Things To Do

All the Small Things performed by actors Billy Barlow and Katherine Vernez-Grey (credit Joel Chester Fildes)

M6 Theatre bring All the Small Things to Bangor next month

Belfast will light up for Christmas at the annual lights switch-on at City Hall on Saturday 14 November.

Tickets announced for Belfast’s Christmas lights switch-on next month

The nights are drawing in, it’s getting colder, and Christmas isn’t far away. Which means it’s time to get into the festive spirit – and there’s no better way than visiting the National Trust.

The best Christmas days out with the National Trust NI

Set sail this autumn/winter and enjoy something spectacular as Stena Line launches its unmissable day cruise entertainment programme.

The Big Stena Line-Up set to entertain in style at sea

HandMade Theatre Company will present Sealife Sessions at Ards Puppet Festival

Set sail for family fun at Ards Puppet Festival this weekend

From 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, families will step into the playful world of Dame Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s The Gruffalo’s Child, first published in 2004 and now a firm favourite to a generation of young readers, as they embark on an enchanting trail through Hillsborough Castle’s spectacular 100-acre gardens.

The Gruffalo’s Child at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens this Christmas

Derry Halloween Carnival Parade and Fireworks Display. Credit © Lorcan Doherty/Presseye

50 spellbinding family adventures and fright-filled fun this Halloween

Committee members at the treasure hunt in August

Farmers’ Choir NI celebrates successful start to new season

Committee members attending NI Farming Awards at the Culloden Hotel

Farmers’ Choir NI celebrates successful start to new season

Carve out some frightfully fun things to see and do and experience a whole world of adventure at National Trust places near you this Halloween.

Find your Autumn Adventure this Halloween at National Trust NI

Pirate Stephen Beggs and Matt Vernon of Beat Carnival pictured in Conway Square, Newtownards, ahead of this year's sea-themed Ards Puppet Festival.

Ards Puppet Festival returns with a sea-faring adventure for families

Ready, set, sew, as Knit + Stitch Dressmaking Competition returns

Knit + Stitch – the UK’s largest craft show – is back at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, outside Lisburn, from November 12-15, and will, once again, be bursting wi...

Darryl Armitage

Darryl Armitage

Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down Councillor James Cochrane and Dr Dayna Jost from the Ulster-Scots Community Network

Leid and Lairn programme celebrates Ulster-Scots across Ards and North Down

Armagh’s signature celebration of food, flavour, and the world-famous PGI-status Bramley Apple is happening this weekend.

Apple-solutely awesome: Armagh Food & Cider Festival taking place this weekend

Explore the unique dining experiences of local Northern Ireland supper clubs Darryl Armitage

Darryl Armitage

There’s “sew” much to discover as the UK’s largest craft show returns to Northern Ireland this autumn, bringing together a vibrant community of makers, artists and enthusiasts.

A celebration of craft and creativity as Knit + Stitch returns to NI this autumn

Amy Louise Wyatt and Denisa Hasieberova - New Poets Collective

Poetry takes centre stage as mobile National Poetry Library arrives in Bangor

Sounds at Saltwater: Ulster Orchestra Live at Belfast Grand Central Station takes place on Tuesday 22 September at 4pm. The event is free and no booking is required.

Grand Central Station centre-stage for special Ulster Orchestra performance

Mayor of Ards and North Down Councillor Craig Blaney, Amy Louise Wyatt and Neal McCullough at the launch of the Aspects Festival

Aspects Festival 2026 brings celebrated writers, new voices to Bangor

Oysters at Stranraer Oyster Festival 2025

Set sail for an oyster odyssey with Stena Line
Set sail with Stena Line this September and savour, explore and enjoy an unforgettable oyster festival adventure in Scotland.
Darryl Armitage

Phil Wheale, education coordinator and Stephen Campbell, general manager, The Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co Leitrim.

Humble apple to take centre stage this September with its own two-day festival

August Craft Month, a celebration of the vibrant craft scene across the island of Ireland, is the perfect opportunity to introduce kids to local craft.

Family-friendly craft events not to be missed this August!

With two weeks still to go, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the largest showcase of its kind on these shores as a host of events are still to take place as part of August Craft Month.

There’s still plenty of time left to enjoy August Craft Month

The Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh Councillor Brian Higginson, Councillor Andrew Gowan and Alderman James Baird promoting the Harry Ferguson Heritage Festival this Saturday, which is supported by LCCC, JB Tyres and Massey Ferguson

Harry Ferguson Heritage Festival is all set for this Saturday

Day 4 of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast.

Marching bands to break new territory with their All-Ireland Fleadh debut

Members of the Derrylin Parish Tractor Pull organising committee are pictured with representatives from the Friends of the Cancer Centre Fermanagh Fundraising Group and some of the committee members' children ahead of Saturday's family-friendly fundraiser.

Vintage Tractor Pull set to raise thousands

Hannah Morgan, Business Manager at GAIN Elite and Claire Liddle, Events Coordinator at Down Royal Racecourse, launch the return

Down Royal Racecourse welcomes back popular Dog Royal on August 9

The Clogher Valley Show launch event took place on June 10 at The Valley Hotel, bringing together sponsors, volunteers, stewards, exhibitors and supporters to celebrate the occasion.

Clogher Valley Show gears up as excitement builds for 106th year

Montalto Estate is inviting families, farming enthusiasts and vintage machinery lovers to enjoy a unique summer day out as its popular Tractor Show returns on Sunday 2nd August, in partnership with Friends of Ferguson and in support of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.

Montalto Estate to host family tractor show in support of Air Ambulance NI

Montalto Estate is inviting families, farming enthusiasts and vintage machinery lovers to enjoy a unique summer day out as its popular Tractor Show returns on Sunday 2nd August, in partnership with Friends of Ferguson and in support of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.

Montalto Estate to host family tractor show in support of Air Ambulance NI

From artisan producers and market traders to independent cafés, restaurants and drinks brands, Belfast’s thriving food and drink scene will serve up a warm welcome to the 800,000 plus people expected to attend the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast next month.

Belfast’s food and drink scene to serve up a taste of city for Fleadh visitors
From artisan producers and market traders to independent cafés, restaurants and drinks brands, Belfast’s thriving food and drink scene will serve up a warm welcome to the 800,000 plus people expected to attend the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast next month.
Darryl Armitage

More than 1,300 volunteers have now registered to be part of Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast next month, highlighting the incredible community spirit behind one of Europe’s biggest cultural festivals.

More than 1,300 volunteers register to help out at the Fleadh in Belfast

The O2 Belfast is here: A new era for Northern Ireland’s premier destination

Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Jessica Johnston, Art O’Hagan MBE, Chair of Armagh City Centre Management, Tony McKeown, Events Officer, ACBCBC and Marty Rafferty, Marty Rafferty Music

Blues is the news as 7 Hills Fest returns to Armagh City

Blackstone Clydesdales at Galloway Country Fair

Galloway Country Fair returns to Drumlanrig Castle at the start of next month

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly joins Kohen McLaughlin and Eadie McErlean to launch the return of the Summer Rose Fair at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. Activities include theatre performances from Fortwilliam Musical Society, a lively kids’ zone with carnival rides and family friendly bubble shows. The free Belfast City Council event will take place in the popular South Belfast Park from 12 noon to 5pm on both days

Blooming marvellous . . . Summer Rose Fair in full bloom this July

This summer, the National Trust’s much-loved Summer of Play returns, inviting families to enjoy outdoor adventures across Northern Ireland - with all new experiences supported by Pokémon.

Jump into summer with the National Trust’s Summer of Play supported by Pokémon

The Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh has announced a new landmark visitor programme, The STORIES OF US, to celebrate its 50th anniversary this summer, and mark USA-NI250. The programme will feature exhibitions, an international symposium, and daily family-friendly experiences, all before closing with an open-air concert - Live from the Folk Park.

Open-air concert planned for Ulster American Folk Park to make USA-NI250

Pictured is Ellen Drohan (age 19) at the family farm, Cooney’s Yard - Alice and Ellen will be hosting traditional sheep shearing demonstartions at the upcoming Comeraghs Wild Festival, which takes place across Waterford’s spectacular Copper Coast and Comeragh region from July 9th to 12th 2026 - the full programme for Comeraghs Wild Festival 2026 was officially launched, unveiling a summer celebration of music, culture, storytelling and outdoor adventure - see https://comeraghswild.com. Photo: Patrick Browne

Comeraghs Wild Festival launches programme for a summer of music and, culture

Car Cuddies is set to hold their first event at Muckross, Kesh on June 6.

Women building their place in NI's car scene

Long-term sponsor AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board) is encouraging farmers to play their part in connecting consumers with how their food is produced, showcasing farming with nature and inspiring people to make more informed, environmentally conscious food choices.

Long-term sponsor AHDB celebrates 20 years of LEAF Open Farm Sunday

Pic Cap: From L to R: Council Chair Cllr Frances Burton was joined by Noah Cole, Tailors House; Colleen Lowry, Blessingbourne Estate; Catherine Finnegan, The Fluffy Meringue; Joel Kerr, The Curious Farmer, and Ciaran O’Conner, The Tailor’s House, Ballygawley.

Food lovers are invited to Taste Mid Ulster in Fivemiletown

Stonebridge Farm shows its farm in this 360° interactive experience

Bank of Ireland brings farming to life with 360° farm experience

Their Majesties The King and Queen were in Belfast today for a preview of the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which will be hosted in the city for the first time from 2-9 August.

King and Queen enjoy a flavour of this summer’s Fleadh Cheoil

Ralph McLean (BBC Radio Ulster), Daniel Coulter, Luke Bell and Páidí Muldoon (last year’s winners, 4AM Club), Chris Nelmes (The Boulevard Banbridge), and Alderman Stephen Moutray, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

Performers invited to register as Buskfest 2026 returns to Banbridge

Writers Lucy Caldwell, Jan Carson, and Babita Sharma alongside illustrator Jonathan Sung mark the programme launch for Belfast Book Festival (BBF26). The festival will run 4–11 June at The Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast. Tickets are now on sale via www.belfastbookfestival.com Picture: Charles McQuillan

Programme for June’s 16th Belfast Book Festival (BBF26) now live

Finvoy YFC

Farmers’ Choir Northern Ireland to host arts festival showcase in Ballymena

The Top of the Crop choir will be guided by local music teacher and experienced musician Philip Kerr, with practice sessions planned for Thursday 26 March and Thursday 30 April from 8pm-9.30pm in Cullybackey Business Centre, Main Street, Cullybackey

New Top of the Crop rural choir set to hit the right note in Cullybackey

A modern retelling of the Easter story set on the historic City Walls will return to Derry–Londonderry this spring. This Easter, the Walled City Passion returns for its fifth year with a bold and thought-provoking new perspective: the story of Judas.

Walled City Passion returns for fifth year with bold new take on Easter Story

Taking place over the Easter bank holiday weekend and coinciding with school holidays there are lots of Easter Adventures to choose from across Northern Ireland

Easter adventures with the National Trust across Northern Ireland

Randalstown YFC who will preform on the evening

Farmers’ Choir Northern Ireland to host arts festival showcase in Ballymena

An hour-long collection of episodes from the global TV phenomenon Bluey will be arriving at cinemas in Belfast just in time for the Easter holidays, on Friday 27th March.

Bluey is back to Belfast cinemas just in time for Easter

Natasha Wilton as Mabon and Mathew Curran as St Patrick join Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, piper Matthew Wilson from Campbell College Pipe Band, harpist Ursula Burns and Willow Mulholland to launch Belfast’s St Patrick’s Day programme. The city’s rich musical heritage and diversity will take centre stage for 17 days of events and activities, including the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade on Tuesday 17 March, concerts, céilis and taster sessions celebrating traditional music from 13-17 March, Spraoi Cois Lao, an Irish language fun day on Saturday 7 March, ticketed performances, free family entertainment at St George’s Market and a trad trail in venues across the city. Full details at belfastcity.gov.uk/stpatricks

City of Belfast to mark St Patrick’s Day with music, song and colour

Malcolm McDowell and Cliona Hagan

In pictures: Glitz at this year’s Northern Ireland Country Music Awards

At Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Dick Strawbridge in Conversation promises a lively discussion and audience Q&A with the engineer and sustainability advocate, delving into his background in engineering, heritage restoration, and sustainable living

Curiosity comes to town as NI Science Festival returns to Lisburn

Fred Sirieix and Chef JB Dubois

Fred Sirieix visits Mount Congreve as it unveils new 350m Estate to Plate menu

Thousands gathered on 28–29 June to welcome back Fionn Mac Cumhaill, Wee Binnian, Carley and a whole new cast of Clans for this year’s Wake the Giant Festival. With colourful parades, tree planting, beach cleans, live music, food trails and family fun, the town buzzed with myth, magic and music

In pictures: Thousands flock to Warrenpoint for Wake the Giant

'Shallow Waters' aims to investigate the way myth and tradition sit alongside heavy industry and how closely connected they are, despite being at odds with each other. Through a photographic investigation of the landscape, its people and traditions, Laverty charts a thread of connection between the two opposing engagements with the shallow waters of Lough Neagh, as it negotiates multiple threats and regulatory negligence. (Joe Laverty / Belfast Photo Festival)

Fragility and beauty of Lough Neagh visualised in Belfast Photo Festival

Beamish sales double as Northern Ireland drinkers tap into new stout favourite

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