St Patrick’s Day in Belfast is no longer just a one day event.

In 2026, the celebrations run from 1 to 17 March, turning the city centre into a two week festival of music, language, sport and culture.

The St Patrick’s Day Parade takes place on Tuesday 17 March.

It starts at 1.30pm from Belfast City Hall, shortly after the SPAR Craic 10K race at 9am.

The parade route moves along Chichester Street, Victoria Street, High Street, Castle Place and Donegall Place before returning to City Hall.

Expect dance troupes, schools, community groups, musicians and carnival performers celebrating both the legend of St Patrick and the diversity of Belfast.

From 1pm to 5pm on 17 March, the Cathedral Quarter hosts a free Festival Village.

There will be Highland piping competitions, set and céilí dancing, pilgrimage walks, bodhrán circles and a trad picnic.

The main stage will be in Writers’ Square, with an acoustic stage in St Anne’s Square. It is designed as a family friendly afternoon with plenty of live performance.

Belfast TradFest has added an extra day this year.

Its St Patrick’s Music Festival now runs from 13 to 17 March with concerts, workshops and sessions across the city.

Workshops cover instruments such as uilleann pipes and tin whistle, giving beginners and experienced players a chance to get involved.

Féile an Phobail will host traditional music and workshops across venues from 10 to 17 March.

Spraoi Cois Lao returns to Custom House Square on Saturday 7 March from 1pm to 4pm. Organised by Conradh na Gaeilge and Féile an Phobail, it is one of the largest Irish language family fun days of its kind.

Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia also runs from 1 to 17 March, celebrating Irish language and culture across the city.

St George’s Market joins the celebrations on 14 and 15 March with live traditional music, family activities and special trader offers.

Across the programme, venues including Ulster Hall, Mandela Hall and The MAC will host major ticketed concerts as part of the extended music festival.

Belfast is positioning St Patrick’s Day as a citywide cultural moment rather than a single afternoon parade.

Sport. Language. Traditional arts. Family events. Major concerts. Belfast isn't doing St. Patrick's Day, it's doing St. Patrick's fortnight.

If you want the full programme, including ticketed performances and times, check belfastcity.gov.uk/stpatricks.