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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 Happy Days 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 2023to31 Dec 2025Open 09:00 - 17:30

More Info
The Enemy is Time

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 artists' responses to the climate crisis in a new exhibition in the Ulster Museum's Spotlight Gallery.

Dates

From:

10 Apr 2025to1 Mar 2026Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Re-imagining the Islandmagee Witches @ The Gobbins Visitor Centre

Islandmagee

Address

The Gobbins Visitor Centre, 68 Middle Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3SL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 2318

info@thegobbinscliffpath.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

This small hallway display will introduce the story of the last witch trial held in Ireland, which took place in Carrickfergus in 1711.

Dates

From:

5 July 2025to2 Nov 2025Open 08:30 - 17:00

From:
26 Oct 2025Open 12:00 -
From:
30 Oct 2025Open 12:00 -

Price
Free

More Info
Royal Style in the Making

Royal Hillsborough

Address

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Government House, The Square, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6AG

Telephone
0333 320 6000

hillsboroughcastle@hrp.org.uk

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Uncover the style secrets of Britain's royal women at Hillsborough Castle.

Dates

From:

5 Aug 2025to4 Jan 2026Open 11:00 - 15:30

More Info
The Bell Archive Exhibition

Belfast

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9044 0000

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Step into the captivating world of vintage photography with The Bell Archive Exhibition, the final instalment in a trilogy of exhibitions celebrating Northern Ireland’s photographic heritage.

Dates

From:

19 Sept 2025to30 Nov 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Belfast International Arts Festival

Belfast

Address

Various locations, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1FF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 6609

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:

14 Oct 2025to9 Nov 2025Open 09:00 - 22:00

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 144th Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition of Art is now open at the Ulster Museum.

Dates

From:

19 Oct 2025to4 Jan 2026Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
City of Derry International Choir Festival 2025

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Holywell Trust Building, 10-14 Bishop Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Derry~Londonderry, BT48 6PW

info@derrychoirfest.com

Type

Type:

Festival

The City of Derry International Choir Festival returns in October 2025 with a tidal wave of magical choral music!

Dates

From:

22 Oct 2025to26 Oct 2025

More Info
Glens Storytelling Festival 2025

Cushendall

Address

127 Ballyemon Road, Whitehead, Cushendall, County Antrim, BT440QP

Telephone
07946673748

clare@armstory.org.uk

Type

Type:

Festival

From Wednesday 22 to Sunday 26 October, the much-loved Glens Storytelling Festival returns to celebrate the rich tradition of oral storytelling across the breathtaking landscapes of the Glens of Antrim, Rathlin Island and beyond. This is your…

Dates

From:

22 Oct 2025to26 Oct 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Leid AND Lairn: A Celebration of Ulster-Scots Language and Heritage

Newtownards

Address

Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4NP

Telephone
028 9181 0803

arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Culture & Heritage

This November, Ards and North Down will once again celebrate the richness of Ulster-Scots language, culture and history with the Leid AND Lairn festival. Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, the diverse programme invites audiences to…

Dates

From:

25 Oct 2025to25 Nov 2025

More Info
Meet our Astronomers at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

Armagh

Address

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

Telephone
+442837523689

reception@armagh.ac.uk

Type

Type:

Talks/Lectures

Why not drop into our data visualisation lab and see our astronomers at work! They will be showcasing some of the latest technologies that we have here.

Dates

From:

28 Oct 2025to30 Oct 2025Open 12:00 - 14:00

More Info
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:
31 Oct 2025Open 19:00 - 21:00
From:
28 Nov 2025Open 19:00 - 21:00
From:
11 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 21:00
From:
16 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 21:00
From:
23 Jan 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
From:
13 Feb 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
From:
20 Feb 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
From:
20 Mar 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
- Ramp to main entrance
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Slow Art Sunday

Belfast

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9044 0000

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Tour

Explore the art of Ulster Museum slowly, led by one of our knowledgeable guides.

Dates

From:
2 Nov 2025Open 14:00 - 15:00

Price
Free

More Info
Jen Farrar: A Journey into the Amazing Mini Jungle Around us!

Killyleagh

Address

Sir Hans Sloane Centre, 23 High Street, Killyleagh, County Down, BT30 9QF

Telephone
07841337734

admin@sirhanssloanecentre.co.uk

Price
Price £2.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Nature

Jen will define Biodiversity and the importance of Bioabundance. Reframing "weeds and bugs" & exploring the interconnectedness of the flora and fauna around us.

Dates

From:
4 Nov 2025Open 19:00 - 20:00

Price
Price £2.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Talk by Clive Scoular: Birds of Scotland and Northern Ireland

Killyleagh

Address

Sir Hans Sloane Centre, 23 High Street, Killyleagh, County Down, BT30 9QF

Telephone
07841337734

admin@sirhanssloanecentre.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Talks/Lectures

Clive will discuss his father's most remarkable life as a bird lover, discovering and photographing their lives in the wild.

Dates

From:
5 Nov 2025Open 19:00 - 20:00

Price
Free

More Info
Sound of Belfast Festival

Belfast

Address

Oh Yeah Music Centre, 15-21 Gordon Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LG

Telephone
02890310845

soundofbelfast@ohyeahbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Festival

Welcome to Sound of Belfast, your annual Festival that truly captures the heart and soul of this vibrant city. With an impressive line-up of events spread across venues throughout Belfast, this festival is a testament to the city's thriving and…

Dates

From:

6 Nov 2025to16 Nov 2025

More Info
Northern Ireland Music Prize

Belfast

Address

Ulster Hall, 34 Bedford Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 7FF

Telephone
02890310845

info@ohyeahbelfast.com

Price
Price £22.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Ceremony

The NI Music Prize is an annual award curated by the Oh Yeah Music Centre aimed at recognising the great wealth of music from Northern Ireland.

Dates

From:
12 Nov 2025Open 20:00 -

Price
Price £22.00 Per Ticket

More Info
History Happens at Bonnybefore

Carrickfergus

Address

Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers Museum, 2 Boneybefore, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7EQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8262

visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Talks/Lectures

A captivating series of historical talks held at the Andrew Jackson Cottage on the second Thursday of each month.

Dates

From:
13 Nov 2025Open 19:00 - 21:00
From:
8 Jan 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
From:
12 Feb 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
From:
12 Mar 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Knit + Stitch

Lisburn

Address

Eikon, Halftown Road, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT27 5RL

Telephone
02890665225

events@eikon.uk.com

Type

Type:

Craft

Knit + Stitch is the UK's Biggest and best textile craft show!

Dates

From:

13 Nov 2025to16 Nov 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Arts Across Belfast Bus Tour

Belfast

Address

The MAC (Foyer), 10 Exchange Street West, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2NJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7305 754028

creativetoursbelfast@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Tour

Explore the vibrant heart of Belfast’s arts and culture scene on a fun and inspiring half-day coach tour with Creative Tours Belfast! The tour includes four visits to arts centres, a live music performance and a light lunch.

Dates

From:
16 Nov 2025Open 10:20 - 14:30
From:
18 Jan 2026Open 10:20 - 14:30
From:
22 Feb 2026Open 10:20 - 14:30

More Info