Electric Picnic 2026: Sneak peek ahead of the festival

With 80,000 headed for Stradbally this weekend, Electric Picnic has released a sneak peek of what to expect at the festival, including food vendors, comedy acts, new stages and more.

In terms of food, Nomad, a new addition to the festival this year, will allow attendees to book lunch reservations to two restaurants – Ibile, a West African eatery, and Biang Biang, serving Chinese cuisine inspired by the Chang’an province.

Other lunch options at Nomad include Yogovan, a yogurt bowl and açaí vendor new to the festival this year.

Following the final sitting at 4 pm, Ibile and Biang Biang will turn into walk-up food and drink vendors, with other options including Bah33, a Dublin-based Brazilian steakhouse and grill, Gyro Kings, a Greek-inspired spot and Wing It, a popular Belfast chicken chain.

Electric Picnic will also hold an extra night of comedy this year as the tent opens from 6pm on Friday evening. Among the performers are Steve Spade, a Las Vegas magician and showman, Cork-based comedian Sinéad Quinlan and Taran O’Sullivan, a comedian and radio presenter from Meath.

For new spaces to enjoy, the festival has added a Barefoot Garden to Croí, an area that invites attendees to take off their shoes and stand on the earth.

Two other new areas will also make their debuts, including Survivors Bar and Stage and GlowDepot, a city in the woods inspired by the upcycled shopping trolly fitted with flashing LEDs that roamed Electric Picnic fifteen years ago.

For the first time, Guinness will be offered at the festival this year at The Lovely Local. Pouring the first pint is pop star Morgana, who is also set to play an intimate gig there.

Finally, the Main Stage Presented by 3 will make the epicentre of the festival. It awaits acts from Lewis Capaldi, Gorillaz, Fontaines D.C., Sombr, Zara Larsson, CMAT, Amble and more.

Check out Hot Press' special Electric Picnic issue below.