Decathlon announces Return of Free ‘PlayDays’ Sport Festivals for 2026.

Offering families the chance to try over 20 different sports entirely free of charge.

  • Free Multi-Sport Access: Families can try over 20 different sports—from archery to padel - completely free of charge at five major locations across the UK and Ireland.
  • International Expansion: For the first time in the festival's three-year history, PlayDays officially launches in Dublin at the Ballymun United Soccer Complex this June.
  • Building Momentum: Following the success of 2025, which saw over 10,000 people attend nationwide, the 2026 tour aims to break financial barriers to fitness by connecting even more communities with expert coaching and new hobbies.

From archery and climbing to cycling and padel, Decathlon’s nationwide PlayDays festival is back for 2026. Kicking off in May, local stores and venues will be transformed into multi-sport playgrounds, offering families the chance to try over 20 different sports entirely free of charge.

Running across five locations this summer, the community event series gives children, parents and sports enthusiasts the chance to experience a huge range of sports in one place — from cycling, basketball and badminton to fitness challenges, racket sports and more.

With the cost of family activities continuing to rise, PlayDays offers something increasingly rare: hours of sport, discovery and entertainment that costs nothing to attend.

Designed to help people discover activities they might never normally try, the events are delivered by Decathlon teammates alongside local sports clubs, helping visitors explore new passions and find ways to stay active in their communities.

Last year’s events received an average 4.8/5 rating from participants, with families praising the opportunity to try new sports together in a fun and welcoming environment.

“My family had a fabulous time — the kids were entertained for hours and discovered sports we didn’t even know existed.”

“An amazing family event. I couldn’t believe all the activities were free.”

Exclusive 2026 Event Perks

The Circularity Hub: Decathlon is helping families stay active sustainably with a 20% extra value "BuyBack" bonus for trading in old gear on the day, plus half-price bike servicing and puncture protection at the workshop.

Double Points: Decathlon members (it’s free to be a member!) will receive double points on every purchase made during the PlayDays weekend.

Special Discounts: Attendees will receive a 10% discount coupon via their booking confirmation email, valid for two weeks (one week before and one week after the event).

New for 2026: PlayDays arrives in Dublin

For the first time, Decathlon will host PlayDays in Dublin, bringing the free multi-sport festival to Ballymun United Soccer Complex on 20–21 June. Families attending the new event can expect a packed programme of sports, challenges and demonstrations designed to get people moving and help them discover activities they might love.

What visitors can expect

Each PlayDays event will feature a packed programme of activities including:

  • 20+ sports to try in one day
  • Coaching and introductions from Decathlon teammates and local clubs
  • Interactive sport challenges and family competitions
  • Hands-on experiences designed for all ages and abilities
  • Opportunities to discover new hobbies and community sports groups

PlayDays 2026 Locations and Dates

Decathlon Belfast

23–24 May | 9:45am–5:15pm

Holywood Exchange Retail Park, BT3 9EJ

 

Decathlon Surrey Quays (London)

6–7 June | 9:45am–5:15pm

9 Maritime St, SE16 7FU

 

Decathlon Dublin (Ballymun)

20–21 June | 9:45am–5:15pm

Ballymun United Soccer Complex, St Margaret’s Rd, D11 RY23

 

Decathlon Stockport

4–5 July | 10:45am–6:15pm

George’s Rd, Stockport SK4 1DN

Decathlon Braehead (Glasgow)

8–9 August | 9:45am–5:15pm

Old Govan Rd, Renfrew PA4 8XJ

How to attend: Become a Decathlon Member

PlayDays is free for Decathlon members. If you aren't a member yet, don't worry—membership is also free and you can sign up in seconds while reserving your tickets.

For more information and to reserve a place, visit:

https://activities.decathlon.co.uk/en-GB/d/decathlon-play-days
To sign up to membership visit:

UK: https://membership.decathlon.com/en-GB

IE: https://membership.decathlon.com/en-IE/

 

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About Decathlon UK & Ireland

A global multi-specialist sports brand catering to beginners and top athletes, Decathlon is an innovative maker of sporting goods for all skills. With more than 100,000 teammates and 1,700 stores worldwide, Decathlon and its teams have been working ever since 1976 to fulfil an ongoing ambition : Move people through the wonders of sport, to help them be healthier and happier in a sustainable future.

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