Open House Festival starts this weekend

30th July 2026

The 13th annual Open House Festival Bangor gets underway on Saturday, with an afternoon of music celebrating the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in the Court House, followed by a special gig from Hothouse Flowers in the evening. 

The month-long festival features 85 ticketed and 45 free events in venues across the city. Highlights include Irish singer-songwriter Lisa Hannigan, English folk-duo The Staves, American country singer Ashley Campbell, daughter of the legendary Glen Campbell, and the Swedish singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson, aka The Tallest Man on Earth, all of whom will appear at the Walled Garden. The garden will also host two concerts with a significant local connection. Ryan Johnston, one half of the Yorkshire based indie-soul band Skinny Living grew up in Bangor, while Bangor based duo Rachel McCarthy and Michael Keeney, aka The Darkling Air, will perform a special gig to mark the 10th anniversary of their musical collaboration. 

Other notable events include the Scottish singer-songwriter Michael McCovern, Irish indie-rock harpist Dara Dubh, and James Nelson, one of the renowned Irish Tenors, who’s bringing his one man show, Singing for his Supper, to the Court House. Journalist and foreign correspondent Sally Hayden will be talking to Brian Rowan about her latest book, This is Also a Love Story: Searching for Good in a Divided World, and Bangor’s own Dave Elliot will be testing out his new comedy show on his hometown audience. 

Free events include the remaining five Picnic in the Park gigs at Ward Park, including The Queen Magic Experience this Sunday, 2nd August, and Otis and the Elevators on Sunday 30th August. And over the August Bank holiday weekend, Open House has programmed more than forty free music events in nine of Bangor’s city centre pubs. 

“Over the past thirteen years, summer in Bangor has become synonymous with Open House Festival,” said Open House director, Kieran Gilmore. “Our festival has changed and evolved during that time, but one thing that has remained steadfast is the support we receive from the people of Bangor, be that buying tickets or attending free events like Picnic in the Park in their thousands. We remain grateful to them, and to our funders. This August we’ll be welcoming back some old favourites and introducing new faces, with an eclectic programme featuring artists from America, Sweden, Ireland, and the UK. And as always, our lineup will feature a healthy dose of homegrown talent.” 

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Craig Blaney, said: “I am delighted to welcome the return of Open House Festival, which has become one of the highlights of Bangor’s summer calendar. Year after year, the festival brings outstanding music, arts and cultural experiences to our city, attracting residents and visitors alike. This year’s programme offers something for everyone, from internationally renowned performers to local talent and free events. I encourage everyone to get involved and enjoy what promises to be another fantastic festival for Bangor and our Borough.” 

Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added: “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support the 13th Open House Festival, thanks to The National Lottery players.  This festival brings world-class arts and music to the city of Bangor every year and once again has curated a terrific programme featuring something to suit all tastes.  I would encourage everyone to go and enjoy everything that this wonderful festival has to offer.” 
To purchase tickets and view the full festival programme go to: www.openhousefestival.com
 
Open House Festival is an arts charity supported by Ards & North Down Borough Council and Arts Council of Northern Ireland.