ALL DAYTIME SHOWS ARE FREE
BELFAST CITY CENTRE
AMAZING FEATS ON
THE CITY STREETS
Applications for Festival of Fools 2026
are now open!
The 2026 edition will be taking place from the 2nd-5th May!
We are interested in hearing from a range of artists working in circus and outdoor/street performance, from traditional circle shows to walkabouts, site responsive work, installations and more...surprise us!
If you would like to be considered for programming, please complete the form below!
STROLL UP!
STROLL UP!
Festival of Fools celebrated 20 years of silliness during the May Bank Holiday weekend!
It was a brilliant weekend full laughter, fun and incredible acts from local, national and international performers!
Check out the 2025 Festival Highlights video...
18,000 people flocked to the streets of Belfast to enjoy the festival and here is what some of them had to say...
"This is one of Belfast’s most amazing and distinctive festivals - something to be so proud of. Makes me proud of Belfast."
Audience member, 2025
"World class performances. The Atmosphere is so positive. Amazing sense of community and coming together. Really inspiring for young people."
Audience member, 2025
"Love festival of fools - it brings such light to Belfast"
Audience member, 2025
Festival of Fools is the largest festival of free-to-access circus and outdoor performance in Northern Ireland. Artists from around the world feature alongside the best of locally based talent.
All daytime shows are free to attend. Evening show tickets can be booked via foolsfestival.com.
If it rains (it won’t, of course), keep your eye on our socials and we’ll update you on where you can see shows inside.