Get your sunglasses out because summer is nearly here, and Northern Ireland is bursting with exciting festivals and events! Beyond the amazing music festivals, there's a fantastic line-up of local celebrations perfect for everyone – whether you're planning a fun day out with the family or a get-together with friends. Here's a little taste of some of the biggest and best things happening this summer that you absolutely won't want to miss. Grab your tickets now!
Rathlin Sound Festival (23 May-1 June)
The Rathlin Sound Festival celebrates the rich people and culture of the area. The harbours of both Ballycastle and Rathlin become a hive of activity with many visitors dropping their anchors to join the weeklong festivities. The festival brings together people from all over the world to enjoy arts, music and food & drink. Come along and experience a warm welcome.
AVA Festival (30-31 May)
AVA - Audio Visual Arts - Festival celebrates electronic music and digital visual arts in Northern Ireland. 2025 brings a stacked lineup of artists hosted on the scenic grounds of the iconic Titanic Slipways. Secure your ticket now and invite your friends for a weekend like no other.
Wine Geese Festival (31 May-28 June)
Honouring Thomas Barton’s rich connection to the Fermanagh Lakelands, this festival showcases the very best of wine and food experiences this summer. Now 300 years since his emigration to Bordeaux, the festival remembers him through a spectacular celebration blending heritage, flavour, and wine. Choose from many events hosted in the scenic beauty of the Fermanagh Lakelands.
Wake the Giant Festival (28-29 June)
Each summer, the giants awake in Warrenpoint, for a vibrant festival celebrating the heritage and legends of Northern Ireland. For one weekend only, experience an array of exciting events and activities including live music and performances, children’s activities and so much more.
Stendhal Festival (4-6 July)
Since 2011, the amazing Stendhal Festival has brought music, singing and dancing to summer in Northern Ireland. There are not only stellar live music performances but a dedicated family programme and a host of visual arts for you to uncover and enjoy. There’s a reason Stendhal has won awards naming it 'Ireland’s Best Family Festival'. Plus, there will be a delicious variety of mouthwatering dishes available from food trailers and food stalls. So, pull your tent out of the cupboard and get packing for the only family festival you’ll need this summer.
Belfast Tradfest (27 July-3 Aug)
Belfast TradFest, a celebration of traditional Irish music returns to the UNESCO City of Music, Belfast. The festival features world-class performances from renowned artists like Dervish, Matt Molloy, John Carty, lively pub sessions, and Ireland's fastest-growing summer school with top tutors. Highlights include the annual TITANIC Céilí, aiming for a future Guinness World Record, and a diverse program of lectures, talks, céilís, and more. Early bird rates and accommodation packages are available. Get your tickets now!
Belfast Mela (16-24 Aug)
Experience the vibrant Belfast Mela, Northern Ireland's largest multicultural festival, celebrating global diversity across nine days. This fun-filled event transforms Belfast with a rich program of music, dance, food, art, theatre, wellbeing, and interactive experiences for all ages, fostering unity and shared heritage.
So there you have it – music, culture, sports, comedy and so much more. We just can’t wait for the summer to begin. Start planning now, secure those tickets, and get ready to embrace a giant spirit wherever you are in Northern Ireland. This is set to be a summer you won't soon forget!
Please check individual event listings for details. Tickets may need to be purchased in advance. Subject to availability.
The Rathlin Sound Festival celebrates the people, culture and heritage of Ballycastle and Rathlin Island. An exciting annual celebration centred on Rathlin Sound, the body of water between Rathlin Island and Ballycastle in the spectacular Causeway Coast and Glens area.
AVA Returns To Titanic Slipways With A Huge Line-up. A home for music and cutting edge sound. A hotbed for homegrown talent. An iconic dockside destination.
Join us in celebrating 300 years since Thomas Barton, one of the most famous Wine Geese, emigrated from Fermanagh to Bordeaux. This festival honours the Barton family's rich connection to the Fermanagh Lakelands and will showcase the finest wine and food experiences the region has to offer.
The return of the Wake the Giant Festival, the perfect reason to visit the charming town of Warrenpoint.
Stendhal Festival is Northern Ireland's leading independent festival, celebrating all aspects of the arts. The event combines the best talents from the UK & Ireland with international performers in one of Northern Ireland's most scenic settings.
Belfast TradFest, the pinnacle of world-class traditional music concerts, fiery pub sessions and Ireland's fastest growing summer school of traditional music, is set to celebrate its 7th edition this 27 July - 3 August across Belfast UNESCO City of Music.
Experience the wonder of Belfast's diversity with a spectacular 9 day programme of world music, dance, food and art across the city.
