to performers. Press/media via dedicated email for coverage. This grassroots input fuels the festival's ethos, boosting local economy by £millions while fostering collaborations that echo in future lineups like 2025's guest-star specials.
What accessibility and sustainability features support music attendees in 2026?
Full BSL interpretation for key gigs, mobility aids at all venues, and sensory-quiet spaces ensure music flows for everyone—echoing CQAF's inclusive DNA since inception. Sustainability ramps up with reusable cups at bars, bike valet near The MAC, and carbon-offset travel partners, minimizing the 60,000-visitor footprint. Venues like St Anne's use LED lighting for eco-sets, while digital programs cut paper waste. Feedback from 2025 shapes 2026, like enhanced shuttles from airports. These align with NI Executive goals, letting you groove guilt-free amid the quarter's heritage, blending cultural joy with responsible revelry.
When do tickets and full lineup drop for music events?
Early-bird sales kick off December 2025 via cqaf.com mailing list, with full lineup reveals in February—mirroring 2025's phased rollout for hype-building. Prices hold accessible ($10–$120 USD range), with bundles for music trails. Monitor @cathedralquarterartsfest for teasers like January's Don Letts event, which previews May's core. Refunds per terms; partners like Euro Travelo handle packages. This strategy refines based on surveys, ensuring sold-outs don't sideline fans while spotlighting must-sees like collaborative folk nights. Sign up now to snag priority—it's your ticket to Belfast's beating artistic heart.
