Glenties Harvest Fair Festival returns with 10 days of fun and tradition

The Glenties Harvest Fair Festival, one of Donegal’s most cherished and historic community celebrations, will return from Friday, September 5, to Sunday, September 14.

Dating back centuries and proudly billed as “probably the oldest fair in the world,” the Harvest Fair continues to blend old traditions with modern-day entertainment, drawing visitors from across the county and beyond. This year’s ten-day programme promises a lively mix of music, sport, family fun, and cultural events.

The festivities kick off on Friday, September 5, with a Harvest Retro Rave in the Highlands Hotel, where DJ Keith Fletcher will bring an 80s and 90s throwback party to town. Meanwhile, the competitive spirit will be alive at the Annual Harvest Fair Darts in Leo’s Bar.

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On Saturday, September 6, outdoor activities take centre stage. Young people can take to the waves at the Harvest Surf Session, while hikers can join the Bluestacks Hike to the historic WWII plane crash site. Families will enjoy the Kids Treasure Hunt in the Market Hall, and later in the day, there’s sure to be laughter at the quirky Quad Reversing competition at Glen Farm Supplies.

Sunday, September 7, promises plenty of action with the Harvest Fair Cycle, offering three challenging routes for cycling enthusiasts. Younger festival-goers won’t miss out either, with the much-loved Kids Tractor Run rolling through town at midday.

On Monday, September 8, children and teenagers will take part in Athletics at Glenties Comprehensive Track, before the evening’s fun moves indoors with the ever-popular Big Quiz Night at the Highlands Hotel.

The following evening, Tuesday, September 9, attention turns to the road with the Charles McGuinness 5k Perpetual Cup, a fast flat-course race that always attracts a strong field of runners. That night, the Harvest Fair Bingo in the Market Hall will keep the excitement going.

Wednesday, September 10, brings children’s fun with the Toon Town Cartoon Mascot Show, followed by live street music on Main Street.

On Thursday, September 11, the spotlight turns to creativity, with an Exhibition & Competition running daily from the 11th–14th, featuring art, photography, textiles, and more. That evening, music lovers will gather at the Highlands Hotel for a concert by Onóir, with support from Fluírse Ceol.

The most iconic date on the calendar, Friday, September 12, is Traditional Fair Day. Glenties will be filled with street traders, traditional crafts, exhibitions, sheep marts and auctions, sheep shearing displays, and live street music and dancing. Music will continue late into the night in local venues, with performances from For Folk Sake, Darren Boot Burke, and Scottish group Keeper Lit.

On Saturday, September 13, the town stays buzzing with the Patsy Furey U13 Football Tournament, a Pool Competition in Leo’s Bar, and a Kids Fun Day at Dr. McCloskey Crescent. That evening, the marquee comes alive with Björn Identity, Ireland’s top ABBA tribute band, supported by Shania Twain Tribute. Later, the Queen Harvest Fair Dance will round off the night with music from Red Alert and DJ Dave Duke.

The festival concludes on Sunday, September 14, with a lively family-friendly day sponsored by Donegal Waste & Recycle. Events include live street music, a colourful Float Parade, a competitive Tug of War, and an evening performance from Jimmy Buckley, one of Ireland’s best-loved country stars.

Throughout the festival, Star Fares Amusements will set up in town, while a week-long Geocache Treasure Hunt will offer another way to explore Glenties. Live music will also run nightly across local pubs including Roddy’s Bar, Leo’s Bar, and The Thatch.

From street traders and sheep marts to ABBA tributes and athletics, the Glenties Harvest Fair Festival continues to strike the perfect balance between heritage and modern entertainment. With ten packed days of festivities, the 2025 edition looks set to be one of the most memorable yet.