Get your sunglasses out because summer is 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!
Belfast Féile (31 July-10 Aug)
Féile an Phobail, Ireland's largest community arts festival, attracts both locals and international visitors with over 600 events held across 50+ venues in Belfast. The diverse program includes everything from concerts, debates, and art exhibitions to community and sporting events. Highlights feature the Féile 10k, musical performances, comedy and dance nights, the Féile Country Fest, and an 80s/90s night. The festival also offers a Trad Trail, workshops, theatre shows, tours of West Belfast, and a special International Day celebrating indigenous cultures with food, music, and dance, promising a wide array of activities for all interests.
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.
NI Legends Open (27-31 Aug)
Calling all golf fans! Get ready for the inaugural NI Legends Open, set to take place at Galgorm from August 27th to 31st, 2025. This brand-new Legends Tour event promises an incredible lineup of golfing icons, including Ryder Cup stars and Major champions like Paul McGinley, Ian Woosnam, Paul Lawrie, and David Howell. Prepare to see some of the biggest names in golf battle it out on the course – it's an event you won't want to miss!
Armagh Food & Cider Weekend (4-7 Sep)
Experience a true harvest delight at the Armagh Food and Cider Weekend in the picturesque Orchard County. This unique event celebrates the region's culinary excellence with an array of fine foods, foraging experiences, cider tastings, tours, and engaging talks. Discover exclusive dining experiences and savour award-winning ciders in stunning surroundings. For full details head to visitarmagh.com/foodandcider.
Belfast Maritime Festival (6-7 Sep)
Get ready to set sail for fun at the Belfast Maritime Festival! On September 9th and 10th, Titanic Quarter will transform into a hub of excitement with free entertainment for everyone. Explore historic ships at Queen's Quay, dance to live music along the Maritime Mile, and spark your curiosity at Science Street on the Titanic Slipways. From family-friendly fun in the Kidszone to local crafts at the Belfast Bazaar, it's a weekend packed with maritime magic, celebrating Belfast's rich heritage and vibrant culture. Don't miss out on this fantastic free event!
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.
Féile an Phobail is Ireland’s Biggest Community Arts Festival. Féile provides a programme of arts, cultural and community-based activities throughout the year, with its flagship festival, the August Féile being the highlight of Ireland’s festival calendar.
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.
The Armagh Food and Cider Weekend takes place from 4th - 7th September 2025, right in the heart of the Orchard County. Brimming with fine foods, foraged lunches, cider tasting, tours, talks and fiction amongst the apple-laden orchards. Combine all this with award winning ciders and the most stunning surroundings and you are in for a harvest season treat.
The NI Legends Open is a brand new event on the Legends Tour that takes place at Galgorm. A host of household names, Ryder Cup players and captains plus Major winners. Players such as Paul McGinley, Ian Woosnam, Paul Lawrie, David Howell, former US Major champions plus many others lined up to play.
With magnificent ships, live music, arts and crafts, fun and games, food and craft market, spectacular street theatre and much more, Belfast Maritime Festival is a great day out for everyone!
