2nd April, 2026
From theatre performances, concerts, exhibitions and more, here's your guide to what's on in the arts...
Incubate Festival: presented by Tinderbox Theatre Company, this festival takes place on 5th April at the MAC in Belfast. Audiences will experience seven new pieces of theatre in motion, created and produced by Tinderbox Incubate Artists. The artists presenting work include Charlotte McCurry Soso Ni Cheallaigh,, Michael McEvoy, Steven Millar, Simon Sweeney Catherine Rees, and Seon Simpson. Visit www.themaclive.com
Sonorities Festival: a world leading experimental and electronic music festival takes place in Belfast from 15-18 April featuring over 120 artists and 40 events. Headliners include ROIS, Brìghde Chaimbeul, Robocobra Quartet, Bill Orcutt & Adjunct Ensemble, and Rrose. Events take place across Queens, plus The Black Box, The Empire, Accidental Theatre, DAS Gallery, PS2 Gallery, W5, the River Lagan, and there are a number of Sound Walks across the city. All but 4 of the 40 events are free. Visit https://sonorities.net/2026/
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival: returns to Belfast from 29 April – 10 May with highlights including:
• Robert Finley: CQAF Opening Concert, The Empire Music Hall, Wednesday 29 April
• Derek Mahon – A Celebration with Stephen Rea, Katy Mahon and more, Carlisle Memorial Church, Saturday 2 May
• Susannah Dickey ‘Into the Wreck’, The Deer’s Head, Monday 4 May
• Prestige Drama by Séamas O’Reilly, Seamus Heaney Centre, Friday 8 May
• Earth to Alice: Escape Artist (Alice McCullough Work in Progress), The Dark Horse, Sunday 10 May
View the full programme at https://cqaf.com/
Festival of Fools: Festival of Fools returns to Belfast during the May Bank Holiday weekend, 2nd-4th May. The 2026 programme is jam-packed full of incredible performances, local legends, interactive games and a clown or two, with a focus on celebrating female performers. Visit https://www.foolsfestival.com/
Kabosh: presents Cuckoo Land, a high-voltage piece of gig theatre that smashes open the story of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition will run at the MAC from 11-26 April. Produced by Kabosh Theatre Company and the MAC, it is inspired by the formation of the Women’s Coalition, which demanded fairer representation for women in political and public life. Visit https://kabosh.net/productions...
Lyric Theatre: presents their spring and summer programme with highlights including:
• GROUP, Belfast Ensemble in association with the Lyric Theatre, 24 Mar – 4 Apr. First staged at the Lyric in 2002, this outrageous musical with a hit Broadway infused score has seen countless productions including New York, Philadelphia, Australia and London. 'If you like Book of Mormon and Avenue Q, you'll love Group’.
• Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Tue 21 Apr - Sat 02 May 2026
• TEA IN A CHINA CUP, SAT 02 MAY – SAT 30 MAY 2026, Christina Reid’s Tea in a China Cup follows Beth through decades of Belfast life, love, and resilience amid war and the Troubles.
View all events at www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
Grand Opera House: presents an exciting series with highlights including,
• Friends, A Musical Parody, 7-11 April
• Anything Goes, 14-18 April
• Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile, the classic Hercule Poirot mystery, 28 Apr – 2 May
• Rachel Tucker, 25 April
• The Bodyguard, 5-9 May
For tickets and to view the full programme please visit www.goh.co.uk
The Playhouse in Derry-Londonderry: presents,
• Sorcha Richardson, Niamh Regan, Reevah & Our Krypton Son, 4th April 2026
• Britannia Jazz and Big Band, 30th April 2026
• Sylvie Noble Trio, 1st May 2026
• Lady Day - A Celebration of Billie Holiday, 2nd May 2026
• NTLive - The Playboy of the Western World, 28th May 2026
• The Effect, 30th May, Bardic Theatre Company
Visit www.derryplayhouse.co.uk
Linen Hall Library: Founded in 1788, it is the oldest library in Belfast. Linen Hall Library offers a year-round programme of arts and cultural events featuring authors, academics, historians, performers, and much more. Visit www.linenhall.com
Millennium Forum Derry-Londonderry: presents music, comedy, theatre and more with highlights including:
• Walled City Passion, 2-4 April
• Justin Live, 3 April
• Francis Rossi, 17 April
• Ulster Orchestra On Your Doorstep: Highlands & Fjords, 25 April
The Millennium Form also has a number of regular accessible events including:
• Act Your Age, Age Friendly Drama Group – 2 sessions a month
• Moves & Melodies, age friendly song and dance workshop – monthly event
• Dementia Friendly Tea Dance – monthly event
• Energy of Light 15+ Disco – monthly disco
• Sensory Musical Theatre – weekly event
View all events at www.millenniumforum.co.uk
THE MAC: presents a fantastic programme of theatre, comedy music and talks with highlights including:
• Du Dance Unanimous, 2 April
• Kabosh presents Cuckoo Land, 11-26 April. This high‑voltage piece of gig theatre, based on real political transcripts and lived experience, smashes open the true story of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition.
• Pianist Laraaji, 30 Apr
For all this and more visit www.themaclive.com
Crescent Arts Centre: presents a series of language, visual arts, craft, music, dance classes, and more plus workshops and events. Visit www.crescentarts.org for details.
HomeBawn/Seamus Heaney HomePlace: has launched their programme for 2026. Visit https://seamusheaneyhome.com/u...
Strand Arts Centre:
• Silver Screenings at Belmont Bowling Club, every Thursday at 2pm. Silver Screenings is a great opportunity not just to see a movie classic, but also for people to meet and interact, and enjoy a trip down memory lane. Films are chosen with seniors in mind but open to anyone who loves a classic movie! Tickets are £4 and include free tea, coffee and biscuits.
To view the films that are showing visit www.strandartscentre.com
Marty Coyle: Don’t miss "Wains o Dál Riata", an audio-visual installation by musician Marty Coyle in collaboration with writer Robert Campbell. The project will première at the Newgate Arts and Culture Centre, Derry~Londonderry on 2 April 2026. "Wains o Dál Riata" explores the ancient kingdom of Dál Riata through the journey of a fictional character named Morna. The piece is built around powerful themes, challenging our modern understanding of history and identity. Visit https://youtu.be/Rvu2BOWCwww?s...
Newry Chamber Music: presents,
• Théo Ould, Accordian and Alison Langer, Soprano, Warrenpoint Town Hall, 1st April
• Contrasts with soprano Mary McCabe, Warrenpoint Town Hall, 3rd May
Visit https://newrychambermusic.org/...
Belfast Ensemble: presents GROUP, in association with the Lyric Theatre, 24 Mar – 4 Apr. First staged at the Lyric in 2002, this outrageous musical with a hit Broadway infused score has seen countless productions including New York, Philadelphia, Australia and London. 'If you like Book of Mormon and Avenue Q, you'll love Group’. Here, as part of the Lyric 75th anniversary, it comes home to join in the celebrations with a glorious live orchestra and stellar cast. For tickets visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
Northern Ireland Opera: presents,
• La Bohème, 16 May 2026, 7pm, Carlisle Memorial Church, Belfast, in association with Diva Opera.
Bringing together Diva Opera’s internationally celebrated chamber opera company and incorporating members of the NI Opera Chorus, this production places audiences at the heart of the story. Staged with the greatest of detail, this intimate and up-close experience performed with a Steinway grand piano, allows La Bohème to unfold within the soaring Gothic interior of the Carlisle Memorial Church, taking the audience into the Parisian garrets of the Bohemians.
For members of the NI Opera Chorus, the production represents a significant opportunity to perform staged repertoire alongside leading UK artists, further strengthening the company’s commitment to developing Northern Ireland-based singers with experience in paid, professional, high-calibre productions.
• Northern Ireland Opera makes a spectacular return to the Grand Opera House in September 2026 with a brand-new production of Bizet’s Carmen, one of the grandest operas of them all. NI Opera will bring to life the powerful story of Carmen, a passionate, intelligent woman who dares to challenge convention, pursuing seduction, love and her freedom. Filled with famous arias including the Habanera and the Toreador song, book now for an evening of fiery emotion in one of best-loved operas ever written. Performances take place on 12, 15,17, and 19 September 2026.
Visit www.niopera.com for more information on all events.
Moving on Music: presents,
• 15 April, Adjunct Ensemble & Bill Orcutt
• 16 April, RÓIS & Brìghde Chaimbeul
• 18 April, أحمد [Ahmed]
• 30 April, Laraaji
Visit www.movingonmusic.com
Portico of Ards, Portaferry
• 19 April, Craig Ogden with the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet
• 3 May, Conor Mallon Band
Visit https://www.porticoards.com/wh...
Ulster Orchestra:
• 3 April, Paths to Peace, Brahms, Vaughan Williams, Panufnik, the Belfast Philharmonic Choir and Ioana Petcu-Colan
• 24 April, On Your Doorstep: Highlands & Fjords – Strule Arts Centre, Omagh. Join the Ulster Orchestra and conductor Rolf Verbeek in the Guildhall for a concert that spans the Scottish Highlands and the Norwegian Fjords.
• 25 April, On Your Doorstep: Highlands & Fjords – Guildhall Derry~Londonderry. Join the Ulster Orchestra and conductor Rolf Verbeek in the Guildhall for a concert that spans the Scottish Highlands and the Norwegian Fjords.
• 1 May, Classical Adventures, Beethoven, Mozart, Prokofiev and Antje Weithaas
• 15 May, Reimaginings, Schubert, Stravinsky and Alpesh Chauhan.
• 16 May, Symphonic Queen, It’s a Kind of Magic. Experience an unforgettable celebration of the greatest hits of Queen with a playlist including Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga, We Will Rock You, Don’t Stop Me Now, Somebody to Love, We are the Champions and many more.
• 29 May, Soul Music, Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Strauss and Anthony Marwood.
Visit https://www.ulsterorchestra.or... to view the full programme.
Sestina: presents,
• 17 April, Out of Darkness, Musical Reflections at Passiontide, Fisherwick Presbyterian Church, Belfast
• 6 June, Next Generation Artists Showcase, Fisherwick Presbyterian Church, Belfast
Visit https://www.sestinamusic.com/
Oh Yeah Centre Belfast: The NI Music exhibition at Oh Yeah is the only permanent exhibit for popular music in Northern Ireland. There is much to see, including a series of storyboards documenting and plotting the history and the stories of Folk, Punk, Rock, Jazz and more. Visit www.ohyeahbelfast.com for this and all events.
The Black Box: presents a varied programme of music, comedy, street art tours and other arts events. For further information visit www.blackboxbelfast.com
Scott’s Jazz Club: Scott's Jazz Club runs a weekly concert in Ballyhackamore club 1a Sandown Road every Friday Night from 9pm. For upcoming performances visit Scott's Jazz Club (scottsjazzclub.com)
Dock Street Jazz Club: Upstairs at the American Bar, Belfast. Homegrown MOBO-nominated drummer David Lyttle and Dock Street Jazz Club regulars feature acclaimed guests and NI talent - . Visit https://www.citizenticket.com/...
Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, Derry~Londonderry:
• Bilingual yoga, 14 April
• Club Trad, 17 April
• A Writer’s Rectangle, 24 April
• Song Writing Workshop with John Spillane, 9 May
Visit https://www.culturlann.org/eve...
In Your Space Circus: is offering KIDS' AERIAL CLASSES across a 4-week aerial course for kids aged 6-8 and 9-12 years. Cost: £40. Aerial classes take place at the Glassworks, Derry. New members are welcome, but places are very limited, so get in QUICK to avoid disappointment!! All classes can be booked at: https://bookwhen.com/inyourspa...
Circusful:
No matter your age or experience — Circusful has something for everyone!
• Itty Bitty circus classes are shaped to each child’s age and development needs. Suitable for ages 2-7, whether your child is a budding acrobat or has never taken a tumble, the skilled Circusful team will help them to find their confidence, gain coordination and have fun.
• Adult Circus - Think you’re too old to learn circus skills? Think again. Circusful has been teaching aerial skills, acrobatics and juggling to grown-ups for decades. Their Circus Skills for Adults class has different skill options available - whether you are a budding aerialist or completely new to Circus simply sign up.
• Festival of Fools: Festival of Fools returns to Belfast during the May Bank Holiday weekend, 2nd-4th May. The 2026 programme is jam-packed full of incredible performances, local legends, interactive games and a clown or two, with a focus on celebrating female performers. Visit https://www.foolsfestival.com/
Visit www.circusful.org
Duncairn: presents live music with highlights including,
• 30 April, Carsie Blanton + The Burning Hell
• 2 May, Cerys Hafana
The Duncairn also has a range of workshops and craft classes and courses. For further details and to view the full programme of events visit www.theduncairn.com
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich: presents,
• Irish Language Intensive Course. Intensive courses are a great way to boost your language skills in a short space of time. The course will be both motivating and informative and will take your confidence in the Irish language to another level. The levels we offer are: Bunrang|Beginner , Meanrang | Intermediate , Ardrang | Advanced . Please email [email protected] for more information
• Yoga Classes with Dunla, 6:30-7:30pm, £5. No need to register, just pay on arrival.
For this and more visit www.culturlann.ie
Greater Shantallow Community Arts: presents Spill The Tae Youth Led Podcast from the young people at Studio2/GSCA. This amazing group of creative young people have launched their very own podcast and it can be found on Spotify or Apple Podcast.
Eden Place Arts Centre: in Derry-Londonderry has an exciting range of courses and workshops to get your creative juices flowing including wood sculpture, Inner Landscapes, Abstract Art, Ceramics, Painting for Beginners, Contemporary Botanical Watercolours, Landscape Painting Life Painting, Spinning and Weaving plus Portrait Painting, among others. All courses are designed for adults aged 18+. Visit www.edenplaceartscentre.com
WheelWorks Arts: presents,
ArtCart: Unique to WheelWorks Arts (WWA) is their ArtCart community engagement and outreach programme, which brings creative and artistic activities to your community. Visit https://www.wheelworksarts.com or email [email protected]
TS3 Programme: The Tech Studio Skills Share (TS3 programme) offers training to help young people improve their skills in digital communication. For further information, visit https://www.wheelworksarts.com
Streetwise Community Circus: Learn how to juggle and other circus skills at Streetwise’s weekly classes. For info email Streetwise on [email protected] suitable for all ages. https://www.sccni.co.uk/
University of Atypical: presents, Intangible Bodies, by Paul Moore, 5 March - 28 April 2026.
Intangible Bodies presents a projection mapped audio-visual installation that treats the gallery as an interface, where perception, attention, and internal sensation are made spatial and shareable. www.universityofatypical.org
The MAC Belfast: presents,
Tall Gallery: Kwok Tsui: Many Moons Ago, 24 Apr-5 Jul 2026
Sunken Gallery: Dawn Richardson & Chad Alexander: Dungannon Tropicana, 24 Apr-5 Jul 2026
Upper Gallery: Michelle Williams Gamaker: Strange Evidence, 24 Apr-5 Jul 2026
Visit www.themaclive.com
Craft NI Gallery presents: Visit www.craftni.org
Seacourt Print Workshop: Seacourt is a friendly open-access print workshop based in the seaside town of Bangor, Northern Ireland. They offer membership, courses and resources for all, as well as our self-arranged residency programme and exhibitions.
Exhibition: Seacourt Print Workshop presents 'TROVE', the premier solo exhibition by FRIZ, aka Marian Noone. Friz is better known for her large scale mural work, where she explores the history, myths and folklore that shapes the cultural identity of a place. Friz has been dedicating time to her studio practice this past year and 'TROVE', a new collection of paintings responding to archetypes and imagery found in religion, mythology and storytelling. 'TROVE' runs until Saturday May 9th. Visit https://seacourtprintworkshop....
Queen Street Studios:
Gallery 1: Andy Parsons, Watching a Sunset, continues until 16 April.
Gallery 2: Studio 35 – Kate O’Neill, Reuben Brown, Mollie Browne, Claire Ritchie and Síofra Minnis, continues until 16 April.
Visit https://www.queenstreetstudios...
Golden Thread Gallery: Belfast's leading contemporary art gallery, located at 23-29 Queen Street, BT1 6EA. Free Entry.
• Insight into the Other, 14 Feb – 18 April 2026. Artworks by alumni, staff, and faculty from the University of Massachusetts Boston’s Art & Art History Department, co-organized by the University Hall Gallery. Curated by Sam Toabe and Sarah McAvera. The exhibition is an exchange between Belfast and Boston that looks at how place affects how we see art and each other.
Golden Thread Gallery also has a range of other events on including:
• Mindful Colouring Drop-In Workshops (ages 18+). No booking required, just drop in!
• Out of Office Drop-In Sessions Wednesdays 12-2PM. All materials are provided, as well as tea, coffee & biscuits. No booking required, just drop in!
• Family Workshops, ages 4-11, every Saturday
For all of the above, and more https://goldenthreadgallery.co...
PS2/Paragon Studios: www.pssquared.org
Belfast Exposed: In partnership with the Office of Inclusion and Cultural Expression, Belfast Exposed is proud to present the BIEN (British? Irish? Either? Neither?) Project, three interconnected exhibitions that seek to address identity in Northern Ireland in a balanced, inclusive and respectful way.
Gallery I: In Their Own Image, 2 April – 23 May. The group exhibition brings together internationally-established and award-winning Northern Ireland photographers with emerging artists looking at diversity identity.
Gallery II: Tarraingíonn Scéal Scéal Eile (One Story Leads to Another), 2 April – 23 May. The solo exhibition Tarraingíonn Scéal Scéal Eile (One Story Leads to Another) by Iollann Ó Murchú represents the Irish linguisitic-cultural tradition.
Archive Gallery: Abandoned N.I., 2 April – 23 May. The solo exhibition Abandoned N.I. by Rebecca Brownlie, focuses on Northern Ireland’s built heritage, rural landscapes and everyday environments as sites of memory and cultural continuity. Working in collaboration with Ulster-Scots writers, her practice highlights how language, place and storytelling preserve identity across generations.
Belfast Exposed also offers a range of photography and videography training courses. Visit www.belfastexposed.com
VOID Art Centre: presents, Barbara Steveni, I Find Myself, Jan 20, 2026 - Apr 4, 2026. The exhibition I Find Myself encompasses the artist’s life’s work, drawing together her practice and her experimentation with materials, media and strategies across a career spanning more than seventy years. Visit www.derryvoid.com
CCA: presents, Glimmers by Yasmine Robinson, on now until 6 June. Glimmers is a new body of work that explores abstraction as an embodied and responsive process whilst highlighting the artist’s use of colour, surface and gesture. Visit www.ccadld.org for more details
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