Festivals and Events in Sligo | What’s On In Sligo

Festivals & Events

It’s always the right time to visit Sligo. The town the entire county has a packed calendar full of festivals and events for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.

It is a lively town with an excellent calendar of festivals and events – every week of the year has something different going on and visitors are welcome to join in. The theatres and arts centres always have shows and events on offer, and music is widely available in the local pubs.
The Model Arts click here - The Hawkswell Theatre - click here

Sligo Racetrack runs regular race meetings (both national hunt and flat racing) and it’s a great day out for everyone.

To find out all things Sligo, do check out Sligo.ie

Some of the main festivals and events in Sligo are:

Shore Shots Surf Festival

Shore Shots Irish Surf Film Festival is a celebration of film and surf. Films, talks and surf culture take place all weekend long at The Model Arts Centre.

County Sligo Golf Club (Easter)

This popular event has been hosted by County Sligo Golf Club in Rosses point since it began in 1923.

Yeats International Summer School (July/August)

For 60 years The Yeats Society have run the annual Yeats International Summer School, a cultural event commemorating the strong connection between W.B. Yeats and Sligo.

Tubbercurry Old Fair Day (August)

A five day celebration in Tubbercurry town celebrating all that’s best of times gone by. The highlight is the Old Fair Day on the second Wednesday in August and the Heritage Village.

Warrior Run (August)

This gruelling 15km road and hill race takes runner to the top of Knocknarea Mountain and back to the beachfront in Strandhill where live music and street entertainment entertain everyone.

Sligo Baroque Festival (September)

Sligo has its own Baroque Orchestra and this well established festival at The Model Art Centre brings 17th and 18th century music to a wider audience.
Date 26th - 28th September 2025

Sligo Live (October)

Taking place every October Bank Holiday weekend, Sligo Live celebrates folk, roots, and indie music. Over the years it has carved out a niche as a relaxed, intimate and enjoyable music festival, attracting visitors from all over Ireland and abroad. Past headliners include Van Morrison, Jools Holland, Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello, Joan Armatrading and the Waterboys. Check out their website for further details.