TRAD FEST

Tradfest 2026 at the Centre Culturel Irlandais
1–5 July | Paris

Concerts, seisiúin, classes and masterclasses take centre stage this July as the Centre Culturel Irlandais hosts Tradfest 2026—five days of world-class music and shared learning in the heart of Paris.

A distinguished delegation of musicians travels from Ireland, joined by international artists, for an immersive celebration of traditional music. The line-up includes Aoife Ní Bhriain (fiddle), Cormac Begley (concertina), Zoë Conway (fiddle) & John McIntyre (guitar), Stephanie Keane (sean-nós dance), and Macdara Ó Faoláin (bouzouki). They are joined by the legendary Mummers of the Armagh Rhymers, bringing ritual, theatre and colour to the festival atmosphere.

Across the week, audiences can move between performances and participation—formal concerts, films, intimate seisiúin, and a rich programme of classes and masterclasses designed for all levels, from curious beginners to experienced players looking to deepen their practice.

Rooted in Irish tradition, Tradfest opens outward to include musical influences from France, Scotland and Wales, as well as the rhythms of Italian tarantella with Francesco Turrisi (percussion/accordian) and Congolese soukous with Niwel Tsumbu (guitar), creating a vibrant dialogue across cultures. 

We are also delighted to work with L’Association Irlandaise and I2SP.

The festival unfolds in the CCI’s courtyard in a relaxed, festive atmosphere, with food trucks, informal music-making, and spontaneous collaborations. A fringe extends into the surrounding area, with Mouffetrad bringing pop-up seisiúin to nearby Rue Mouffetard. Tradfest 2026 invites you to listen, learn and take part.