Sligo in July is a lively place, as the streets fill with music, our galleries stay open into the evening, and there is an infectious buzz with people moving from one event to the next.
At the heart of it all are two standout celebrations: Sligo Jazz Festival and the Cairde Sligo Arts Festival.
If you’re planning a summer trip in 2026 to Sligo, we’ve packed everything you need to know about both festivals into this guide.
From what to expect in terms of shows to dates, tickets and venues. You’ll find out all you need to know about these world-class Irish festivals below.
And better yet, Riverside Hotel Sligo is the perfect choice for a relaxed riverside base within walking distance of all the action!
Sligo may be on the smaller side, but its cultural scene is anything but small.
The town has a strong jazz heritage and a long tradition of supporting artists across music, theatre and visual arts.
In July every year, that communal creativity is available for all to see and enjoy.
The Cairde Sligo Arts Festival brings about plenty of colour and community energy to streets, parks and theatres. Later in the month, the Sligo Jazz Festival draws musicians and audiences from around the world.
As Sligo is a walkable town, it’s a great spot as you can move easily between venues. Stay centrally, and you can step out of your hotel and be at a gig or exhibition within minutes.
Exact 2026 dates will be confirmed on each festival’s official website, but recent schedules give a clear pattern.
The Cairde Sligo Arts Festival typically runs in early to mid July, often over eight days. In 2026, it is set to take place from 4-11 July.
Sligo Jazz Festival, closely linked to the Sligo Jazz Project, is set to take place from 21-26 July 2026.
Be sure to check the official dates before booking any travel and accommodation!
Sligo Jazz Festival grows out of the Sligo Jazz Project summer school, one of Europe’s largest and most inclusive jazz education events.
By day, there are workshops and masterclasses. By night, the town comes alive with concerts and jam sessions.
You can expect headline shows in theatres, intimate club sets and informal late-night gatherings where visiting artists and students share the stage. Even if you’re new to jazz, the atmosphere is welcoming and friendly.
Sligo Jazz Festival 2026 will run from 21-26 July this year.
The programme usually spans modern jazz, classic standards, big band arrangements and more experimental sets.
There are formal evening concerts, smaller club gigs and free lunchtime performances.
Student showcases are often a highlight, and late-night jam sessions create a relaxed, shared atmosphere between performers and audience.
Tickets are available through the official Sligo Jazz Project website under its ticketing or ‘What’s On’ section.
You can buy individual concert tickets and, in some years, festival passes. Some daytime events are free too, so keep a lookout for these!
Signing up for email updates is the best way to hear about line-up announcements and on-sale dates.
The Cairde Sligo Arts Festival is Sligo’s flagship multi-arts event.
For around eight days in early July, the town becomes a stage with the programme including theatre, dance, live music, visual art exhibitions, film and talks.
The Cairde Sligo Arts Festival has a strong community feel and welcomes visitors while remaining rooted in local creativity.
You’ll get a real feel for what Sligo is all about during this time!
The Cairde Sligo Arts Festival will run from 4-11 July this year.
The Cairde Sligo Arts Festival is known for its variety, and you can expect contemporary theatre and dance, live music across genres, visual art exhibitions and film screenings.
There are often circus acts, outdoor spectacles, talks and workshops. Some days are particularly suitable for families with older children, with events staged in parks and public spaces.
Tickets are sold through the official Cairde Sligo Arts Festival website and online box office.
Some events are ticketed, some are free, and some free events require advance booking due to limited capacity.
Joining the mailing list or following social channels helps you stay informed about programme launches and ticket release dates.
For jazz fans, three to four nights around Sligo Jazz Festival allows time for headline concerts and late sessions. For broader arts lovers, a similar stay during the Cairde Sligo Arts Festival offers theatre, music and visual art in one compact town.
If dates align closely, you might extend your stay to enjoy elements of both. July weekends can be busy, so booking early is always wise.
Riverside Hotel Sligo sits on the River Garavogue in the town centre. Many venues are just a short walk away, meaning no taxis after late-night gigs.
You can enjoy food or drinks in the hotel before heading out, then return to a comfortable room at the end of the evening. During the Cairde Sligo Arts Festival and Sligo Jazz Festival alike, that central location makes planning simple.
If you are planning to experience the Cairde Sligo Arts Festival or Sligo Jazz Festival in 2026, now is the time to start thinking about your stay.
July is one of Sligo’s busiest months, and central rooms can book out quickly around key festival dates.
Check availability and secure your 2026 festival break at Riverside Hotel Sligo, so you can focus on music, art and enjoying every minute in town.
