Caitlin Connors
Beyond the Pale music festival is back for 2026. The three-day festival has announced its 2026 lineup and tickets are due to go on general sale 21 November 2025.
What is Beyond the Pale?
Beyond the Pale is a three-day music festival that takes place on the second weekend of June each year in Glendalough Estate Wicklow. This year it is set to take place on the 12-14 June 2026. It is a boutique type festival that prides itself on its overall experience of music, camping and wellbeing activities. The name “Beyond the Pale,” has two meanings. It means outside Dublin but also for being unacceptable which references the varied different music acts that perform.
Caribou, Soulwax and Father John Misty – A match made in heaven
The main headliners for this year are Caribou, Soulwax and Father John Misty. Certainly, giving weight to the festival name each headliner is different from the other. Caribou is a Canadian electronica artist that blends elements of IDM (intelligent dance music) indietronica and dance together. He recently just released a new single “Waiting So Long“, with Daphni whose new album Butterfly is set for release early 2026.
Soulwax are an electronic duo from Belgium. They are best known for remixing and producing for artists like Tame Impala, Fontaines D.C., Rosalia and the list goes on. They are sure to be a hit to watch out for with their latest experimental album All Systems are Lying.
Lastly there is Father John Misty —aka Josh Tillman— who is far from the other acts mentioned. Tillman has carved out a name for himself in the indie scene after leaving Fleet Foxes. He now has over seven million Spotify monthly listeners. He is best known for his songs Real Love Baby and Let the Light In (with Lana Del Rey).
Other Acts to watch out for
We cannot forget about the other acts announced. Although there is still more to be come the current line up is already full of talent. Many great Irish acts have been announced including Newdad, Cliffords, BIIRD, Kojaque, Kormac and Rois. These Irish artists will blend to give Beyond the Pale a combination of indie rap and techno that is sure to be unforgettable.
Controversy to a Fresh Start
Nothing comes without its own controversies. Last year the festival was almost cancelled. This was due to a cash flow issue which was highlighted when reports came out that stages were being dismantled. However, this was later disproven by organisers confirming the festival would go ahead – which it did. They are now managed by FUEL festival management.
As Beyond the Pale is an independent festival, it is heartwarming to see that it is still in full swing this year for its fifth anniversary. “Beyond The Pale 2026 doesn’t just mark a fifth-year milestone or a summer return, it marks a future firmly secured and a win for independent festivals. Proof that boutique festivals can thrive, lead with culture, and curate music, food, and weekend or day experiences festival-goers truly crave.”
