Kaleidoscope Festival 2026 Announces New Irish Artists — and a Big Boost for Local Communities

From Dustin the Turkey DJ sets to Pete Tong with a 65-piece orchestra, Kaleidoscope Festival is gearing up for a huge summer weekend in Wicklow, and ladsssss there’s more toilets!!!!

Ireland’s biggest family festival, Kaleidoscope Festival, has just dropped a fresh wave of Irish artists for its 2026 lineup — and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions yet.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Russborough House, the three-day festival returns July 3–5, 2026, bringing together live music, circus shows, workshops, and more than 100 activities for families.

And yes — things are about to get very nostalgic.

Iconic Irish names join the lineup

The new announcement adds a mix of legendary Irish acts and rising talent to an already stacked lineup.

Dance music fans can expect serious throwback energy from Mark McCabe, whose iconic track “Maniac 2000” still fills dancefloors decades later. Also joining the bill is beloved singer-songwriter Mundy, whose sing-along anthems have been a soundtrack to Irish summers for years.

But the most chaotic (and iconic) moment of the weekend might come courtesy of Dustin the Turkey, who’s set to perform a special back-to-back DJ set ahead of the Saturday night headline show.

Other newly announced acts include Al Gibbs, funk-soul fusion artist ZASKA, Jerry Fish with his Electric Sideshow, and folk legends Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones.

Tribute acts and emerging Irish performers will also take to stages across the weekend, making the lineup one of the most diverse the festival has hosted so far.

Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics will headline Saturday

Already announced headliners include Pete Tong, Natasha Bedingfield,

and The Saw Doctors.

Tong’s Ibiza Classics show is expected to be one of the biggest moments of the summer festival season. The performance — backed by a 65-piece orchestra — will bring huge dance tracks to life in a massive live production designed for the festival’s newly expanded main stage.

To build the hype, young performers DJ Calum, Jack & Seanem, who impressed crowds last year, will return to share the lineup with Tong , a major milestone for the rising festival stars.

Families are booking earlier than ever

The festival’s announcement comes as Irish travel trends show families are planning summer staycations earlier and prioritising value-packed experiences.

According to Fáilte Ireland, families are increasingly booking domestic holidays weeks in advance and choosing experiences where entertainment and activities are included in one price.

That’s exactly the model Kaleidoscope is leaning into.

With tickets starting from €68.40 for adults and €46.35 for kids, organisers say a family of four can experience the full three-day festival — including music, camping and activities — for under €450.

Free tickets to support schools and community groups

In a new initiative for 2026, the festival is also launching a free-ticket support programme to help local schools, sports clubs and community groups raise funds.

Organisations will be able to use donated festival tickets in raffles and fundraising events, helping communities generate much-needed support during a time when resources are stretched.

Kaleidoscope has also partnered with Dublin Simon Community as its official charity partner for 2026, raising awareness and funds for homelessness services throughout the festival weekend.

6/7/25 ***NO REPRO FEE*** TikTok star Jacob Robinson aged 8 fresh from interviewing Rhiana at The Smurfs Premier and his younger sister Maisie aged 4 pictured at Kaleidoscope presented by Glenveagh,Ireland’s largest summer family festival returned to Wicklow’s Russborough House this weekend from Friday July 4th – Sunday July 6th. Celebrating its 5th year, thousands of families from across Ireland descended into Blessington for the three day festival, with campers and day trippers enjoying three days of live music performances from global stars and homegrown talent including Texas, The Coronas and Ocean Colour Scene, alongside hands-on family activities and shows and much more across 15 festival areas and stages. Pic: Marc O’Sullivan

A bigger and better festival site for 2026

This year’s event will also feature major upgrades across the festival site.

Festival-goers can expect:

  • An expanded main stage arena
  • A new quieter family camping zone
  • More toilets and improved facilities
  • New camp kitchens with BBQ areas
  • A refreshed Kaleido-Club Lounge with extra seating and upgraded amenities

There’s also better access for day visitors, with a new bus stop location closer to the festival entrance.

A summer adventure just outside Dublin

Located just 30 minutes from Dublin, Kaleidoscope transforms the grounds of Russborough House into a mini world of music, creativity and outdoor adventure.

Across 15 themed festival areas, families can explore:

  • live music stages
  • circus and theatre shows
  • science workshops
  • arts and crafts spaces
  • sports and wellness zones
  • toddler and baby play areas

There will also be plenty of surprise pop-up performances along the way.

If early ticket demand is anything to go by, Saturday night’s headline show could sell out fast.

Weekend and day tickets now available at Ticketmaster and kaleidoscopefestival.ie

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