Derry Halloween returns this autumn with breathtaking parades, immersive performances and spectacular celebrations across the Walled City. Widely recognised as the largest Halloween festival in Europe, it attracts visitors from around the world to experience a unique blend of folklore, creativity and spine-tingling entertainment in one unforgettable long weekend.
Snow Patrol return to the Millennium Forum, Derry~Londonderry, this October for four special acoustic performances. One of Northern Ireland's most successful bands, Snow Patrol have sold more than 17 million albums worldwide and continue to captivate audiences with their iconic catalogue of hits. Following a string of sold-out arena and outdoor shows, these intimate concerts offer a rare opportunity to experience the band in a unique setting.
Belfast International Arts Festival returns from 14 October to 8 November 2026, bringing more than 200 events to venues across the city. Northern Ireland's largest celebration of international arts and culture features theatre, dance, music, literature, visual arts and immersive experiences, with artists from 19 countries joining local talent. Festival highlights include Ed O'Brien of Radiohead, Orchestra Baobab, the Lyric Theatre's Faith Healer, and talks from acclaimed writers Sebastian Barry and Simon Mayo.
Festivals in Northern Ireland
From massive outdoor concerts to intimate gigs, food festivals and family favourites, Northern Ireland's events calendar is packed with reasons to get out and explore. Summer brings some of the biggest live music events on the island of Ireland, with the likes of Belsonic, Stendhal Festival and AVA Festival attracting everyone from international chart-toppers to emerging local talent.
If your tastes lean a little more traditional, Belfast TradFest celebrates the very best in traditional music, song and dance, while Atlantic Sessions fills pubs, hotels and venues along the Causeway Coast with live music each autumn, ensuring there's plenty to enjoy throughout the year.
There's plenty beyond music too. You can catch theatre, comedy, talks and visual arts at Belfast International Arts Festival, get hands-on with science, technology and big ideas at the NI Science Festival or enjoy family favourites such as the Balmoral Show and the Foyle Maritime Festival.Whatever you're into, chances are there's a festival for it somewhere in Northern Ireland.
Food & Drink Events
Northern Ireland's food and drink festivals are a great excuse to plan a trip. Events such as Armagh Food and Cider Weekend and the Comber Earlies Food Festival put local produce centre stage, giving visitors the chance to meet producers, try seasonal specialities and enjoy a lively festival atmosphere.
On the Causeway Coast, the Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival brings together food, drink, music and entertainment, while Eats & Beats Festival pairs street food and live music with spectacular views of the Mourne Mountains. Whether you're sampling local seafood, discovering artisan producers or simply enjoying a bite to eat in great company, these events offer a taste of Northern Ireland at its best.
Family-Friendly Events & Days Out
Families will find plenty to enjoy throughout the year, from hands-on science festivals and giant street parades to maritime celebrations and agricultural shows. The NI Science Festival brings interactive experiments, inspiring talks and engaging activities to venues across Northern Ireland, while the Belfast Children's Festival fills theatres, arts venues and public spaces with performances, workshops and experiences designed for younger audiences.
Some of Northern Ireland's best-loved annual events are also family favourites for good reason: the Balmoral Show combines food, entertainment and animal encounters across four packed days, while the Foyle Maritime Festival brings tall ships, waterside activities and live entertainment to the banks of the River Foyle. In Warrenpoint, the colourful Wake The Giant event celebrates local myths and legends with giant parades, performances and activities for all ages, while Ballycastle's famous Ould Lammas Fair offers a unique chance to experience traditional market stalls and famous local treats including dulse and yellowman.
Seasonal highlights add even more reasons to visit, from the magical displays of the Enchanted Winter Garden at Antrim Castle Gardens to the spectacular celebrations of Derry Halloween, Europe's largest Halloween festival. Whether you're planning a short break, school holiday adventure or weekend day out, you'll find family-friendly events taking place across Northern Ireland throughout the year.
Sporting Events in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has a proud sporting heritage, and throughout the year spectators can enjoy everything from international rugby and football to world-famous road racing, golf tournaments and endurance events. Motorsport fans can follow in the tyre tracks of legends at the Briggs Equipment North West 200 - one of the world's most famous road races - or catch the action at events such as the Tandragee 100 and Armoy Road Races, where competitors race along closed public roads through some of Northern Ireland's most spectacular scenery.
Golf, rugby and football also attract passionate crowds. Visitors can experience the atmosphere of international football at The National Stadium at Windsor Park, watch Ulster Rugby take on domestic and European rivals at Kingspan Stadium, or tee off on world-renowned golf courses that have hosted some of the sport's biggest tournaments. Traditional Irish sports also form an important part of life across Northern Ireland, with Gaelic football and hurling championship matches offering a unique opportunity to experience local sporting culture.
For those who prefer to take part rather than simply spectate, Northern Ireland hosts a packed programme of running, cycling and outdoor events. From the Belfast City Marathon and the Giant's Causeway Coast Sportive to Lap the Lough, there are plenty of opportunities to get active while taking in coastlines, countryside and cityscapes along the way. And if you're looking for something completely different, a night watching the Belfast Giants in action delivers one of the most exciting sporting atmospheres on the island.
Seasonal Events
No matter what time of year you visit, you'll find things to do right across Northern Ireland. From summer festivals and outdoor experiences to autumn celebrations and festive winter attractions, there's no shortage of things to do year-round.
Among the biggest seasonal highlights are Derry Halloween, the largest Halloween festival in Europe, and the ever-popular Belfast Christmas Market, which kicks off in November and transforms the grounds of Belfast City Hall into a festive hub of seasonal food, handcrafted gifts and Christmas cheer. Whatever time of year you visit, you'll find plenty going on right across Northern Ireland, with year-round events and experiences making it easy to discover what's on in Northern Ireland.
