About
EastSide Arts Festival, 24 July – 2 August 2025, returns to Belfast as a spectacular celebration of the arts this summer. Over 10 days, festival-goers will have the opportunity to enjoy over 60 unique events that showcase east Belfast’s vibrant cultural scene and creative talent.
Putting places and spaces uniquely east Belfast at its heart, festival-goers are in for a treat with a line up featuring music, workshops, comedy, walks, theatre, literature and visual arts.
As ever, the festival provides a platform for local artists, entertainers, and performers to shine, whilst bringing people together to enjoy the best of the east. Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to experience thought-provoking theatre and literature, revel in unforgettable music and cabaret, and uncover the hidden gems and historical landmarks that make up east Belfast’s rich heritage.
Highlights of this year’s programme include:
THE NIGHT INSTITUTE PRESENTS: EASTSIDE ELECTRONICS| Saturday 26 July| 2pm | £25 | C.S Lewis Square
Nine hours of open-air dancing as The Night Institute continues to pay homage to the spirit of authentic, community-rooted electronic music, spotlighting both global icons and local talent. Join Erol Alkan plus an exclusive disco set with cultural icon, Luke Una. Opening are new faces Katiee.eem and Venus Dupree along with founders and residents of The Night Institute Timmy Stewart and Jordan Nocturne.
BELFAST COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHOIR Friday 25 July| 8pm | £18 | CS Lewis Square
With their infectious energy, joyful harmonies, and dynamic sound, you are guaranteed an evening of uplifting music, laughter, and unity. Led by Dr Marie Lacey, this celebrated choir spreads love and hope through every note
LIVE FOREVER: OASIS TRIBUTE ACT Sunday 27 July | 8pm | £15 | CS Lewis Square
The definitive tribute to the iconic Manchester super group Oasis, performing the crowd rousing anthems of Oasis - a decade later Live Forever are consistently selling out many major venues and festivals nationwide and beyond.
CELEBRATING FORTY YEARS OF RAIN DOGS Thursday 24 July| 8pm | £18 | Shorts Sports & Recreation Club
A unique tribute performance, blending evocative re-interpretations with soulful renditions of Tom Waits' masterpiece. Duke Special, Kyron Bourke, Michael Mormecha, and Clara Tracey reimagine this iconic album, 40 years later.
DIONA DOHERTY IN CONVERSATION Thursday 24 July | 8pm | £18 | Templemore Baths
Join comedian, actress, and writer Diona Doherty in conversation with award-winning broadcaster Jordan Arnold for an evening of wit, warmth and behind-the-scenes stories. With insights, laughs, and a few surprises in this unique live event.
JOSHUA BURNSIDE’S ROVING SESSION Wednesday 30 July| 8pm | £15 | Harland & Wolff Staff Club
Take an intimate walking journey across East Belfast, from Woodstock Rd to Strandtown, with Joshua playing folk and trad music in 10 homes before concluding with a session at Harland & Wolff staff club.
PADDY MCDONNELL'S COMEDY CLUB Friday 1 August| 8pm | £22 | Banana Block Expect a stellar line-up of top local and emerging comedians, handpicked by Paddy himself. With his trademark banter and belly-laughs guaranteed, it’s the perfect night out for comedy lovers. Book early—this one always sells out!
EASTSIDE PARKFEST Saturday 2 August | Noon - 4pm | FREE | Orangefield Park
EastSide Arts Festival and Connswater Community Greenway present another epic day of free family fun at Orangefield Park. ParkFest is always a highlight of the festival, with a host of activities, performances and pop-ups this year will be no different!
Plus look out for Baby Boogie, Soda Popz, east Belfast themed heritage walking tours, BSL signed events, ceramic workshops, the Women of Colour market, Murder She Got Wrote Off, board game events, Strand Cinema silver screenings, Ken Haddock, the Dragtastic Wrap Party and much more. For the full festival programme and ticket information visit www.eastsidearts.net
Short Description
EastSide Arts Festival, 24 July – 2 August 2025, returns with a spectacular and exhilarating celebration of the arts this summer. Over 10 days, festival-goers will have the opportunity to enjoy unique events that showcase east Belfast’s vibrant cultural scene and creative talent.
Public transport directions
Visit the festival with our Active Travel sponsor Translink
www.translink.co.uk, call 028 90 66 66 30 and follow @Translink_NI #smartmovers
Enjoy the range of great value travel tickets available this summer.
Book Tickets
Facilities
Event Facilities
- Booking Required
Guide Prices
https://www.glistrr.com/events/l/eastsidearts
https://www.eastsidearts.net/
Explore More
EastSide Visitor Centre, BelfastEastSide Visitor Centre provides a base from which visitors can explore the east of the city. Visitors can access information on attractions from digital screens with interpretation panels and a wall map.
