Smithfield Square is set to host the fourth annual Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Festival on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May 2026. The weekend-long celebration honours the life and work of the legendary Dubliner through a diverse programme of live music, discussion, storytelling, and community activities.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray MacAdam, commented: "Luke Kelly did more than sing Dublin's songs. He gave voice to our hopes, our struggles, our humour, our heart. This festival is about Celebrating Dublin in its truest form. A city of music and memory. A city of family and friendship. A city where stories are shared, songs are carried, and community is felt in every note. This May, Smithfield will not just host a festival. Smithfield will lift its voice for Luke, for Dublin, and for the generations still inspired by both."

The festival's main stage features a curated line-up of established and emerging talent. Saturday 23 May will see performances from R&B artist and local native Gemma Dunleavy, alongside the post-punk group a lazarus soul. Sunday 24 May highlights include The Dubliners Encore, the official stage show performing the band's classic repertoire, and a set from internationally acclaimed young blues guitarist Muireann Bradley. A central feature of the 2026 programme is the newly launched Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Bursary. Six recipients will receive €1,000 each and mentorship from folk artist George Murphy, with the opportunity to perform on the main stage. Applications for the bursary remain open until 3 May via lukekellybursary.ie.

Paula McCann, niece of Luke Kelly, stated: "The Kelly family is very grateful to Dublin City Council for organising this annual tribute to Luke. It is very moving to meet so many of his fans across the generations and to hear how much he has touched people's lives."

Beyond the main stage, the festival offers several dedicated zones:

• O'Donoghue's Tent: Hosting informal ballad sessions three times daily with Hank Byrne & Friends.

• The Bailey Discussion Tent: Featuring talks such as "Freedom Come All Ye," exploring Scottish song traditions, and "The Sun is Burning," a look at the history of protest music with Tommy Sands.

• Arts & Crafts Tent: Led by artist Heather Gray, providing interactive activities including comic creation and Luke Kelly-inspired crafts.

• The Centre Half: An expanded sports area for 2026 featuring a football field with inflatable games and a golf corner.

• The cultural programme extends to the Lighthouse Cinema with evening screenings of Celtic Utopia on Saturday and In Time: Donal Lunny on Sunday.

The Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Festival is a non-ticketed, free event open to all members of the public.