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Arts Council’s ‘All-IN’ collaboration recognised at Arts Professional Awards in London
15th May, 2026
What's On in the Arts
30th April, 2026
From theatre performances, concerts, exhibitions and more, here's your guide to what's on in the arts...
JLF Island of Ireland: The iconic JLF Island of Ireland has unveiled the details of its 2026 programme, offering an early look at the conversations and voices set to shape its 10-day run across Belfast, Armagh, Dundalk and Dublin from 22–31 May. JLF Island of Ireland will be free and open to all, continuing the festival’s commitment to accessibility and public engagement. Further programme details will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information visit https://jlflitfest.org/ireland
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival: returns to Belfast from continuing until – 10 May with highlights including:
• 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/
Community Arts Partnership: presents May Day Belfast Festival 2026 – Traditions in Transition, continues until 9 May. Visit https://www.capartscentre.com/...
NIMHAF (NI Mental Health and Arts Festival): takes place from 8-15 May, with a programme of workshops, literature, visual arts and more, visit www.mhani.org
Belfast Book Festival: Join the Belfast Book Festival for author talks, workshops, and events celebrating literature and arts at the Crescent Arts Centre. https://belfastbookfestival.co...
Foyle Obon Japanese Festival: returns to Derry~Londonderry from 5-7 June. Highlights include:
• Friday 5th June, 'Mini Matsuri' (mini festival) at the Playtrail
• June 6th, An Evening with San Jose Taiko", at the Playtrail featuring community taiko, Hannari Dance, Bon Odori
• Sunday June 7th, San Jose hosts 'Swingposium' a workshop which brings together taiko drumming and swing
Visit https://foyleobon.com/
Belfast Tradfest and Summer School: The pinnacle of world-class traditional music concerts, pub sessions & Ireland’s fastest growing summer school of traditional music, is set to celebrate its 8th edition across Belfast UNESCO City of Music on Sunday 26th July – Sunday 2nd August 2026. Visit https://www.belfasttraditional...
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026: Belfast will host the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture, for the first time from Sunday 2 August 2026 to Sunday 9 August 2026. Qualifying competitors from all over the world will showcase the very best of traditional music, song, dance and language in All-Ireland competitions. Over 800,000 people are expected to enjoy the eight-day event which will also include street performances, pub sessions and stage concerts. Visit https://fleadhcheoil.ie/
Off the Rails Dance: Step out of the conflict and into the sweat-soaked sanctuary of the underground. OTR and acclaimed choreographer Eileen McClory present BPM, a visceral collision of contemporary dance and a thumping DJ set that resurrects the era-defining spirit of the acid house generation.
• 11th June, Brian Friel Theatre, Queen’s University Belfast.
• 12th June, The Playhouse Derry
Visit www.offtherailsdance.com
DU Dance: has a number of classes available for young people, all abilities welcome. Visit https://www.dudanceni.com/news...
Lyric Theatre: presents their spring and summer programme with highlights including:
• 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.
• Steel Magnolias, 13 June – 10 July, in 1987 Louisiana, laughter and heartbreak unfold at Truvy’s Beauty Spot as six women share life, love, and lasting strength.
• Guy Mitchell’s Dog’s Dead – Pass it On, 16-21 June, it's Ballybeen Estate, 1974 and young Sammy is navigating childhood whilst battling a severe outbreak of hair nits.
• A Filthy Dirty Rumour, 22-25 July, Filthy Dirty Rumour written and directed by Nathan Martin, presented by Dark Forest Theatre. This show is supported by and presented as part of Belfast Pride 2026.
• Marie Jones’ The Blind Fiddler, 31 Jul– 16 Aug, Marie Jones’ magic weaves live traditional music with our unique sense of humour for an Un-fleadh-gettable show.
• The Life and Times of Paddy Armstrong, 10-13 Sep, back after sold-out run at The Lyric. The tender and often hilarious insight into the life and times of Paddy Armstrong.
View all events at www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
The Playhouse in Derry-Londonderry: presents,
• 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
• BPM by Off the Rails Dance, 20th June
• The Cramlington Train Wreckers, 8 July
• Killian Sunderman - Killian Dollar Baby, 19 September
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:
• Action for Mental Health presents Stand Up for Someone, 17 May
• Peppa Pig, 20-12 May
• The Furey’s, 21 May
• Miss Saigon, 26-30 May
• Musical Theatre Youth Open Mic Night, 30 May
• Legends of the 60s, 5 June
• Jesus Christ Superstar, 17-21 June
• Phantoms of the Popera, 26 June
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:
• David Lyttle’s Jazzlife Jam, every Sat until 27 June
• Sam Blythe: Method in My Madness (A One-Man Hamlet), 3 May
• Glasshouse perform Sigur Rós, 8 May
• Christopher Macarthur-Boyd: Howling at the Moon, 14 May
• Irish Video Game Orchestra: Start Quest, 6 June
• Grease, 19-20 June
• Les Misérables, 21-25 July
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.
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.
• Pop-up shop in Belmont Bowling Club every Thursday until the end of June, where you'll be able to own a copy of 'Strands of our Picture House Past', book.
• Award-winning musician and songwriter, Ciaran Lavery, Harland and Wolff Staff Club. He'll be running a songwriting workshop in the afternoon, followed by an all-seated show
• Winnie Ama, A Night of Disco in H&W Club
• Brand new heritage talks: East Belfast Streets 2: Origin and Evolution, discussing a new selection of streets and how they've developed over time, and The Story of Glentoran, presented by John Moore, exploring the history of one of East Belfast’s iconic football clubs.
Visit www.strandartscentre.com
Newry Chamber Music: presents,
• Contrasts with soprano Mary McCabe, Warrenpoint Town Hall, 3rd May
• Quayside Sessions, May and June, NCM Hub, The Quays Shopping Centre, Newry
Visit https://newrychambermusic.org/...
Northern Ireland Opera: presents,
• 13 May: Morning Melodies at the Carlisle Memorial Church
• 15 May: Diva Opera Creative Skills Talk at the Carlisle Memorial Church
• 16 May: La Bohème, 7pm, Carlisle Memorial Church, Belfast, in association with Diva Opera.
• 10 June and 1 July: Morning Melodies at The Grand Central Hotel
• 3 July: NI Opera artists will perform at the Stendhal Festival, Limavady
• 22 July: NI Opera at the Rosemary Street Summer Recitals – details coming soon, free to attend
• 26 July: NI Opera at the Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart – details coming soon, free to attend
• 29 July: NI Opera at the Rosemary Street Summer Recitals – details coming soon, free to attend.
• 12, 15, 17 & 19 September: Carmen at the Grand Opera House, Belfast
Visit www.niopera.com for more information on all events.
Moving on Music: presents,
• 8 May, Chamber Choir Ireland
• 14 May, Spafford Campbell
• 29 May, Califone
• 25 June, Mike Reed’s Separatist Party
• 13 Sep, Marisa Anderson
Visit www.movingonmusic.com
Portico of Ards, Portaferry: presents,
• 3 May, Conor Mallon Band
• 9 May, Lyyra
• 17 May, Ailbhe McDonagh & John O'Connor
• 23 May, The Kilkennys
• 24 May, Maxwell Quartet
• 7 June, Jan Liebermann: shooting star of the organ
• 20 June, The Ulster Consort: Premiere of Wilby Requiem
• 12 Sep, Réalta
Visit https://www.porticoards.com/wh...
Ulster Orchestra:
• 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,
• 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:
• John Spillane | Support from LARAbEL, 8 May
• Song Writing Workshop with John Spillane, 9 May
• Bilingual Yoga, 12 May
• Club Trad, 22 May
• A Writer’s Rectangle, 29 May
• Gaeilge don Gaza // Irish Language Day-Course Fundraiser, 13 June
• Cór Gaelach, continues until 17th June
• Bilingual Yoga, 15 June
• Súil Siar // Irish language Summer Revision Course, 29 June – 20 August
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,
• 1 May, Conor Mallon Band
• 2 May, Cerys Hafana
• 9 May, California Irish
• 14 May, Spafford Campbell
• 22 May, Ryan Young
• 31 May, Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet
• 19 June, Lōwli and Laura Ampersand
• 27 June, Loud Poets Slam Series: Belfast Heats
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+. Eden Place Arts Centre is taking part in the Mental Health Arts NI Festival 2026 hosting 'Belonging' by Donegal based artist Gillian Wright from 11-22 May.
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/
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: EXHIBITION A Hand In Nature: Art Metalwork & Jewellery will run at Craft NI Gallery May 7 - June 26, 2026. Participating makers: NI silversmiths Cara Murphy and Stuart Cairns; Irish artists Eva Lynch, Eimear Conyard, Clodagh Molloy, Cecilia Moore, Cara Murphy, Cóilín Ó Dubhghaill, Angela O’Kelly, and also welcoming Wales-based Finnish maker Rauni Higson. 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: MFA Year 1 presents, Which One Are You? Closes 30th May
• Gallery 2: The Push and Pull, Katie Moore, 30 April – 6 June
Visit https://www.queenstreetstudios...
Golden Thread Gallery: Belfast's leading contemporary art gallery, located at 23-29 Queen Street, BT1 6EA. Free Entry.
• Upper Gallery: Disposal of Fullness, Sharon Kelly, 2 May – 20 Jun
• Lower Gallery: Traces of a Traumatic Future, Frédéric Huska, 2 May – 20 Jun
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: 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.
Belfast Exposed also offers a range of photography and videography training courses. Visit www.belfastexposed.com
VOID Art Centre: presents, Re-Turning, 26 Apr – 30 May. 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.
