Portstewart's Red Sails Festival will take place from 19 to 25 July 2026, supported for the first time through the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Tourism Events Fund.

The week-long event opens on Sunday with the Blessing of the Boats at the Bandstand. The ceremony honours those lost at sea and the first responders who work to keep the coast safe. Boats are expected to gather in the bay during the afternoon.

Evening music at the Bandstand features performances from Pure Blarney and The Reillys. The Sensational 70s Showstopper Band makes its festival debut. On Friday afternoon, Hugo Duncan from Strabane will perform.

Activities for children include Lego Digital Animation and Street Dance workshops, a kite display, a nature walk and a butterfly safari at Portstewart Beach. Older children can take part in sports at the Warren, a fishing competition and supervised swimming with Swim Ulster.

The final day on Saturday features a children's parade, a Maritime Heritage Exhibition, and sets from the Causeway Shantymen, Alastair Scott Ceilidh Band, Innova Dance Group, Victoria Lagan Dancers and Mexican Dancers. The festival closes with a fireworks display at 10.30pm.

Partner organisations include Flowerfield Arts Centre, which offers art workshops, the People of Portstewart Exhibition and NI Opera in the Park. The National Trust and the Mae Murray Foundation also provide activities.

Full programmes are available from shops and supermarkets in Portstewart, via the Red Sails Facebook page and at portstewartca.org.