The St. Patrick’s Festival Puerto del Carmen 2026 returns from March 14 to 17 with what promises to be its biggest edition yet. After smashing attendance records in 2025, the festival that unites Irish culture with Canarian hospitality is back at Plaza del Varadero with three days of official programming, beach hurling for the first time ever, a charity run, the parade along Avenida de las Playas and Nathan Carter headlining on St. Patrick’s night.

St. Patrick’s Festival Puerto del Carmen 2026: Full Program

Sunday, March 15 — Sport and solidarity

11:00 am — Hurling on Playa Grande
For the first time in the festival’s history, Ireland’s national sport hits the sand at Playa Grande. A hurling exhibition that promises to surprise locals and Irish visitors alike — have you ever seen a sliotar fly at 150 km/h?

3:00 pm — 5K Charity Run
Los Pocillos promenade. A 5-kilometer walk/jog/run in support of suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Open to all levels. Live music in the Los Pocillos area after the run.

Monday, March 16 — Official festival opening

5:00 pm — Opening at Plaza del Varadero
Exchange of Canarian and Irish flags with local Lanzarote folk group Güerma and Irish group Celtic Roots. Traditional music and dance from both cultures on the main stage.

6:40 pm — Dessie Hynes
Irish music legend live on stage.

7:50 pm — The Sloanes

9:30 pm — Conor Magee

10:30 pm — Max Santalucia Band
Close at midnight.

Tuesday, March 17 — St. Patrick’s Day

11:00 am — Mass at Nuestra Señora de Lourdes Church
In the Old Town of Puerto del Carmen. After the service, a meet and greet outside followed by a group walk to Plaza del Varadero.

Midday — Stage opens at El Varadero
Official presentations and the Irish National Anthem, followed by a full day of live music:

Al Murphy & Jordan Kay (opening)
2:15 pm — Celtic Roots
3:55 pm — Dave Courtney & Johnny Grogan
5:25 pm — Gayle O’Donovan
6:35 pm — Matt Keane & Band
8:30 pm — Sean Magee
10:20 pm — Nathan Carter & Band
Close at midnight.

5:00 pm — St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The parade sets off from the New Town end of Puerto del Carmen and follows Avenida de las Playas to Plaza del Varadero. Everyone is welcome to join in — just wear green.

Nathan Carter: the headliner

Nathan Carter is one of the biggest names in contemporary Irish music. With a style blending country, folk and pop, he has sold out venues across Ireland, the UK and Australia. His 10:20 pm set on Tuesday, March 17 promises to be the crowning moment of the festival and a major draw for the thousands of Irish and British tourists who choose Lanzarote at this time of year.

Irish Week: pubs and Cheltenham

The party extends well beyond the three official days. From Tuesday, March 10, the Irish pubs of Puerto del Carmen kick off the week with live coverage of the Cheltenham Festival — four days of horse racing that are sacred tradition in the Irish community. The Gold Cup on Friday the 13th marks the start of the festive weekend.

The most iconic pubs have live music lined up all week:

Murphy’s (Av. de las Playas, 31): Cheltenham on 30 big screens from March 10-13, live music every night. On the 17th, music from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am.
Craic N’ Ceol: Over 20 years of tradition. Live music on the 14th-15th (6:00 pm-1:00 am) and on the 17th from 3:00 pm to 1:00 am with Al Murphy, Jordan Kay, Mick Bennett, Conor Sloane and special guests.
Maguires Irish Bar (C/ Anzuelo, 5): On the 17th, Anton Glackin with “The Wild Rover On Tour” from 9:30 pm.
Nelly’s (C.C. Olivin): Cheltenham on screen plus live music in the evenings.

Practical information

Dates: March 14-17, 2026 (official program: 15-17)
Location: Plaza del Varadero (Old Town harbor), Playa Grande, Los Pocillos and pubs throughout Puerto del Carmen
Main day: Tuesday, March 17 — St. Patrick’s Day
Parade: 5:00 pm from New Town to Plaza del Varadero
Headliner: Nathan Carter & Band (10:20 pm)
Entry: Free for all outdoor events
Official website: sanpatrickpuertodelcarmen.com

Getting there: Puerto del Carmen is a 10-minute drive from the airport and 15 minutes from Arrecife. Plaza del Varadero is at the Old Town harbor, at the end of Avenida de las Playas. Parking is very limited on festival days — walk or take a taxi.

Tip: Tuesday the 17th is by far the busiest day. If you want a spot near the stage, get to the Varadero before 2:00 pm. Pubs fill up early, so book a table where possible. For the full experience, start on Sunday with the beach hurling and the charity run — it’s the most authentic side of the festival.

→ Lanzarote Cultural Agenda March 2026
→ Lanzarote in March: weather, plans and why visit

Last updated: March 1, 2026. Official sources: San Patrick Puerto del Carmen, Tías Town Hall.