Updated May 2026
Our calendar gives you a quick overview of major events taking place in Northern Ireland so that you can be sure not to miss out while you are visiting. Some events do require tickets, and some concerts can sell out early but thanks to the internet, you can book online wherever you are so that you don’t miss out on the big events when visiting Northern Ireland.
Event organisers: if you see that we are missing a significant event that visitors should know about, please email us with details!
2026 Dates Jump to >> January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
Public & School Holidays
- For Eire holidays, please visit this website – Ireland Public Holidays
- For 2026 please visit the UK Government website for public holidays
January 2026
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The Out to Lunch Arts Festival | 9-31 January 2026
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Lunch time and evening shows featuring the best in comedy, theatre, literature, and music throughout Belfast. A lot of these events are already sold out.
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February 2026
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Imbolc International Music Festival | 1 – 7 February 2026
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‘Imbolc’ is a traditional Gaelic festival celebrating the start of Spring and coincides with St Brigid’s day. The Imbolc International Music Festival organised by Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin celebration of traditional and contemporary with a jam-packed programme of gigs, late-nights festival clubs and workshops. Derry~Londonderry |
| Love LegenDerry Food Month | 1 – 28 February 2026 | A month-long celebration of the city’s rich food heritage with various culinary events including chef collaborations, themed dinners, hands-on cookery classes, local produce and drink pairings, outdoor foodie cycles and more. Derry ~ Londonderry |
March 2026
| Derry & Strabane Walking Festival | Early March tbc | Moderate guided walks on the Saturday and Sunday in the Sperrins and Donegal. |
| Causeway Coast Walking Festival | 13-15 March 2026 | Popular festival of guided walks in the Causeway Coast Area. At the time of writing both the 14th and 15th are sold out. |
St Patrick’s Day  | 17 March |
Belfast St Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade Pageant – 1:30pm from Belfast City Hall St Patrick’s Music Festival 2026 – 13-17 March 2026 Various city centre locations – concerts, live traditional music, workshops and a free festival village. SPAR Craic 10k 2026 – City Hall to Ormeau Park. Dress in green! Registration now open. Spraoi Cois Lao – Irish language fun day (date tbc) Ulster Folk Museum – a day of traditional Irish dancing, music and folklore Many bars – traditional music Downpatrick Named for the Saint himself, of course Downpatrick has a St Patrick’s Day parade as well as entertainers, live music and activities at St Patrick Square. Learn more. There will also be a programme of events at other towns and cities through Northern Ireland |
| Omagh & Sperrins Walking Festival | 22-23 March 2025 | Guided walks on the Saturday and Sunday in the Sperrin Mountains around Omagh. Choose from either moderate or challenging walks and enjoy this beautiful area. £10 fee. Booking now open. POSSIBLE DELETE |
April 2026
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City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival | 29 April – 4 May 2026
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The City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival will feature artists from all over the world! This year’s headliners are is Curtis Stigers and Muireann Bradley Derry~Londonderry |
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Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival | 29 April – 10 May 2026
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More than 100 shows in multiple venues across Belfast centred around the Event tent in Custom Square. Expect comedy, literature, theatre, circus, dance, film and music. Some free events. Book early as some events are already sold out. Belfast |
May 2026
27th Annual Guinness Blues on the Bay Festival | 20 – 26 May 2026
70 free gigs plus an artisan market to enjoy. You can also sign up for the 23 June Blues Cruise aboard the paddle steamer The Waverley (tickets required). Warrenpoint
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Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival | 29 April – 10 May 2026
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More than 100 shows in multiple venues across Belfast centred around the Event tent in Custom Square. Expect comedy, literature, theatre, circus, dance, film and music. Some free events. Book early as some events are already sold out. Belfast |
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City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival | 29 April – 4 May 2026
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The City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival will feature artists from all over the world! This year’s headliners are is Curtis Stigers and Muireann Bradley Derry~Londonderry |
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Festival of Fools | 2-4 May 2026
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The largest comedy, circus and outdoor arts festival on the island of Ireland. Free daytime shows. Belfast |
| 2025 Belfast City Marathon | 3 May 2026 | [Sold out ] The energetic way to see Belfast! Starts at Stormont and ends at Ormeau Park. Categories – marathon, team relay and 8-mile walk. (Half marathon is held 20 September). Belfast |
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North West 200 | 4-9 May 2026
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One of Northern Ireland/Ireland’s largest sporting events and probably one of the world’s fastest road races. Portstewart / Portrush, Causeway Coast
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The Balmoral Show | 13-16 May 2026
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From sheep shearing to showjumping, livestock, plus a funfair, food tasting and a petting farm, this is a great day out. Eikon Exhibition Centre
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Red Bull Soapbox Race | 17 May 2026
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A day out of wacky-wheeled creativity, where 40 teams of amateur drivers race their carts downhill providing massive crowd entertainment. Stormont Estate, Belfast
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Lir Sessions Music Festival | 21 – 25 May 2026
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Concerts, free Trad sessions at 11 locations, music workshops, Makers Market, The Big Céilí (all experience levels welcomed) plus other events. Ballycastle, Causeway Coast |
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Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival | 22 May – 31 May 2026
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A 10-day festival of culture, music and food, with plenty of activities such as kayaking and boat trips to take part in. Ballycastle, Causeway Coast |
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Portrush Raft Race | 23 May May 2026
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Expect lots of action on the water as competitors race in their home-made rafts in a bid to take home the trophies, and raise money for the RNLI. As well as the raft race, the day also offers a family fun run, yoga on the beach, a sandcastle competition, lifeboat tours, a beach clean and a ‘big dip’. Portrush, Causeway Coast
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For 2026 the Bluegrass Music Festival is being reformatted as BlueGrass BBQs – musical Sunday afternoons on 21 June, 26 July and 16 August. Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh
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Tip: Book accommodation early… unless you plan to stay out all night! 💃
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[/su_note]June 2026
| Belsonic | 12 June 12 – 1 July 2026 | A huge (for Northern Ireland) outdoor music festival in Ormeau Park comprising several concerts through June including big names such as Stereophonics, Madness, Alanis Morisette and Northern Ireland’s own Snowpatrol. Tickets required for each event. Belfast |
| Banbridge Buskfest | 20 June 2026 |
An outdoor daytime busking competition followed by a prize giving ceremony in the evening. Banbridge, County Down
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| Foyle Maritime Festival | 25-28 June, 2026 | A four day festival celebrating the city’s maritime history on the banks of the River Foyle. Expect street entertainers, a fireworks/sound & light show, market stalls, water-based activities. Derry ~ Londonderry |
| Kilbroney Vintage Show | 26 June 2026 | Set in the beautiful Kilbroney park, visit one of Europe’s largest gatherings of classic vehicles including cars, tractors, motorcycles, steam engines and much more. Rostrevor |
| Armed Forces Day | 27 June 2026 | A family day of military and RAF aerial displays, band performances, live music and a Military Working Dogs display. Coleraine County Derry~Londonderry |
| Carnival of Colours | Usually late June. 2026 Dates TBC | Free circus acts, arts and music in the Guildhall Square, Peace Park and at the Nerve Centre’s Hidden Pavilion. Derry~ Londonderry |
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July 2026
| Music in the Park | Every Sunday through July & August 2026 | Bring a picnic and enjoy live music in Ward Park, Bangor-by-the-Sea, North Down |
| Stendhal | 2-4 July 2026 | 3 days of music, comedy, art and a dedicated family programme in a stunning country setting at Ballymully Cottage Farm with 8 stages. Buy day tickets or a weekend ticket with camping options. Limavady, North Coast |
| Lady of the Lake Festival | 11-19 July 2026 | 9-day festival centred around a mythical lady whose appearance on Lough Erne was thought to be a sign of good times ahead. Music, a raft race, various innovative competitions and activities, a fair day and a popular and noisy truck parade. Irvinestown, Fermanagh |
| The Twelfth | 12 July 2026 | This public holiday marks the victory of King William of Orange over King James II (it’s complicated) at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. This is still celebrated by loyalist (to Britain) communities with huge bonfires on the evening of the 11th, and marching parades and bands of the Orange Lodges through towns on the 12th itself. Many locations. |
| Fiddler’s Green International Festival | 15-19 July 2026 | Celebration of Irish music, culture and craic. With up to 200 events the festival caters for music fanatics, families who wish to enjoy a safe, child focused festival. Rostrevor, Co Down |
| Ballycastle Rock & Blues Festival | 17-19 July 2026 | The inaugural Ballycastle Rock & Blues Festival promises a music trail across 18 venues across the town, featuring a mix of rock and blues – from traditional Irish blends to R&B. Ballycastle, North Coast |
| SOMA Festival | 17-19 July 2026 | An eclectic festival with trad roots with contemporary ceol featuring big gigs, intimate concerts and cultural experiences including storytellers, poets and crafters. Castlewellan, North Coast |
| Red Sails Festival & Summer Fireworks | 19-25 July 2026 | Community organised week of entertainment and events, including live music on the waterfront, sand sculpture competition, Irish dance and fireworks on the final day. Portstewart, Causeway Coast |
| Armoy Road Races – Race of Legends | 24-25 July 2026 | 2 days of road racing on the country roads around Armoy culminating in the Race of Legends. Free entry with tickets for stands. This is the home of the famous ‘Armoy Armada’. Armoy, Glens of Antrim |
| Belfast Tradfest | 26 July – 2 August 2026 | 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 across Belfast UNESCO City of Music. Belfast |
August 2026
| Sundays on the Maritime Mile | Every Sunday in August 2026 | Free music from 12 noon on Sundays at various locations along the Lagan riverside. Belfast Titanic Quarter. |
| Music in the Park | Every Sunday through July & August 2026 | Bring a picnic and enjoy live music in Ward Park, Bangor-by-the-Sea. |
| Open House Festival August 2026 | A month-long festival of music and art at this stunning seaside town. Free and ticketed. Music, Food & Drinks, Talks, Tours & Film in unusual venues. Bangor-by-the-Sea, North Down. Learn more – Open House |
| Belfast Tradfest Summer Fest | 26 July – 2 August 2026 | 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 across Belfast UNESCO City of Music. Belfast |
| Wake the Giant Festival | 1 Aug 2026 – 2 Aug 2026 |
A festival celebrating the awakening of the mythical Finn McCool (Giant’s Causeway fame) who according to legend sleeps under Cooley Mountains. A 32-foot ‘giant’ mannequin is ‘woken’ and parades through the town. The town celebrates with live music, food, and activities for kids. Warrenpoint Learn more – Wake the Giant Festival |
| 73rd Ulster Pipe Band and Drum Major Championship | 1 August 2026 | The Ulster Championships brings together bands, families and supporters from all over for what is one of our biggest annual events, and will see bands and drum majors compete for the prestigious ‘Ulster Champion’ title. Bangor, Co Down. |
| Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann | 2 – 9 August 2026 | Fleadh Cheoil is the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture with competitors from all over the world showcasing the very best of traditional music, song, dance and language in All-Ireland competitions. Discover lively pub sessions, spontaneous street performances and major stage shows in this major Irish cultural event. Belfast |
| Heart of the Glens Festival | 1 – 9 August 2026 |
A community festival that features a range of activities and compeitions over the week including sheepdog trials, a community opening parade, the challenging Lurig Challenge Run, a food festival night and of course the music with a street Ceili and live entertainment to finish. Cushendall. Learn more – Heart of the Glens Festival |
| Féile an Phobail | 1-17 August 2026 | ‘Festival of the People’ – a 2-week festival packed with an eclectic mix of events ranging from headline concerts, lively debates and discussions and art exhibitions to massive community and sporting events showcasing the very best of Belfast. Ticketed and free events. Various Belfast locations. Belfast |
| The Ulster Fleadh | 1-17 August 2026 | A week of top traditional music and dance with both ticketed and free performances. Also a busy schedule of competitions for music and dance plus a parade. Warrenpoint, County Down |
| 20th Belfast Mela | 21 – 30 August 2026 | An annual celebration of global cultures – music, dance, art and culture – at Botanic Gardens and through the city. The Mela Carnival will be held on the 16 August through the city centre finishing with global party in the grounds of City Hall. The Mela Festival finale – a global wonderland of music, dance, food and art – takes place on the 24th in Botanic Gardens. Belfast. Learn more – Belfast Mela |
| Ould Lammas Fair | 22 –25 August 2026 | Ireland’s oldest fair and your opportunity to try Dulse, a traditional Ballycastle seaweed snack. The streets are lined with market stalls and events include a horse fair, a beach horse race, activities and a fireworks display. You can also take horse & cart rides, enjoy the petting farm as well as the funfair on the waterfront park. Ballycastle, Causeway Coast. Learn more – Ould Lammas Fair |
August dates to be confirmed
| Féile Derry | August – 2025 date to be confirmed Dates TBC | In its 32nd year,the packed programme includes 100+ events across the city including music, literature, film, sport, history, comedy, art, carnival, fun days, health, discussions, tours and events and programmes for children, young people and older people. Derry ~ Londonderry – Learn more – Féile Derry |
September 2026
| Armagh Food & Cider Weekend | 3-6 September 2026 | Set in the ‘Orchard County’, Armagh, the weekend comprises a series of foodie events and experiences centred around apples and cider. Highlights include a pop-up restaurant at a local cidery, a cider vs wine face-off and a murder mystery set amongst the orchards. County Armagh |
| Eats & Beats Festival | 5 – 6 September 2026. | A celebration of food and music in a stunning setting that brings together the best of delicious local cuisine and live performances by some of the hottest acts around. Newcastle, County Down |
| Tide and Turf Portavogie | 12 September 2026. | The event celebrates the very best of local seafood, food and drink, with a stalls, entertainment and family fun. Portavogie, County Down |
| Europen Heritage Days (EHOD NI) | 12 – 13 September 2026. | Hundreds of FREE tours of places that are usually not open to the public, behind the scenes tours, special guided tours and just free tours of places that usually charge an entry fee. Multiple locations throughout NI |
| Belfast Culture Night | 18 September 2026. | An island-wide celebration of culture – for one night, and one night only. Activities and shows include arts and crafts displays, street performers, ukelele jams, graffiti jams, dance amd waling tours. Check the link for the full programme. Multiple locations across Belfast (and all Ireland) |
| Wee Binnian Walking Festival | 11 – 13 September 2026. | 3 days offering a variety of graded walks led by trained and experienced leaders for all categories of walker including a night hike, a 2-day Mourne Wall walk and other favourites as well as the Saturday night Blister Boogie. The Mournes. More information – Mournes Walking Festival |
| Belfast City Half Marathon | 20 September 2026 | The energetic way to see Belfast! Starts and finishes at Ormeau Park. Register early as the event sells out year on year! Belfast |
October 2026
| Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival | 2-4 October 2026 | Three days of foodie-themed events and activities in Bushmills, home of the famous whiskey. Visit a salmon fishery, follow the taste trail, cooking demonstrations, kids’ fun, live music. Bushmills, Causeway Coast |
| Portrush BeerFest | 2-3 October 2026 | Held in Portrush’s cosy and atmospheric Victorian town hall, the Portrush Beerfest is a very pleasant way to get to know local artisan brews. Plus you get a souvenir glass. Happy days. Portrush, Causeway Coast |
| Belfast International Arts Festival | 13 October – 8 November 2026 | Now in its 64th year, the festival offers free and paid events from walking tours to theatre, dance, poetry, classical and roots music, visual, film and digital arts and literature in 30 venues across the city. Various locations, Belfast |
| Footsteps in the Forest | 21-27 October 2026 | A family-friendly self-guided, illuminated trail that will take you on the journey from the origins of Samhain to modern day Halloween through the spooky forest. From 5pm each day, free but booking is essential. Slieve Gullion Forest Park |
Derry Halloween | 28-31 October 2026  |
One of Europe’s Biggest Halloween Event, the city’s walls provide the perfect backdrop for ‘celebrating’ Halloween and the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced ‘Sau wen’ in the city). A full calendar of events, a parade and spooky experiences. Derry Londonderry |
November 2026
| Belfast International Arts Festival | 13 October – 8 November 2026 | Now in its 64th year, the festival offers free and paid events from walking tours to theatre, dance, poetry, classical and roots music, visual, film and digital arts and literature in 30 venues across the city. Various locations, Belfast |
| Armagh Georgian Festival | 26-29 November 2026 | Celebrating the city’s Georgian heritage the festival focuses on the Georgian era with tours and acitvities, including mock trials at the courthouse. There are also walking tours, a funfair and artisan market. Expect to see people dressed in Georgian-wear on the streets to add to the atmosphere. Armagh |
| Belfast Christmas Lights Switch On 17 November, 6.30pm to 7.30pm |
The ceremony itself – where The Lord Mayor of Belfast is joined by local artists and performers on stage at City Hall to switch on the lights – is ticketed, you still get to see the lights, enjoy events at 2 Royal Avenue and experience the Christmas Market for free (so long as you don’t buy anything. Belfast City Hall, Belfast |
| Belfast Christmas Market 14 November – 22 December 2026 |
Set in the grounds of Belfast City Hall, this is a festive village of international foods and small gift shops, a small funfair plus a warm welcoming beer hall. In past years opening times have been Monday – Wednesday, 10am to 8pm (bars until 9pm); Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am to 10pm (bars until 11pm)* and Sunday, 12 noon to 6pm. *Market closes at 6pm on Friday 22 December. We will publish updated info as soon as it is available. There is also talk that the market will extend beyond City Hall for 2026. Belfast |
| Enchanted Winter Garden | 2 – 28 December 2026 | A child’s delight, the popular Enchanted Winter Garden is a magical festival of lights set in Antrim Castle Garden with a Wonderland Wood, fairground rides, attractions and a food fair. Entry tickets and tokens can be bought online for timed entry slots from 4:30pm. Antrim Castle Gardens |
December 2026
| Belfast Christmas Market 14 November – 22 December 2026 |
Set in the grounds of Belfast City Hall, this is a festive village of international foods and small gift shops, a small funfair plus a warm welcoming beer hall. In past years opening times have been Monday – Wednesday, 10am to 8pm (bars until 9pm); Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am to 10pm (bars until 11pm)* and Sunday, 12 noon to 6pm. *Market closes at 6pm on Friday 22 December. We will publish updated info as soon as it is available. There is also talk that the market will extend beyond City Hall for 2026. Belfast |
| Enchanted Winter Garden | 2 – 28 December 2026 | A child’s delight, the popular Enchanted Winter Garden is a magical festival of lights set in Antrim Castle Garden with a Wonderland Wood, fairground rides, attractions and a food fair. Entry tickets and tokens can be bought online for timed entry slots from 4:30pm. Antrim Castle Gardens |
