Ballina Fringe Festival launches open calls for October event

BALLINA Fringe Festival has announced a number of exciting open calls ahead of its 2026 festival, taking place from October 2-11 in Ballina.

This year's open calls reflect the festival's commitment to inclusivity and creativity, welcoming artists at every career stage, young people and creatives from around the world.

Now in its ninth year, Ballina Fringe Festival is a celebration of theatre, music, film, literature, visual art and street performance. The festival has built a reputation as one of the west of Ireland's most distinctive cultural events, and these open calls represent an opportunity to be part of something truly special in 2026.

The festival’s annual film festival returns, and submissions are now open to filmmakers of all ages and nationalities from around the world. This is a truly democratic filmmaking competition - the only requirement is that your film is shot entirely on a smartphone or mobile device on the theme of ‘Resilience’.

New for 2026 is a youth-led festival, designed by young people for young people. This is a rare opportunity for young people aged 15-18 in north Mayo and beyond to have a real voice in their local arts scene and to develop valuable skills in a creative, supportive environment.

Looking back on Days of Gold, filmmaker Andy Smyth is calling out for any old photographs or films relating to the glory days of Ballina basketball for inclusion in a related festival project.

And finally, Ballina Fringe Festival is seeking work from new and emerging artists for inclusion in the 2026 festival programme. The festival welcomes proposals across all art forms from artists at the early stages of their careers who are ready to bring their work to a live festival audience.

Full details on all open calls can be found at ballinafringefestival.ie.