Tullamore TradFest 2026 invites families and the community to join a weekend of free music and events

THE sound of fiddles, flutes and lively tunes will once again fill the streets of Tullamore as Tullamore TradFest 2026 returns from 27th–29th March, bringing a packed weekend of traditional music, culture and community celebration to the town.

With ticket sales already proving strong for the festival’s headline concerts, organisers are now encouraging the wider community to come along and enjoy the many free family-friendly and inclusive events taking place throughout the weekend.

While the festival features major ticketed concerts at the Bridge House Hotel, much of the magic of TradFest happens in the open — in the town square, libraries, cafés and pubs — where audiences can experience traditional music up close and free of charge.

One of the highlights of the weekend will be the Family Entertainment Stage in O’Connor Square, where a lively afternoon of music will take place on the festival Gig Rig on Sunday. Local groups, talented young musicians and visiting performers will take to the stage, creating a vibrant open-air celebration at the heart of the town.

Families can also enjoy a wide variety of activities designed especially for younger audiences and those discovering traditional music for the first time. A popular feature returning this year is the “Try an Instrument” experience, where children and adults can get hands-on with instruments such as the harp, uilleann pipes and bouzouki with guidance from Music Generation Offaly.

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A particularly important part of this year’s festival is its inclusive programme, ensuring that traditional music can be enjoyed by everyone. Special events include an Inclusive Music and Story Creation session, an Inclusive Songwriting Workshop, and an Inclusive Trad Session, all designed for children and adults with additional needs and their families.

Festival organisers say these events reflect the core spirit of TradFest — bringing people together through music in a welcoming and supportive environment.

“These events are about participation and enjoyment,” a festival spokesperson said. “Traditional music belongs to everyone, and we want families across the community to feel that TradFest is their festival too.”

Another major draw for visitors is the festival’s Session Trail, which will see musicians gathering in venues across Tullamore throughout the weekend. From afternoon tunes to late-night sessions, pubs and cafés around the town will host informal gatherings where musicians and listeners can share the tradition in its most authentic form.

Young musicians will also have their moment in the spotlight during the Rising Stars Competition and youth sessions, highlighting the next generation of traditional performers.

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Over the years, Tullamore TradFest has grown into one of the Midlands’ most popular cultural weekends, attracting visitors from across Ireland while also celebrating the rich musical heritage of the region.

Yet organisers say the festival remains rooted in the community.

“While the concerts are selling very well, some of the most special moments of TradFest happen at the free events,” organisers say. “Whether it’s a child trying an instrument for the first time, a family enjoying music in the square, or musicians gathering for a session, those shared experiences are what make the festival unique.”

With music around every corner and a warm welcome guaranteed, residents and visitors alike are invited to come into town, soak up the atmosphere and take part in a weekend where Tullamore truly becomes a stage for traditional music.

Full programme details are available at www.tullamoretradfest.com.