8th to 10th May 2026
Spectator Fan Zone
Three days of mountain bike action and festival vibes .
All you need to know about the festival, from parking to catering, entertainment and action hot spots.
Spectator Route Map
Spectator Tips
Welcome to the Wicklow MTB Festival — a brilliant weekend of fast riding, fresh air and good vibes in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains. Whether you’re cheering on friends, discovering mountain bike racing for the first time, or just soaking up the festival atmosphere, there’s loads to enjoy as a spectator. With exciting races, great food, and plenty of spots to relax and watch the action, these tips will help you get the most out of your time at Ballinastoe.
Before You Go
1. Plan your visit day-by-day
- Parking: Please drive slowly on all approach road and follow our parking stewards directions. All the info is right here.
- Friday: Whip Off — a fun, stylish jump competition near the festival village (7 pm). Great early evening action with BBQ, music and atmosphere.
- Saturday: Enduro — long course with riders tackling multiple stages throughout the day (9 am–4 pm).
- Sunday: Cross Country (XC) in the morning and Downhill (DH) in the afternoon. Both are spectator-friendly and close to the festival hub.
2. Spectators go free
- You don’t need a ticket just to watch, but if you want to ride, demo bikes, or take part in activities you may need to register.
3. Choose a good viewing spot
- Most of the racing, especially XC and DH, takes place around the festival village making it easy to watch multiple heats from one spot.
- For Enduro stages farther out, scout early where trails cross visible sections — ask marshals for advice on spectator-friendly points.
What to Bring
4. Dress for Irish mountain weather
- The Wicklow Mountains can be cool, wet or sunny in quick succession — bring waterproof layers, sturdy shoes, and extra warm layers especially in the afternoon and evening.
5. Footwear & terrain
- Trails and viewing points may be muddy or uneven underfoot — grippy shoes or walking boots will keep you comfortable. (General trail advice applies here too.)
6. Essentials
- Water & snacks: There are food vendors but having your own supply means you don’t miss key parts of the racing.
- Sun protection: Suncream and a hat help for midday XC sessions, when glare can be strong.
- Portable chair or blanket: Great for chill time between races.
On the Day
7. Safety first
- Spectators should only watch from designated safe areas and not cross marked course boundaries — follow instructions from marshals and stewards.
8. Watch the schedule
- Racing is timed throughout each day. Arrive early for popular races like the Whip Off and the DH to secure a good vantage point and soak up the buzz.
9. Explore the festival hub
- There’s an expo area with brand demos (Trek, Saracen, etc.), food & drink stalls, music, and relaxed spaces to hang out when races aren’t on.
Extra Ways to Enjoy It
10. Make a weekend of it
- With music, BBQs, and BBQ vibes through the evening — this isn’t just racing, it’s social. Plan to stay later into the night (safely) to soak up the festival feel.
11. Connect with riders & other fans
Chat with competitors and fellow fans — mountain biking culture is inclusive and many riders are happy to share insights or tips between events.
12. Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates
Stay in touch with what’s going on, before and during the festival.
Schedule
- 18:00 – 21:00 Expo Open
Explore the festival expo, meet the brands, check out the latest bikes and gear, and soak up the opening-night atmosphere. - 18:00 – 21:00 Catering
Grab food and refreshments on site while the festival gets underway. - 18:00 – 20:00 Event Registration
Riders can check in, collect event information, and get set for the weekend ahead. - 18:00 – 19:00 Whip Off Practice
Riders warm up and dial in their style before the main Whip Off competition. - 19:00 – 20:00 Whip Off Competition
Big sends, sideways style, and crowd energy as riders battle it out for the best whip. - 20:00 – 21:00 After Party – DJ
Kick back after the action with music, festival vibes, and a chance to catch up with the MTB community. - 20:45 – 21:00 Awards Ceremony
Celebrate the standout performances from Friday evening’s events.
- 09:00 – 21:00 Expo Open
The expo is open all day with brands, bikes, kit, demos, and plenty to see between events. - 09:00 – 21:00 Catering
Food and drink will be available throughout the day to keep riders and spectators fuelled. - 08:00 – 16:00 Event Registration
Check in for your event, collect details, and make sure you’re ready to ride. - 09:00 – 16:00 Enduro Racing
Riders take on timed stages across the trails, combining speed, skill, and endurance. - 09:30 – 13:00 Downhill Practice – AM Session
Downhill riders get valuable track time to learn lines, test speed, and prepare for seeding. - 10:00 – 16:00 Cross Country Practice
Cross Country riders can preview the course, test pacing, and get familiar with the terrain. - 13:00 – 13:30 Pro Rider Interview
Hear from a pro rider with insights, stories, and tips from the world of mountain biking. - 14:00 – 14:15 Live Music
Take a break from the racing and enjoy a short live music set in the festival area. - 14:00 – 16:00 Downhill Seeding Runs
Riders lay down timed runs to determine their start order for race day. - 15:00 – 16:45 Live Music – Rock Fossils
Enjoy live tunes from Rock Fossils as the afternoon action continues. - 16:45 – 17:00 Awards Ceremony
A chance to recognise the day’s top riders and standout performances. - 17:00 – 18:00 Ebike short course racing
Fast, fun, and spectator-friendly e-bike racing on a short course. - 18:00 – 19:00 Live Music – Lee O’Donovan
Wind down the day with a live set from Lee O’Donovan. - 19:00 – 20:30 Bike Bike Film Night
Settle in for a mountain bike film night celebrating riding, adventure, and bike culture.
- 09:00 – 16:15 Expo Open
Make the most of the final day to visit the expo, meet brands, and browse the latest MTB gear. - 09:00 – 16:15 Catering
Food and refreshments will be available throughout Sunday’s racing and festival activities. - 08:00 – 12:00 Event Registration
Final opportunity for riders to check in and get ready for Sunday’s events. - 09:00 – 14:00 Cross Country Racing
Cross Country riders take to the course for a test of fitness, tactics, and technical riding. - 10:00 – 13:00 Downhill Practice
Downhill riders get their final practice runs before racing begins. - 14:00 – 14:15 Cross Country Awards Ceremony
Celebrate the Cross Country riders and recognise the top results from the day. - 14:00 – 16:00 Downhill Racing
The weekend’s downhill action comes to a head as riders race against the clock. - 16:00 – 17:00 Live Music – Roamin’ Cadallics
Enjoy live music from Roamin’ Cadallics as the festival builds toward the finale. - 17:00 – 17:15 Downhill Awards Ceremony
Wrap up the weekend by celebrating the fastest downhill riders and final podiums.