Smithfield Square will come alive this May as the Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Festival returns for its fourth year on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May 2026. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the life and legacy of one of Dublin’s most iconic voices, with a weekend of live music, storytelling and community-led events inspired by Luke Kelly’s lasting impact on Irish culture.

Now firmly established in Dublin’s cultural calendar, this year’s festival continues to honour Luke Kelly’s legacy, celebrating his influence through contemporary voices, traditional music and community storytelling.

The Luke Kelly Stage will feature a standout line-up of Irish talent across the weekend, with a strong day-by-day programme.

Saturday 23 May will feature a performance from R&B singer and Sherriff Street-native Gemma Dunleavy. The day will also feature Dublin post-punk band a lazarus soul, whose poetic, politically resonant songs have garnered wide acclaim, and described by Christy Moore as “raw, relevant and real.”

The day will begin with performances from the Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Bursary recipients (1–2pm), introduced and mentored by acclaimed Irish folk artist George Murphy.

Sunday 24 May will feature The Dubliners Encore (5–6pm), the acclaimed official stage show celebrating the music and legacy of The Dubliners, bringing timeless classics including The Wild Rover, Seven Drunken Nights and Whiskey in the Jar to Smithfield. Earlier in the day, audiences can experience Muireann Bradley (3–4pm), the internationally recognised young guitarist and singer whose masterful interpretations of early blues have earned her global attention.

Sunday will also open with performances from the Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Bursary recipients (1–2pm), introduced by George Murphy.

Launching this year, the Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Bursary will play a central role in the festival programme. Six recipients will each receive €1,000, along with dedicated mentorship from George Murphy and the opportunity to perform three songs live on the main stage across the weekend. The competition remains open until 3 May at lukekellybursary.ie.

Away from the main stage, audiences can immerse themselves in the rich tradition of Dublin ballads at the O’Donoghue’s Tent, where Hank Byrne & Friends will host lively, informal sessions three times daily across both days (12–1pm, 2–3pm and 4–5pm).

The Bailey Discussion Tent will present a dynamic programme of talks and workshops exploring music, culture and heritage. Highlights across the weekend include, Freedom Come All Ye – a deep dive into Luke Kelly’s love of Scottish song with Steve Byrne and Iona Fyfe (Saturday, 2–3pm), and The Sun is Burning – an exploration of protest and anti-war songs from The Dubliners to the present day with songwriter and civil rights activist Tommy Sands (Sunday, 2–3pm).

Extending the festival into the evening, the programme also includes two special screenings at the nearby Lighthouse Cinema. On Saturday 23 May (6.30pm), Celtic Utopia explores the shared cultural and musical traditions across Celtic nations, while on Sunday 24 May (6.30pm), In Time: Donal Lunny offers an intimate portrait of one of Ireland’s most influential figures in traditional music.

Following the success of last year’s interactive arts space, artist Heather Gray returns to lead the Arts & Crafts Tent, delivering a vibrant, inclusive programme of hands-on creative activities for all ages. From designing your own Luke Kelly-inspired hair and beard, to painting, comic creation, and reimagining I’ll Tell Me Ma in English or as Gaeilge, the space encourages imagination, participation and cultural connection.

The Centre Half has been expanded for 2026 to cater for all ages and skill levels, introducing a dedicated Football Field featuring interactive inflatable games including the Mega Shootout, Junior Shootout and an Air Jets Football Game. Alongside this, a Golf Corner will offer crazy golf and a chip shot game, running throughout the weekend and adding to the relaxed, inclusive, community-focused atmosphere.

The Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Festival is FREE to attend and welcomes Dubliners and visitors alike to celebrate one of the city’s most iconic cultural figures in Smithfield Square on 23 and 24 May.