Roscommon County Council’s Arts Office is delighted to announce a rich and varied programme of events for this year’s Bealtaine Festival, the national celebration of arts and creativity as we age. Once again, this year’s festival will be a county-wide celebration of creativity, connection and older age.
Taking place throughout the month of May, this year’s programme offers exhibitions, performances, film screenings, workshops and participatory events across Roscommon, celebrating the voices, talents and lived experiences of older people.
The Bealtaine Festival in Roscommon places a strong emphasis on accessibility, community connection and creative wellbeing, with events taking place in cultural venues, public spaces, healthcare settings and community locations throughout the county.
Among the many highlights of the 2026 Roscommon Bealtaine Programme include the opening of the exhibition Watching A Sunset, 8.50 pm by Andy Parsons, which will be launched (tomorrow) Friday 1 May at 6 pm at Roscommon Arts Centre, followed by a series of associated talks and tours throughout the month.
The Threads That Bind Us, an exhibition showcasing famous Roscommon women through the generations, created by the Táin Stitch Community Group, opens from Tuesday 5 May and will be on display during Roscommon County Council opening hours.
There will also be a series of Cultural Companions concerts at King House Boyle on Wednesday 13 May with acclaimed singer Cathy Jordan, and again on Wednesday 27 May with a performance entitled Lola Montez & Lady Morgan.
A joyful Circus on the Square event in Roscommon Town will be held on Wednesday 20 May, in partnership with Rosorcas Festival, followed by an Accessible Circus workshops and creative participatory events at Roscommon Arts Centre.
There are many more events taking place throughout the county, offering something for all interests, abilities and levels of experience celebrating the rich cultural awareness and diversity of older people.
Throughout the month, Roscommon Arts Office will also support closed Bealtaine events for focused groups, including creative activities in nursing homes, hospitals and community care settings, ensuring the festival reaches those who may not be able to attend public events.
Speaking ahead of the roll-out of this year’s programme, Roscommon Arts Officer Rhona McGrath highlighted Bealtaine as a vital opportunity to: “Celebrate creativity at every stage of life, support older people’s engagement with the arts, and create meaningful moments of connection through shared cultural experiences.”