Craic & Craft Market to feature at Belfast's Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026
Craic & Craft Market to bring local flavour, artisan makers, family fun and live sessions to Belfast’s Fleadh celebrations
Running throughout Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, Craic & Craft, will transform the outdoor space between ICC Belfast and Waterfront Hall into a vibrant destination celebrating the very best of local food, drink, artisan makers and traditional music.
Developed to showcase the very best of Northern Ireland's food-to-go sector, local producers, artisan makers and creative businesses, Craic & Craft has been created through a partnership between ICC Belfast, the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association and Sonic Events, bringing together expertise in events, hospitality and local food to create one of the flagship visitor experiences during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Taking place as part of the city’s Fleadh celebrations from Sunday 02 August to Sunday 09 August 2026, the free-to-enter market and family zone will offer visitors a vibrant space to eat, drink, shop, relax and enjoy the festival atmosphere in the heart of Belfast.
Visitors can discover a carefully curated mix of artisan traders and street food vendors from across the island of Ireland, with the majority based in Belfast and Northern Ireland. Confirmed names include Knead Pizza, Dougies Goodies, Melters Hot Chocolate and Glens of Antrim Crisps, alongside many more independent producers showcasing the region's creativity and quality.
Families can enjoy a wide range of children's activities throughout the week, including a Ferris wheel, face painting, an ice cream van, Belfast Collects, Northern Ireland's largest trading card and pop-culture event, a Game of Thrones® Iron Throne photo opportunity and plenty more entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Throughout the week, a covered Session Tent will host live traditional music, while the popular Arc Bar and outdoor terrace, positioned at the Waterfront Hall and operated by ICC Belfast’s hospitality partner Pan & Pour, will offer local food and refreshments in the heart of the celebrations.
Lucia Pentland, Event Curator at ICC Belfast, said:
“Craic & Craft has been designed to capture the energy, warmth and creativity that will make Belfast such a special host city for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann."
Alongside the incredible music taking place across the city, we wanted to create a welcoming space that celebrates local food, independent businesses and Northern Ireland's creativity. Whether you're attending the Fleadh or simply enjoying a day out in Belfast, there's something for everyone to discover.
Michael Henderson, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association, said: "Craic & Craft is about giving Northern Ireland's outstanding food-to-go businesses, independent producers and local makers the platform they deserve during one of the biggest cultural celebrations ever hosted in Belfast.
Our members represent the very best of local hospitality, innovation and entrepreneurship, and this event allows thousands of visitors from across Ireland and beyond to experience that first-hand.
"Working alongside ICC Belfast and Sonic Events, we're proud to help create an event that celebrates not only traditional music and culture, but also the incredible food, drink and artisan businesses that contribute so much to Northern Ireland's economy and visitor experience."
Christine Cousins, Owner of Sonic Events, said:
"The Craic and Craft market has been carefully curated to ensure we are showcasing the very best of local food and drink producers, hot food offerings and arts and crafts, as well as fun activities for children."
We are excited to host the Fleadh for the first time in Belfast and see our city welcome everyone with the hospitality we are world famous for.
Andrew Dougan, Managing Director of Pan & Pour, said:
“We’re delighted to be part of Craic & Craft and to help deliver a hospitality experience that reflects the scale and spirit of the Fleadh.
This is a brilliant opportunity to showcase great food and drink in one of Belfast’s most iconic locations. Working alongside ICC Belfast, we're looking forward to showcasing great local food and drink while creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where visitors can enjoy the very best of Northern Ireland's hospitality.
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the world’s biggest celebration of traditional Irish music and culture. The eight-day festival will bring musicians, singers, dancers, storytellers and visitors from across the world to Belfast for All-Ireland competitions, concerts, céilí bands, civic events, fringe activity and spontaneous street sessions.
With major performances taking place at Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall, the market will provide a lively meeting place where visitors can experience local hospitality, discover artisan producers and enjoy the atmosphere between events, further enhancing Belfast's city-wide festival programme.
