AVA Festival (Belfast, UK) 2026

From its coastal city heart to the dockside warehouses that host its stages, AVA Festival returns to Titanic Slipways in Belfast on May 29 and 30, 2026, turning a historic riverside location into a vibrant celebration of cutting-edge music, arts, and culture that pulses from the afternoon into the late evening. AVA has grown over twelve years from a grassroots gathering into one of the most forward-thinking multidisciplinary festival in the UK and Ireland, with a programme that champions both local talent and international innovators.

This year’s lineup boasts an exhilarating mix of artists pushing the boundaries of electronic music and cultural expression. Belfast rap trio KNEECAP will bring their fierce energy and Irish-language lyricism to headline, while techno and house standout KETTAMA delivers high-impact club sounds rooted in rave heritage. House luminary Honey Dijon, celebrated for her genre-spanning influence and dynamic sets, and broadcaster and selector Annie Mac add a distinct flavour of electronic mastery. The bill also includes genre-blurring performances from the likes of ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U, Blawan (Live), Octo Octa b2b Eris Drew, Interplanetary Criminal, and many other boundary-pushing acts across dancefloor styles.

Each day at AVA opens in the early afternoon and stretches into the night with curated stages that reflect the festival’s commitment to diversity and discovery. From deeply emotive techno explorations to bass-driven UK club cuts, each set contributes to the festival’s electric atmosphere. Belfast’s creative spirit infuses every corner of AVA, highlighted not just through music but through collaborations with visual artists, installations, talks and experiential elements that expand the idea of what a festival can be.

Production at AVA is designed to captivate. Stages nestled near the water play against the backdrop of Belfast’s skyline, while state-of-the-art sound systems and lighting bring each performance to life with clarity and impact. Whether you’re discovering a genre-defying live act or losing yourself in a peak-time DJ set, the sound and visual design elevate the collective experience, making every moment feel immersive.

What truly defines AVA Festival is its inclusive community ethos. The event attracts a global crowd of music lovers and culture seekers, alongside a strong presence of Irish and UK artists and audiences. It’s a gathering where seasoned ravers and curious newcomers alike can celebrate imaginative lineups, artistic exploration and shared passion for forward-looking music. AVA Festival 2026 promises to be more than a weekend event — it’s a cultural landmark that showcases the heart of Belfast’s creative energy and the evolving pulse of contemporary music.