Upcoming events

29 May – 7 Jun 2026

Newbridge June Fest

Category: Events & FestivalsLocation: Newbridge, County KildareTypical timing: June Bank Holiday period2026 dates: 29 May – 7 June 2026Best for: Live music, arts, culture, community events, markets, workshops, street activityOverviewNewbridge June Fest is a lively community festival that brings arts, culture, music, creativity and local events to Newbridge each year around the June Bank Holiday. The 2026 festival is scheduled to run from Friday 29 May to Sunday 7 June 2026, with more than 40 community events across the town.The programme usually includes live music, dance, exhibitions, history, crafts, talks, workshops, outdoor activities and family-friendly events. It is a broad town festival rather than a single-venue event, with activity taking place across streets, public spaces, community venues and cultural locations.Why it mattersJune Fest is one of Newbridge’s key annual community events. It gives local groups, artists, performers, makers and volunteers a platform to showcase their work, while encouraging residents and visitors to experience the town in a festive setting. Into Kildare describes the festival as a two-week project that engages people of all ages and creates opportunities for community groups and creatives to take part.What to expectThe 2026 programme highlights include dance, music, art, exhibitions, history, crafts, talks, workshops and other community events. The official June Fest site lists events such as Newbridge Festival of Dance, Picnic in the Park at Liffey Linear Park, Music on Market Square, and a Family Fun Day on Main Street.The Family Fun Day is scheduled for Monday 1 June 2026, 12:00–17:00, on Main Street, with games, stalls and festivities. The same day also includes Celtic Con Comic Con at Newbridge Town Hall.Visiting Newbridge June FestVisitors should check the official June Fest programme before travelling, as times, venues and event details vary across the festival. Some events are outdoors, while others take place in venues such as Newbridge Town Hall, Riverbank Arts Centre, Market Square, Main Street and Liffey Linear Park.Because the programme is spread across the town, June Fest is a good opportunity to explore Newbridge on foot. Allow time for parking, road closures or pedestrianised areas during larger events, especially on the June Bank Holiday weekend.

Newbridge

23–28 Jun 2026

Kildare Derby Festival

Category: Events & FestivalsLocation: Kildare Town and The Curragh Racecourse, County KildareType: Racing, music, food and community festival2026 dates: Tuesday 23 June – Sunday 28 June 2026Best for: Racing, live music, food, town events, community atmosphereOverviewKildare Derby Festival is a major summer festival celebrating County Kildare’s racing heritage, local food, music and community spirit. The 2026 festival is scheduled to run from Tuesday 23 June to Sunday 28 June 2026, with events taking place in Kildare Town and at The Curragh Racecourse. The official festival describes it as a week of racing, music, family fun and Kildare’s finest food.The festival links the energy of Kildare Town with one of Ireland’s most prestigious racing fixtures, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival, which runs at The Curragh from Friday 26 June to Sunday 28 June 2026.Why it mattersKildare is known as Ireland’s Thoroughbred County, and the Derby Festival is one of the best ways to experience that identity. It combines top-class racing at The Curragh with live entertainment, food, music and community events in the town.The festival is not only for racegoers. Its wider programme helps bring people into Kildare Town, supports local businesses and gives visitors a reason to explore the area’s heritage, restaurants, shops and public spaces.What to expectExpect a lively mix of racing, live music, food events and town-centre activity. Into Kildare describes the 2026 festival as a week packed with racing, live entertainment, family activities and food in the heart of Kildare Town.The Curragh’s Irish Derby weekend is the racing highlight, with the 2026 festival meeting running from 26–28 June. The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby itself is listed for Sunday 28 June 2026, with racing, style, hospitality and entertainment at The Curragh.Visiting Kildare Derby FestivalVisitors should check the official festival programme before travelling, as events, times, venues and transport details can change. Some events take place in Kildare Town, while the racing programme is centred on The Curragh Racecourse.During the busiest days, allow extra time for parking, traffic and moving between Kildare Town and The Curragh. For race days, book tickets in advance and check The Curragh’s visitor information for gates, transport, dress guidance and event timings.

15–16 Aug 2026

Taste of Kildare

Category: Events & FestivalsLocation: Naas Racecourse, Naas, County KildareType: Food and drink festival2026 dates: Saturday 15 August – Sunday 16 August 2026Best for: Local food, chef demonstrations, craft drinks, producer stalls, live music, festival atmosphereOverviewTaste of Kildare is one of County Kildare’s leading food and drink festivals, bringing together local restaurants, chefs, producers, drinks brands and hospitality businesses for a weekend celebration of flavour and creativity.The 2026 festival takes place at Naas Racecourse on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August 2026. The event is promoted as a two-day food and drink festival with chef demonstrations, live music, craft drinks, food vendors, family activities and local producer showcases.Why it mattersTaste of Kildare is a showcase for the county’s food culture. It gives visitors a chance to sample food from local restaurants, discover artisan producers, enjoy craft drinks, and see chefs and food personalities in action.Into Kildare describes the festival as a celebration of the county’s vibrant food and drink scene, bringing together leading chefs, artisan producers and hospitality talent.What to expectThe programme typically includes food trucks, restaurant stands, chef demos, producer stalls, craft drinks, music and entertainment. The official Taste of Kildare site lists experiences such as the Calor Gas Chefs’ Theatre, Craft Brewery Village, Gather Craft Market and family fun activities.For 2026, published opening hours are:Saturday 15 August: 12:00–20:00Sunday 16 August: 12:00–18:00Visiting Taste of KildareTaste of Kildare is a ticketed event, so visitors should book in advance and check the official website for the latest programme, vendor list, travel information and access details. Early bird adult tickets are listed at €10, with general admission at €15 in advance or €20 on the day. Children under 10 are listed as free when accompanied by an adult.Naas Racecourse provides a spacious event setting, but larger festival days can be busy. Allow time for arrival, parking, entry queues and moving between food areas, stages and demonstrations.

Naas