The HearSay Festival, described as the world’s most beloved audio arts festival, will return May 7-10, 2026, in the Irish mountain village of Kilfinane, County Limerick.
The festival brings together creators and enthusiasts from multiple disciplines of audio production, including podcasting, radio features, film sound, sound art, theatre sound, music and audio fiction. According to organizers, the event emphasizes collaboration and experimentation among award-winning contributors across these creative fields.
HearSay distinguishes itself through its participant-centered approach. The festival operates without a traditional audience model or name badges, instead fostering a community environment where attendees engage in what organizers call “joyful what-if-ery” — collaborative exploration and creative risk-taking.
The 2026 edition focuses on themes of renewal and possibility. Festival organizers describe the event as “rewilding” and “renewing our sense of possibility,” inviting participants to “cross the threshold with passion and playfulness as different audio cultures turn toward each other.”
Individuals can participate in the festival through multiple pathways. The HearSay Audio Prize 2026 accepts entries, with a submission deadline of Thursday, March 12, 2026. The festival also welcomes programme contributors through an open call process. Additionally, the event seeks crew members to support festival operations. Those unable to attend in person can support the festival’s future through financial contributions.
The festival takes place in Kilfinane, located in County Limerick in Ireland’s midlands. The venue address is Main St., Kilfinane, Co. Limerick, V35 T2P3. Festival organizers can be reached at 063 91250 or contact@hearsayfestival.ie for additional information.
HearSay represents a significant gathering within the global audio arts community, drawing participants interested in the intersection of emerging and established audio production practices. The festival’s emphasis on collaboration across disciplines reflects broader trends in creative industries toward hybrid and experimental approaches to audio storytelling and sound design.
