“Ballroom Boom” is narrated by Adam Clayton of U2
There is still time to catch the legendary CraicFest kickoffs where the festival begins. Over the years, this series of events combines both Irish film and music. Launched by Terence Mulligan years ago, the fest has been a culrual phenomenon since it began. This opening night has become a cornerstone of CraicFest, featuring packed venues and unforgettable performances that bring Irish culture to life in New York City. Past kickoff shows have featured iconic acts including Rubberbandits and Kneecap, setting the bar for what a CraicFest opening night is all about.
Here is what you missed: On Wednesday, March 4th, we gather once again at Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar to launch CraicFest 2026 with a night blending contemporary Irish music, world-class dance, and pure craic.
Music Guest: Graham Smith
Perfect for opening the festival, Smith brings contemporary Irish folk and acoustic storytelling to the CraicFest stage. Known for heartfelt songwriting and an unmistakable live presence, his music bridges the traditional and modern Irish sound in an authentic and powerful way.
Irish Dance Performance: Kait Rock
Internationally acclaimed Irish dancer Rock pushes the boundaries of the traditional form. Blending precision, athleticism, and modern expression, her performances bring Irish dance into bold, contemporary spaces while honoring its deep cultural roots. Fresh off the stage of Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” Tour, Kait returns to CraicFest.
The Kickoff events have historically filled quickly and there may be a Surprise Music Guest TBA. Arrive early to avoid disappointment. This is a free event but space is limited, please RSVP.
Thursday, March 5th
Opening Night Film and Party
“Saipan: A World Cup Feud” – NYC Premiere
7 pm: Village East by Angelika
CraicFest 2026 officially opens on March 5th with this New York City Premiere of “Saipan: A World Cup Feud.” This opening night screening marks the film’s first presentation to NYC audiences, making it a landmark moment for both the festival and Irish cinema in New York City. The film revisits the infamous events surrounding Ireland’s 2002 World Cup campaign, when tensions between team captain Roy Keane and manager Mick McCarthy erupted into one of the most controversial moments in Irish sporting history. Set against the pressure of international competition, the film explores how preparation, professionalism, leadership, and personality collided, creating a moment that split public opinion and became etched into Ireland’s cultural memory. More than a sports story, “Saipan” is a powerful examination of standards, principles, and what it means to represent a nation on the world stage.
The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Directors Glen Leyburn & Lisa Barros D’Sa.
Ticket includes After Party at Solas [E. 9th St. off 2nd Ave.] with complimentary beer, 9pm – 11pm.
You can still catch:
Friday, March 6th
Shorts Night
7 pm: Village East by Angelika
The Irish Shorts evening celebrates bold new visions in Irish cinema with a curated program of award-winning short films that span drama, intimacy, humor, and raw human connection. The evening features “Mouse,” directed by Rosie Barrett and starring Lynn Raffery, alongside “I Do” directed by Joseph Jones, In addition, there’s “HomeTime” directed by Jonathan Lambert, “Mourning Glory” directed by John Carlin and written by Shane McNaughton, The Wheel directed by Jake Quinn and Gale Force directed by Tara Hegarty. Together, these films showcase a dynamic range of storytelling and cinematic craft from some of Ireland’s most exciting filmmakers.
Ticket includes After Party at Factory 380
380 3rd Ave. Complimentary beer & appetizers from 9-11pm. Local filmmakers to attend.
Saturday, March 7th
Kids Fest
11:30 am: Village East by Angelika
Award winning Best of Short films for kids and families. Animation and Live Action. Previous short films are Oscar Nominated shorts such as Give Up Yer Aul Sins and Granny O’Grimm. This fun short program is designed for kids and families.
Feature: “BP Fallon Rock’N’Roll Wizard Vol. 1.”
1 pm: Village East by Angelika
Directed by Alan Leonard, “BP Fallon Rock’N’Roll Wizard Vol. 1.” traces the remarkable arc of Fallon’s life, from the explosive rise of British rock through to unexpected late-career reinvention. Along the way, Fallon intersects with some of the most iconic names in modern music: The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, T. Rex, Johnny Thunders, and U2; artists who didn’t just define eras, but rewrote the rules. When many would have slowed down, Fallon took a sharp left turn later in life, forging a creative partnership with Jack White and Third Man Records, proving that reinvention has no age limit and that true rock’n’roll spirit never retires.
Feature: “Where the Road Meets the Sky”
3 pm: Village East by Angelika
“Where the Road Meets the Sky” is a layered and deeply reflective experimental film funded by the Arts Council of Ireland, examining the intersection of time, language, and memory through the lived experience of Irish Travellers. At the center of the film stands Chrissy Donaghue Ward, grandmother of the film’s writer and director John Connors, a towering figure in Irish Traveller history. An unwavering matriarch, civil rights activist, and the last Shanakee of the open road from the Donaghue, Ward, and Connors clans, Chrissy is the keeper of a culture shaped by movement, oral storytelling, and survival.
Feature: “Ballroom Boom” – U.S. Premier
7 pm: Village East by Angelika
“Ballroom Boom” brings CraicFest 2026 to a close with a powerful, music-driven documentary, followed by a closing night party celebrating Irish sound, storytelling, and legacy. U-2’s bassist Adam Clayton explores the extraordinary rise and fall of Ireland’s showband era, when over 700 bands and thousands of musicians performed live in ballrooms across Ireland almost every night of the week during the 1960s. Director Billy McGrath to attend screening.
Ticket includes Screening and After party at Solas
E 9th St. off 2nd Ave.
For more i nfo and tickets go to: https://thecraicfest.com/
