ALL DAYTIME SHOWS ARE FREE
BELFAST CITY CENTRE
AMAZING FEATS ON
THE CITY STREETS
"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
STROLL UP!
STROLL UP!
Festival of Fools returns to Belfast during the
May Bank Holiday weekend, 2nd-4th May!
We are turning 21 this year.
We have finally become an adult but don't think that means that we are going to be any less foolish or full of mischief!
2026 will see the festival return, bigger and better than ever.
Our programme is jam-packed full of incredible performances, local legends, interactive games and a clown or two, with a focus on celebrating female performers!
Festival of Fools invites young and old alike to marvel at amazing feats and fill the streets and squares of Belfast with wonder, delight and laughter.
Where to find Festival of Fools
The festival takes place across Belfast City Centre over 3 days:
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On Saturday 2 May you can enjoy shows at Cornmarket, 2 Royal Avenue and for the first time ever we will be at Belfast Grand Central Station.
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On Sunday 3 May you can enjoy shows at 2 Royal Avenue, Writers' Square, St. Anne's Square, and Riddel's Warehouse.
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On Monday 4 May you can enjoy shows at Writers' Square, St. Anne's Square, York Lane/University of Ulster and Riddel's Warehouse.
For more information on all our venues, please take a look at our access section
You can find them on the map here
Message from our Principal Funder
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to see the Festival of Fools return this May with its impressive, live, professional circus acts, helping to ensure that more people from all backgrounds can enjoy arts experiences. Our encounters with circus, theatre and storytelling can have a deep and lasting influence on our creative imaginations and the way we view the world around us.
National Lottery funding is a game changer in helping this festival spread joy across Belfast and as principal funder, the Arts Council is thankful to The National Lottery players for the investment we are able to make in this Festival and also in the important work that Circusful does throughout the year, engaging people in arts activities as well as offering a platform to young and emerging circus artists. I hope everyone enjoys this year’s Festival of Fools and come away feeling entertained and inspired.
Gilly Campbell, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
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.