What's On
Year-round events, festivals, and cultural experiences
Northern Ireland Events Calendar
Discover festivals, cultural events, and seasonal celebrations happening throughout the year in Northern Ireland. From traditional music sessions to international festivals, there's always something exciting to experience.
January Events
Out to Lunch Festival
Annual festival of music, comedy, theatre, art and literature in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. A perfect way to beat the winter blues with indoor cultural experiences.
Imbolc International Music Festival
Eight-day extravaganza of music, arts, and culture in Derry's Cultural Quarter. Features diverse performers from around the world in an intimate setting celebrating Celtic traditions.
Belfast Giants Ice Hockey
Watch Northern Ireland's professional ice hockey team compete at the SSE Arena. Fast-paced action and family-friendly atmosphere throughout the season.
New Year Sales & Shopping
Take advantage of January sales across Belfast's Victoria Square, CastleCourt, and independent boutiques. Great time to find bargains on fashion, homeware, and local crafts.
February Events
TradFest Ireland
Traditional Irish music concerts and sessions at multiple venues across Northern Ireland. Experience authentic Irish culture with local musicians and traditional instruments.
Valentine's Day Events
Romantic dinners, special theatre performances, and Valentine's experiences across Northern Ireland. Perfect for couples seeking memorable experiences.
Ulster Rugby Six Nations
International rugby action as Ireland competes in the Six Nations Championship. Watch matches on big screens across Belfast pubs and venues, or catch Ulster club matches.
NI Restaurant Week
Sample Northern Ireland's finest cuisine with special prix fixe menus at top restaurants across Belfast and beyond. Great opportunity to try award-winning establishments at reduced prices.
March Events
St. Patrick's Day Celebrations
Ireland's biggest celebration with parades, traditional music sessions, and family activities throughout Northern Ireland. Belfast, Armagh, and Derry host the largest celebrations.
Armagh's Home of St Patrick's Festival
Music, art, theatre, film and dance celebrating Ireland's patron saint in his spiritual home. Armagh is where St. Patrick established his first church in Ireland.
Country 2 Country Festival
Europe's biggest country music festival comes to Belfast featuring top American and international country artists. Three days of boots, hats, and honky-tonk at the SSE Arena.
Feel Good Festival
Community-focused festival at Portico of Ards bringing together diverse musicians from Ireland and around the world, including Nordic choral groups and chamber ensembles.
Spring Walking Festivals
Guided walks through the Mourne Mountains, Glens of Antrim, and Causeway Coast. Perfect time to explore Northern Ireland's stunning landscapes as spring blooms begin.
April Events
Belfast Children's Festival
Theatre, dance, music, art, and family activities designed specifically for children. A wonderful way to introduce young visitors to Northern Ireland's cultural scene.
Easter Celebrations
Easter egg hunts, family activities at National Trust properties, and seasonal events throughout Northern Ireland. Many historic sites offer special Easter programs.
Hillsborough Farmers Market
Local produce, artisan foods, and crafts in the historic village of Hillsborough. Regular Saturday market with special spring events featuring seasonal products.
Titanic Memorial Day
Commemorations at Titanic Belfast marking the anniversary of the ship's sinking. Special exhibitions, talks, and remembrance events honoring those who perished.
May Events
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival
Over 100 events including live music, comedy, literature, theatre, film, and visual art in Belfast's cultural heart. One of Northern Ireland's premier arts festivals.
North West 200
Ireland's largest outdoor sporting event featuring motorcycle road racing on the Causeway Coast. Thrilling racing through the streets of Portrush, Portstewart, and Coleraine.
Belfast City Marathon
Full marathon plus other running events through the streets of Belfast. Join thousands of runners or cheer them on as they explore the city's landmarks and neighborhoods.
Spring Garden Shows
Celebrate spring with garden shows featuring local nurseries, landscape designers, and garden experts. Antrim Castle Gardens and other venues host seasonal displays.
Belfast Book Festival
Literary events, author readings, book signings, and discussions with leading Irish and international writers. Celebrating storytelling and literature in Belfast.
Fermanagh Lakelands Festival
Outdoor adventures, water sports, cycling, and walking events around the beautiful Fermanagh Lakelands. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and active families.
June Events
Bloomsday Festival
Literary celebration of James Joyce held on June 16th, the date on which his novel Ulysses takes place. Literary readings, performances, and Joyce-themed events across venues.
Belsonic
Major outdoor music festival at Ormeau Park featuring international artists across multiple genres. Previous headliners include Snow Patrol, Justin Timberlake, and Stereophonics.
Stendhal Festival
Northern Ireland's leading independent festival near Limavady, celebrating all aspects of the arts with UK, Irish, and international performers in a stunning countryside setting.
Foyle Maritime Festival
Celebrate Derry's maritime heritage with tall ships, live music, family activities, and waterfront events. One of Ireland's largest maritime gatherings.
July Events
The Open Championship
Major golf championship returns to Royal Portrush Golf Club on the stunning Causeway Coast. Watch the world's best golfers compete in one of golf's most prestigious tournaments.
Orange Order Parades (The Twelfth)
Traditional Protestant parades commemorating the Battle of the Boyne at 19 main locations across Northern Ireland. A significant cultural and historical event with bands, banners, and parades.
Belfast TradFest
Traditional music festival celebrating Belfast as a UNESCO City of Music. Features concerts, pub sessions, and Ireland's fastest growing summer school of traditional music.
Dalriada Festival
Unique festival at Glenarm Castle featuring music, dance, food and drink, and craft stalls in a stunning historical setting on the Antrim Coast.
Summer Seaside Events
Beach festivals, open-air concerts, and family activities along the Causeway Coast and Mournes. Perfect for enjoying Northern Ireland's stunning coastline in summer.
August Events
Auld Lammas Fair
Ireland's oldest traditional fair dating to the 17th century in Ballycastle. Famous for Yellowman candy and dulse seaweed, with street stalls, traditional music, and authentic Irish market atmosphere.
FΓ©ile an Phobail
Ireland's biggest community arts festival celebrating Gaelic and republican culture in Belfast. Features traditional music, dance, storytelling, debates, and cultural exhibitions.
AVA Festival
Electronic music festival featuring world-class DJs and producers. Past headliners include Bicep, Fatboy Slim, and Sonny Fodera at Boucher Road Playing Fields, Belfast.
Maiden City Festival
Week-long celebration in Derry featuring music, arts, street performances, and community events. Showcasing local talent and bringing the city together.
Open House Festival
Northern Ireland's only month-long festival in Bangor, featuring music, comedy, theatre, and family entertainment throughout August at various venues.
September Events
Armagh Food & Cider Weekend
Food tastings, cider tours, and artisan experiences in the heart of the Orchard County. Experience local apple harvests, traditional cider making, and regional specialties.
Heritage Open Days
Free access to historic buildings, heritage sites, and cultural venues normally closed to the public. Explore Northern Ireland's rich architectural and historical heritage.
Culture Night Belfast
Free arts and culture late-night event with galleries, museums, and venues staying open late. Live performances, exhibitions, and special events across Belfast city centre.
Mourne International Walking Festival
Guided walks through the stunning Mourne Mountains with routes for all abilities. Experience autumn colors in one of Northern Ireland's most beautiful landscapes.
October Events
Belfast Festival at Queen's
International arts festival with music, theatre, dance, and visual arts at Queen's University Belfast and city venues. Features world-class performers and innovative productions.
Derry Halloween
Europe's biggest Halloween festival with parades, haunted events, and Samhain celebrations. Derry transforms into a spooky wonderland with street performances, ghost tours, and family-friendly frights.
City of Derry International Choir Festival
Choirs from around the world perform across Derry with concerts, competitions, and community singing events over five days celebrating choral music.
Taste of Ulster Food Festival
Celebrate Northern Ireland's culinary heritage with food tastings, chef demonstrations, and local produce markets. Showcasing the best of Ulster's food scene.
Foyle Film Festival
Northern Ireland's longest running film festival showcasing international cinema, documentaries, and local filmmaking talent with screenings and Q&As.
November Events
Belfast Christmas Market
Over 100 international and local traders with handcrafted goods and festive treats at City Hall Gardens. Traditional German-style market with mulled wine, crafts, and holiday atmosphere.
Festive Lights Switch-On
Belfast and Derry light up for Christmas with spectacular illuminations, entertainment, and family activities marking the start of the festive season.
Belfast Comedy Festival
Northern Ireland's premier comedy festival featuring international stand-up acts, local talent, and improvisation shows across multiple venues.
St. Andrew's Day Celebrations
Scottish heritage celebrations with traditional music, dancing, and cultural events honoring Northern Ireland's Scottish connections and heritage.
December Events
Christmas Markets and Festivals
Traditional Christmas markets, National Trust Christmas events, and festive celebrations throughout Northern Ireland. Experience the magic of Christmas with carol services, craft fairs, and seasonal events.
Pantomime Season
Traditional Christmas pantomimes at theatres across Northern Ireland. Family-friendly shows featuring local celebrities and beloved fairy tale characters.
National Trust Christmas
Historic houses decorated for Christmas at National Trust properties. Experience traditional Victorian Christmas celebrations, festive tours, and seasonal activities at castles and estates.
New Year's Eve Celebrations
Ring in the New Year at celebrations across Belfast and Derry with fireworks, live music, and festivities. Belfast's City Hall and Derry's Guildhall Square host major events.
Year-Round Events
Traditional Music Sessions
Regular cΓ©ilithe and traditional music sessions in pubs and venues across Northern Ireland. Experience authentic Irish music culture every week.
Ulster Rugby Season
Professional rugby matches at Kingspan Stadium from September to May. Join the passionate Ulster rugby community for thrilling matches.
Game of Thrones Tours
Year-round tours of filming locations across Northern Ireland. Visit the real-world settings of Westeros and the Iron Islands.