Change Your Mind Festival 2026 is a free community mental health festival taking place at The Model, Sligo, on Sunday 11 October from 11am.

This year’s festival brings together Experts by Experience and Experts by Profession, creating a space where personal experiences and professional perspectives on mental health can be shared through conversation, creativity and community.

Main Stage

The Main Stage will feature inspiring speakers and conversations, including Rory O’Connor (Rory’s Stories), writer and mental health advocate Darragh Fleming, and Dr Lorcan Martin, President of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland.

There is much more happening throughout the venue. Visitors can take part in a varied programme of free workshops and activities, including Pilates, dance, mindfulness, speech and drama, creative sessions and other opportunities to try something new.

Family Fun

Children and families will have their own programme of entertainment and activities, including puppets, a flea circus, magic, balloon modelling, children’s workshops and more.

Families can drop in, explore the activities and enjoy the festival together.

What to expect

• Inspiring speakers and real-life stories

• Mental health conversations and professional perspectives

• Creative, movement and wellbeing workshops

• Activities for both adults and children

• Magic, puppetry, balloon modelling and family entertainment

• Local mental health organisations, services and community groups

• A welcoming day for all ages

Visitors can come for a particular talk or workshop, bring the family for the activities, or simply drop in and explore what is happening throughout the day.

Free admission. Everyone is welcome.

Different perspectives. Shared conversations.

One focus: better mental health.

Description supplied by the event organiser.