Big final weekend of Ballina Fringe Festival
I Draw Slow (pictured) will have support from local act All Folk’d Up for their concert at St Michael's Church in Ballina next Saturday night.
Ballina Fringe Festival 2026 got off to a flying start last weekend. There were crowds right across the town for live music, three exhibition openings and a wonderful event with local author Neil Tully in conversation with Finola Cahill. Now the festival heads into a packed final weekend, October 9-11.
"Sincere thanks to the amazing audiences who joined us to open the festival and our exhibitions last weekend. We’re delighted to have wonderful exhibitions for festival goers to enjoy and a truly stellar line up of live music for all tastes and ages in a festival finale weekend that’s not to be missed," said Susan Heffernan, Festival Chair.
Two exhibitions are free to visit this week. PLUS by Fiona and Louise Wilde is at Ballina Library until Saturday. Nuala Clarke’s impressive Skull Moss and the Diaphanous Body exhibition is at Ballina Civic Office daily until October 30. On Friday, October 9 at 8pm, Artist in Residence Funny Livdotter presents their artist talk and exhibition at TheNCF marking the end of their residency, followed by a fun double bill with Death Milkshake and Doppler at 9pm.
Next Saturday is the festival's busiest day, and early booking is advised.
The West Works Youth Festival runs at Ballina Arts Centre from 12 to 9pm with live music, art and songwriting workshops, an open mic and more. At TheNCF from 2 to 5pm, the Ballina Smartphone Short Film Festival screens short films made entirely on smartphones and a selection of animation shorts by Dodgy Lady.
In the evening, BFF presents I Draw Slow at St Michael's Church with support from local act All Folk’d Up. The acclaimed Dublin band bring their mix of folk, Americana and old-time song to one of the town's most atmospheric venues. Tickets are €25 and are selling fast.
The festival ends with Days of Gold and The Boys of '91 at Ballina Arts Centre at 8pm. This look back at the glory days of Ballina’s basketball success is a real nostalgic trip down memory lane for local basketball fans. Earlier that day, Ballina Global Kitchen brings the town together over food at St Dymphna's School at 2pm.
Full programme and tickets at www.ballinafringefestival.ie.
