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Arts & Theatre Events

Northern Ireland is a land of poets, writers and dreamers. We’ve given the world Heaney and Friel, C.S Lewis and MacNeice, and Booker-prize winning Anna Burns. We’re a nation of rock stars, pop stars and folk music legends. We’ve produced A-list movie stars, knighted theatre directors, won Oscars and even put Westeros on the map. There’s a vibrant arts scene happening here. So, here’s a taste of what’s going on.

Get arty and party in Armagh

Armagh has a penchant for showing off its rich Georgian heritage. Which is why The Georgian Festival is the perfect excuse for Armagh people to dress up in their finery and sumptuous period costume. Travel back through the mists of time with events like The Great Georgian Banquet, or horse and carriage rides along The Mall. And with a Children’s Christmas market plus a sparkling Christmas Light Show to end the festivities, it’s all very regal.

March is the perfect time for the Home of St. Patrick Festival. Not least because St. Patrick’s Day lands smack in the middle of the month. As his homeplace, Armagh is quite naturally and rightly at the heart of celebrating the life of Ireland’s national saint. It always promises and delivers a lively showcase of the best in culture, music, song and dance, plus a spectacular parade on the big day – March 17th. Time to get the shamrock and the face-paint out!

And from all things green to something more bluesy in colour and tone, the 7 Hills Blues Festival brings a summer festival of blistering blues and roots music events to the cathedral city. This unmissable weekend sees world class talent perform across more than 20 venues and locations. Best served very chilled.

Antrim’s art is in the right place

Music and storytelling are at the heart of the Saffron County’s vibrant art scene. And when you throw the richness of its biggest town – Belfast – into the mix, it’s a heady cocktail. Up in the glens they are rightly proud of their storytelling tradition. Which is why the aptly named Glens Storytelling Festival rightly celebrates and preserves this rich cultural heritage. The community event takes place over 5 days – well, they do have a few stories to tell!

Down in the valley, the Roe Valley Folk Festival is renowned for its eclectic mix of folk music, dance and traditional sessions. To make sure folk traditions pass on to the next generation, this festival is the perfect way to enjoy old and new folk, including fun storytelling and children events.

Along the coast, they have something to say and sing about too. Like, the Atlantic Sessions, a four-day music event across Portstewart and Portrush. Get your sesh face on with 50 artists in over 20 venues, and free performances from some of Northern Ireland's finest musos. And if you add the amazing three-day Live At The Beach music festival celebrating the beauty of the north coast, that’s a full week already! To chill out a bit, join local storyteller Kate Murphy and local musicians For Stories & Music Of The Causeway Coast. This evening of traditional stories, folklore and music celebrates all that’s good about the Causeway Coast and its landscape – of which there’s plenty.

In Belfast, it’s hard to know where to start for art. Maybe, the Belfast International Arts Festival is your thing. Come autumn time, even the leaves fall for its heady cocktail of dance, music, theatre, visual arts, film and music. You could spend your entire holiday allocation at the 2-week Belfast Film Festival with showings and events across the entire city. Or perhaps you’ll come for the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival. If you like your fringe festivals socially inclusive and eclectic, then this mix of music, comedy, theatre, art and literature around St Anne's Cathedral may ring your bells.

You could head west for Feile an Phobail, aka the West Belfast Festival, celebrating the best of Irish and international culture around the Falls Road. Or go east for the Eastside Arts Festival for a summer festival showcasing the creative talent of east Belfast, featuring music, comedy, movies, theatre, workshops, and events for the young and old.

And while you’re there, the 5-day CS Lewis Festival celebrates the great Narnia writer’s legacy in his East Belfast hometown with lectures, exhibitions, spoken word and film screenings. Magical!

Find art in the heart of Derry-Londonderry

The walls of the city reverberate with the sounds of the coolest festivals and events celebrating Derry-Londonderry’s vibrant arts scene. Take the Stendhal Festival, a family-friendly grassroots festival highlighting the best in local and international music, art, comedy, dance, theatre, and loads more besides. Maybe the pageantry of The Maiden City Festival will rock your silk socks with its exciting mix of music, dance, theatre and pageant that brings the old city to life.

You could always let the vibes of the City of Derry Jazz Festival wash over you. Northern Ireland's biggest jazz festival brings distinctive rhythms to over 70 theatres, bars and restaurants, and on to the city streets! If jazz ain’t your bag, maybe the City of Derry International Choir Festival will hit all the right notes for you. Chances of that are high, with more than 60 choirs coming from as far as Belarus, Colombia, the Czech Republic and Indonesia.

Otherwise, just wrap yourself up in culture at Culture Night Derry-Londonderry as venues and public spaces across the city and district open up to free events. This all-island celebration has something for all ages and interests - from visual arts to music and dance, heritage, discussions, street art, tours and trails and family fun. And as one of only a handful of film festivals with Oscar affiliation and BAFTA recognition, the award for Best Film Buff Event goes to the Foyle Film Festival where moviemakers, animators and artists get to screen their films and network with industry pros. Get ready for your close-up!

They’ve got the arts thing down in Down

Over in Mourne County, the hills are alive with the sound of music and fun coming from every quarter. Down on the farm (that’s Tubby's Farm in Royal Hillsborough to be precise), Sunflowerfest attracts its regular ‘Festafarian’ devotees to this three-day festival of open-air music, art and family fun.

If you like your vibes on the mellower side, then the Blues On The Bay festival in Warrenpoint is the place to drop anchor. This picturesque port plays host to some of the world’s leading blues and jazz performers. Or if you’re out in C.S Lewis country, the Fiddlers Green Festival in Rostrevor could be where the magic happens for you. This family friendly international festival of music, arts and culture in the scenic village has free outdoor ceilis, art exhibitions and full programme for children and older teens.

Speaking of the great man himself, the Narnia Festival Rostrevor celebrates all things about the author who was inspired to imagine Narnia by the landscape around this stunning area. So, check the back of the wardrobe for your flip-flops.

Fermanagh and Tyrone border on artistic brilliance

The counties of Fermanagh and Tyrone share more than a border. They also share a love of craic, culture and music. After a day out on the majestic lakes or trekking the mighty Sperrins, you will always find something to give your artistic brain a good workout too. Like the Bluegrass Omagh Festival. Taste the largest roots music festival outside North America with bluegrass masters from USA, Australia and Europe, and the best from the UK and Ireland. It’s finger-pickin’ good. Or celebrate the cultural diversity of Fermanagh with the delightful From Around The World exhibition in Enniskillen.

While you’re there, the Enniskillen International Beckett Festival is the world’s only regular festival celebrating the work and influence of Nobel Prize-winning Irish writer Samuel Beckett. So, what or who are you waiting for? Just go.

We could go on and on about how much art and theatre there is to be found everywhere in Northern Ireland. So we’ll leave it to you to find something special yourself – it won’t take long!

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The Derry Girls Experience

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Tower Museum, Union Hall Place, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6LU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7137 2411

tower@derrystrabane.com

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Visit the home of Derry Girls and discover where it all began! See original memorabilia from the hit show, like Erin’s diary, Aunt Sarah’s famous pyjamas and Ma Mary’s Woolworths sweater, not to mention the infamous Spice Girls costumes!

Dates

From:

4 July 2023to1 July 2025Open 09:00 - 17:30

More Info
Belfast 2024

Belfast

Address

Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5GS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 0202

belfast2024@belfastcity.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Culture & Heritage

Crafted by the people of Belfast, for the people of Belfast, this year-long celebration brings together a diverse range of local projects, events, and initiatives. We invite everyone to join us in envisioning a future where creativity thrives,…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024

More Info
Drawing Support: Murals, Memory and Identity

Belfast

Address

Ulster Museum, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 5AB

Telephone
02890440000

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

See political mural photography by Bill Rolston in the ‘Drawing Support: Murals, Memory & Identity’ exhibition, now on display at the Ulster Museum.

Dates

From:

29 Apr 2024to1 Feb 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
A Causeway Safari Tale Exhibition

Ballymoney

Address

Ballymoney Museum, Ballymoney Town Hall, 1 Townhead Street, Ballymoney, County Antrim, BT53 6BE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2766 0230

museums@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Once one of the biggest and much-loved attractions on the Causeway Coast, this exhibition looks at the history of the park and those who both worked in it and visited it, reflecting the joy the Park gave to all.

Dates

From:

16 Aug 2024to1 Mar 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Antechamber: Mary McIntyre

Belfast

Address

Ulster Museum, Stranmillis Road, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 5AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9044 0000

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

See new intervention by Northern Irish Artist Mary McIntyre in the Spotlight Gallery at Ulster Museum.

Dates

From:

27 Sept 2024to26 Jan 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Tappi Odu (Flee)

Belfast

Address

Ulster Museum, Stranmillis Road, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 5AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9044 0000

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Explore Tamil artist Anushiya Sundaralingam's installation தப்பி ஓடு Tappi Odu (Flee) in the Window on Our World gallery at the Ulster Museum.

Dates

From:

4 Oct 2024to5 Jan 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Belfast International Arts Festival

Belfast

Address

Various locations, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1FF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9033 2261

enquiries@belfastinternationalartsfestival.com

Type

Type:

Festival

Northern Ireland's largest contemporary arts festival promises a compelling programme of drama and dance, topical talks with the authors behind the latest literary releases, classical music, toe-tapping folk and roots, independent film and…

Dates

From:

16 Oct 2024to26 Nov 2024

More Info
RUA Annual Exhibition

Belfast

Address

Ulster Museum, Stranmillis Road, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 5AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9044 0000

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

The 143rd Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition of Art is taking place at Ulster Museum.

Dates

From:

18 Oct 2024to5 Jan 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
BEUYS

Belfast

Address

Ulster Museum, Stranmillis Road, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 5AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9044 0000

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

See BEUYS 50 Years Later: Action, Society, Performance and Change at Ulster Museum.

Dates

From:

18 Oct 2024to18 May 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Experience Ards and North Down

Address

Various Locations, Ards & North Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Entertainment

Discover what Ards and North Down has to offer with a selection of fantastic experiences that allow you to explore fascinating places, enjoy delicious food and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Borough.

Dates

From:

30 Oct 2024to1 Jan 2025

More Info
The Oughley Shed

Belfast

Address

Ulster Museum, Stranmillis Road, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 5AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9044 0000

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Explore the life of County Down diarist David Strain in a new installation in the Ulster Museum Atrium.

Dates

From:

5 Nov 2024to24 Nov 2024Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Lisburn Elfie Tour

Lisburn

Address

Lisburn City Centre and Bow Street Mall, Lisburn, Co Antrim, BT28 1AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9244 7452

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Journey from Lisburn to Lapland with the magical Elfie Walking Tour. Santa’s elves will take you on a journey filled with mischief and magic through Lisburn City Centre.

Dates

From:

22 Nov 2024to21 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Off site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
Can You Dance? NI

Lisburn

Address

Halftown Road, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT27 5RL

Telephone
02830665885

info@canyoudancelive.com

Type

Type:

Dance

CYD? NI brings together dancers of all ages and skill levels for a day filled with workshops, masterclasses, and exhilarating performances. The event provides a positive friendly platform for aspiring dancers to learn from some of the most respected…

Dates

From:
24 Nov 2024Open 08:00 - 18:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Stargazing Evening

Armagh

Address

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, College Hill, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 9DB

Telephone
+(0) 28 3752 3689

reception@armagh.ac.uk

Type

Type:

Talks/Lectures

Join Armagh Observatory and Planetarium for a series of Stargazing evenings. For each session we will have a team of experts to help you navigate the night sky using our telescopes (weather depending) along with a dome show in our digital theatre…

Dates

From:
6 Dec 2024Open 19:00 - 21:00
From:
24 Jan 2025Open 19:00 - 21:00
From:
14 Feb 2025Open 19:00 - 21:00
From:
7 Mar 2025Open 19:00 - 21:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
A Christmas Twilight Tour with Celtic Grace

Strangford

Address

Castle Ward, Strangford, County Down, BT30 7BA

Telephone
02844881204

castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk

Price
Price £35.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Step back in time at Castle Ward's Christmas Twilight Tour! Enjoy a festive drinks reception, tour the Georgian-decorated mansion by twilight, and end the evening with live Celtic music and original poetry inspired by Castle Ward.

Dates

From:
7 Dec 2024Open 18:00 - 21:00

Price
Price £35.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Christmas at the HomePlace Hearth

Bellaghy

Address

Seamus Heaney HomePlace, 45 Main Street, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, BT45 8HT

Telephone
028 7938 7444

seamusheaneyhome@midulstercouncil.org

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

Wonderful readings, music and craic: four talented friends reunite for a return visit to the Helicon for what should prove to be one of the highlights of the winter calendar.

Dates

From:
14 Dec 2024Open 19:30 - 21:00

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
International Migrants Day Talk

Omagh

Address

Ulster American Folk Park, 2 Mellon Road, Omagh, County Tyrone, BT78 5QU

Telephone
02882243292

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Price £12.50 to £26.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Talks/Lectures

Mark International Migrants Day at the Ulster American Folk Park, a day set aside to recognise the important contribution of migrants while highlighting the challenges they face.

Dates

From:
18 Dec 2024Open 14:00 - 15:00

Price
Price £12.50 to £26.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Frederick Douglass Day Talk

Omagh

Address

Ulster American Folk Park, 2 Mellon Road, Omagh, County Tyrone, BT78 5QU

Telephone
028 8224 3292

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Type

Type:

Talks/Lectures

Mark Frederick Douglass Day by joining Ulster American Folk Park Curator of Emigration, Liam Corry, for an informal talk looking at Douglass's life and Ulster's links with Douglass and slavery in the United States.

Dates

From:
14 Feb 2025Open 14:00 - 15:00

More Info
Reflect and Empower Women's Retreat with Sarah Travers

Castlerock

Address

Downhill Beachhouse, Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Antrim, BT51 4RP

Telephone
+44 (0)7898 208 540

tally@eventwiseni.com

Price
Price £965.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Nestled along the stunning Northern Irish coast, this retreat offers a blend of relaxation and personal growth. Over three days, you will engage in three powerful workshops with Sarah Travers, each carefully crafted to help you reconnect with…

Dates

From:

16 May 2025to18 May 2025

Price
Price £965.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking