Forest Fest 2026 set to deliver an exciting weekend of music and entertainment

The stages are set and fans are ready, as Forest Fest 2026 is set to kick off an exciting weekend of music.

Thousands are set to descend on Emo, Co Laois from 24–26 July for three unforgettable days of live music, comedy, entertainment, street food, craft drinks, arts, and culture.

Now in its fifth year, Forest Fest in 2026 boasts a stacked line-up across three days, including headliners Echo & The Bunnymen, James, and Madness. Also on the bill are The Boomtown Rats, The Charlatans, The Undertones, Deacon Blue, The Coronas, Paul Brady, Feeder and more.

There is also a dedicated stage for traditional music; the Forest Fleadh Stage will feature memorable acts such as Kíla and Brass, Camille O'Sullivan, Aldoc, Jiggy, Dervish, Cherish The Ladies, The Henry Girls, Lorraine Nash, Hugsie and many more.

The line-up promises to be a celebration of the very best of Irish folk and traditional music.

Forest Fest also announced that 2026 would see the debut of a new arena dedicated entirely to contemporary Country and Americana-style music.

The ‘Kickin’ Up Dust’ arena features top talent such as Nathan Carter, Hermitage Green, Mike Denver, Jimmy Buckley, Michael English, Keywest, and more.

Festival Director, Philip Meagher, said in June that he was delighted to announce the Kickin’ Up Dust Arena as a brand new addition to the festival: “With its own bars, food vendors, and facilities, the arena is going to be a wonderful addition to the festival and unique in the fact that it is accessible to all standard Forest Fest ticketholders – but also available as a separate ticket option”, he said.

He continued: “Country music has always had its roots in great songs, great stories, and great musicians to bring them to life. With Kickin’ Up Dust, we are creating a unique space designed to honour the legends who have carried the tradition and continued to build the genre in Ireland, while simultaneously championing the rising stars who represent its future.” The Kickin’ Up Dust arena also features the Port Art Collective, who will facilitate arts, crafts and interactive activities, as well as Top of the Crops, a 70s, 80s and 90s disco led by Wexford DJ Nigel Quaid, housed in a farm-style barn built around a repurposed combine harvester DJ booth.

There are three accommodation options available for people travelling to the festival: campervan and caravan camping, tent camping, and luxury glamping.

Attendees can choose to drive their accommodation on site with a campervan or enjoy the traditional festival experience by pitching a tent near the excitement of the festival.

Abbeyleix-based company Pitched Perfect, on the other hand, will offer attendees ready-made pre-pitched tents in what promises to be a luxurious glamping experience.

Day and weekend return bus services to Forest Fest will run from Dublin, Tullamore, Mountmellick/Portarlington, Kilkenny, Portlaoise, and Durrow.

Road closures are expected in the Emo area in the lead up to the festival. For more information, please visit the Forest Fest website at https://forestfest.ie/