The award-winning Atlantic Sessions music festival returns to Portstewart and Portrush this November, with the full 2026 programme now released.
Taking place from Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th November, the festival will offer a packed programme of almost 40 live gigs across both seaside towns, with the majority free to attend.
Music fans can look forward to a wide variety of live performances across a range of venues, alongside a special Opening Night Show on Thursday 12th November at Portrush Playhouse featuring Joachim Cooder. Son of legendary guitarist Ry Cooder, Joachim is an acclaimed percussionist and composer from California.
Headlining this year’s festival are North Coast natives And So I Watch You From Afar (ASIWYFA), who are returning to Portrush after several years. Tickets for this event are on sale now.
Other headline events include John Cooper Clarke at Portrush Town Hall on Saturday 14th November, while the Ken Haddock Band will perform at Portrush Playhouse on Friday 13th November.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins, commented:
“We are delighted to launch the programme for Atlantic Sessions 2026 and to showcase such a diverse range of musical talent across Portrush and Portstewart.
“With almost 40 live gigs taking place across the two towns, including a fantastic programme of free events, there is something for music fans of all ages to enjoy.
“I would like to thank our venue proprietors, hospitality partners and everyone involved in bringing Atlantic Sessions together. Visitors can look forward to a warm welcome across Causeway Coast and Glens, and I encourage everyone to mark the dates in their calendars and come along and enjoy the festival.”
New venues on this year’s musical map include SPÆR and Lacada Tap Room in Portrush.
New for 2026 is an opportunity for the Borough’s fledgling musicians to get involved. ‘The Kids Are Alright with Zac Mac’ will offer young musicians aged 8–16 a workshop with Zac Mac on Saturday morning, followed by the opportunity to showcase their talents during an afternoon performance at Portrush Town Hall.
The programme also includes a free movie screening at the Playhouse Cinema, which will show Coco on the morning of Saturday 14th November.
Programmed by Get Shep on behalf of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, this year’s festival will feature some Atlantic Sessions favourites, including Polar Bolero, Villiers and the Villains and The Taylor Lally Band, alongside popular acts such as Annas Number and The Pat McManus Band.
BBC’s Ralph McLean will return to host the popular ‘Sunday Brunch’ at Flowerfield Arts Centre on Sunday 15th November, featuring songs and conversation from Jackie Rainey, Jordan O’Keefe and Wilfie Gilbert. A brunch provided by Bazzar Street Food is also included in the ticket.
‘When Ireland Rocked’, featuring Pat McManus and Cormac Neeson, will round off the festival programme at Portrush Playhouse on Sunday evening, taking audiences on a journey through Irish rock history. This will be followed by a free Closing Party gig with The Jackie Rainey Duo at Kiwis Brew Bar.
Atlantic Sessions is delighted to welcome the duo back to the Causeway Coast as they help bring the weekend of live music to a close.
Tickets are now on sale for all seven headline events at www.atlanticsessions.com. All other gigs on the Music Trail are free admission and no booking is required. Early arrival is recommended, as doors will close once a venue reaches capacity.
The full Gig Guide is available to download via www.atlanticsessions.com.
Alongside the free gigs, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has worked closely with hospitality partners to ensure visitors can access a range of accommodation options to make the most of their stay.
Visitors can check out the available autumn special offers at Visit Causeway Coast and Glens – Offers
Mark your calendars for this November and follow Atlantic Sessions on Facebook and Instagram for the latest announcements.
Pictured at the launch of Atlantic Sessions 2026 are Zac Mac (with guitar), Mark Sheppard (Get Shep), Joanne Boyle (Elephant Rock Hotel), Mark Culbertson (Culbertson Music) and Davy McLarnon (Shock Treatment).