2nd June, 2026
From theatre performances, concerts, exhibitions and more, here's your guide to what's on in the arts...
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 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...
Belfast Photo Festival: returns from 4-30 June with a series of city-wide exhibitions and events. Highlights include:
• Other Joys, Alice Poyzer, 4 - 30 June, Botanic Gardens
• Still Standing, Belfast Buildings Trust and Joe Laverty, 4 - 26 June, Saint Anne’s Square
• TOSS, MIDDEN - Sarah Edmondson, Mary Martin and Niamh McGuinne, 25 June - 25 July, QSS Studios and Gallery
• Exploring Antrim and Newtownabbey, Evanna Devine, 12 - 14 June, Antrim Castle Gardens
Explore the wider programme at https://www.belfastphotofestiv...
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/
Stendal, Limavady: Stendhal Festival is Northern Ireland’s longest running Independent outdoor music and arts festival and returns from 2-4 July 2026. With over 8 stages, the programme is packed with an amazing array of performances, art, workshops, and activities for all ages. Visit https://www.stendhalfestival.c...
Open House Festival, Bangor: returns from 1-31 August with a packer programme of art, comedy, film, food, literature and music. To purchase tickets and view the full festival programme go to: www.openhousefestival.com
Clandeboye Festival, North Down: taking place from 22–29 August, this special 25th anniversary programme celebrates the alumni of the Camerata Ireland Academy, with every concert featuring outstanding musicians who have been part of the programme over the years. View the full programme at www.camerata-ireland.com
Arts Ekta’s Belfast Mela: takes place from 23-29 August 2026. Celebrating 20 years of Mela. Highlights include:
• Mela Carnival, 22 August 2026, 12.30PM, Belfast City Centre. A carnival parade fills the city centre with colour and rhythm, finishing with a global party across Cathedral Quarter.
• Mela at 20. 23 August 2026, 8PM, Titanic Slipways. A spectacular twilight celebration to mark 20 years of Mela, with music, dance, dramatic aerial performance and fiery pyrotechnics.
• Mela Day, 30 August 2026, 12-6PM, Botanic Gardens. Botanic Gardens is set to become global wonderland of music, dance, food and art.
Visit https://belfastmela.org.uk/
EastSide Arts Festival: The 2026 EastSide Arts Festival running from Friday 24th July to Sunday 2nd August. Full programme and dates to follow but highlights include:
• SOAK - Mercury-nominated singer-songwriter SOAK brings their raw indie-folk to Titanic Distillers
• Emer Maguire - Powerful storytelling, sharp wit, and irreverent comedy. Emer brings a no-holds-barred show to Shorts Sports and Recreation Club
• Gareth Dunlop – Renowed NI singer / songwriter returns to EastSide Arts Festival with a brand new intimate show in the iconic Titanic Distillers Pumphouse
• Football As Never Before – Matthew Nolan adapts his score for the long forgotten avant-garde film about George Best for an immersive, site-specific installation at the George Best House
• Elegy to Lough Neagh – EastSide Choir (celebrating its 10th year) teams up with Jan Carson for a new show inspired by Jan’s new novel “Few and Far Between”
• ParkFest – the annual free family event. This year the festival is working with Circusful to bring a packed schedule of performances and participatory workshops, and we’ll be celebrating the 25th anniversary of east Belfast SureStart with a wide range of activities for the youngest audience members
Full programme announced soon, https://www.eastsidearts.net/
Charles Wood Festival of Music and Summer School, Armagh: The festival takes place from 15-23 Aug and celebrates the music of Charles Wood and seeks to give singers and musicians an opportunity to perform and develop their talents. Visit https://www.charleswoodsummers...
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:
• 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,
• BPM by Off the Rails Dance, 20 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:
• Legends of the 60s, 5 June
• Jesus Christ Superstar, 17-21 June
• Phantoms of the Popera, 26 June
The Millennium Forum 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
• 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 their 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 on 26th June
• Brand new heritage talks: East Belfast Streets 2: Origin and Evolution, 25th June, 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
Hard Rain SololistEnsemble: presents, Hellawell at Harty, 19 June, Harty Room, Queen's University. In a long and distinguished career, Piers Hellawell has produced a body of work characterised by boundless invention, genuine discovery and deep integrity. In celebration of his 70th birthday, this portrait concert reflects upon his outstanding solo and chamber music and his enduring creative partnerships. HRSE will present works spanning the past 40 years in the venue that has been home to so many important moments in Hellawell’s career. Visit https://www.hardrainensemble.c...
RSPBANI competitions & championships:
• 6th June 2026, 11am, Cookstown Highschool, Mid Ulster Pipe Band & Drum Major Championships 2026
• 20th June, 11am, Moira Demense, Lisburn & Castlereagh Championships 2026
• 18th July, 11am, Antrim Castle Gardens, Antrim & Newtownabbey Championships 2026
• 1st Aug, 11am, Ward Park, Bangor, 73rd Ulster Pipe Band & Drum Major Championships
Visit https://rspbani.org/
Newry Chamber Music: presents,
• Quayside Sessions, May and June, NCM Hub, The Quays Shopping Centre, Newry
Visit https://newrychambermusic.org/...
Northern Ireland Opera: presents,
• 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,
• 25 June, Mike Reed’s Separatist Party
• 13 Sep, Marisa Anderson
Visit www.movingonmusic.com
Portico of Ards, Portaferry: presents,
• 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.
Ulster Youth orchestra: presents their annual Summer Concert on Sunday 16 Aug at the Ulster Hall in Belfast with a programme blending Irish musical poetry and Russian passion including, Armagh composer Sam Kane’s, "Journey to the Otherworld", Hamilton Harty’s, “The Children of Lir”, featuring local soprano Rebecca Murphy, and Rachmaninov’s, “Symphonic Dances, Op.45”. For the third time, the orchestra will be led by renowned conductor Jac van Steen. For tickets visit https://www.waterfront.co.uk/w...
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/...
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/
Stage Beyond: is a multi-award-winning theatre company, based in Derry-Londonderry, which empowers young adults with learning disabilities to realise their potential through access to high-quality theatre. On Thursday 4th June at The Playhouse, the company members will present their latest production, The Caucasian Chalk Circle. https://www.stagebeyond.com/
Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, Derry~Londonderry:
• 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.
Visit www.circusful.org
Duncairn: presents live music with highlights including,
• 4 June, Chris Brain
• 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+. 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 Nerve Centre: presents, Outpouring, 30 May - 5 July 2026, Riddel's Warehouse, 87 Ann St, Belfast, BT1 3GH. Admission: Free. Outpouring is a new creative project from Joe Caslin and Nerve Centre, co-created with young people from across Belfast. At its core, Outpouring features a new street art piece designed by Joe Caslin in response to issues raised by young people through a three-month engagement programme. Surrounding the artwork will be a collection of visual and written works created by the participants themselves. A specially developed augmented reality app will guide visitors through the experience as the artwork comes to life. For opening times visit https://nervecentre.org/whats-...
R-Space: presents Kim Coleman, ‘Long Exposures’, until 12 June 2026. FREE.
A new expanded photography installation for R-Space Gallery which was developed from interviews the artist conducted with women in their late seventies who had experienced a major European blackout in 2025. The installation presents light and sound alongside new large-scale photograms made in the artist's flat. Visit https://www.rspacelisburn.com/...
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. Visit https://seacourtprintworkshop....
Queen Street Studios:
• Gallery 2: The Push and Pull, Katie Moore, 30 April – 6 June
• 30 Apr – 6 Jun 2026, The Push and Pull – Katie Moore, QSS Gallery 2
• 25 Jun – 25 Jul 2026, Paper Palace – Group Show, QSS Gallery 2
• 25 Jul 2026, Drop in Screen Printing Session with Kathryn Graham, QSS Gallery 2
• 25 Jul 2026, Midden-Making Workshop with Midden Collective, QSS Gallery 1
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: presents
Gallery I: Camera Obsolete?, 4-28 June
Gallery II: Beneath The Surface, 4 June – 25 July
Belfast Exposed also offers a range of summer schemes, photography and videography training courses. Visit www.belfastexposed.com
VOID Art Centre: presents, Town Hall, 6-8pm, June 4, 2026 at Void Art Centre. Taking the form of a Pot Luck at Void, and following on from their recent project ‘Re-turning’, the event seeks to create a public moment of reflection. Together, participants will reflect on Void’s programme, past and ongoing, and share ideas. This is an opportunity to meet and connect, sharing food and conversation with one another. This event takes its name from a ‘Town Hall’ – a meeting open to the public, and a chance to ask questions, highlight local issues and think through problems together. 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.
Christopher Steenson’s solo exhibition All I see is the Present will be shown from 19 June – 12 Sep. For this exhibition the artist combines sound photography, installation and archival material to explore the ways in which moments from prehistory can be used as a gateway to the present.
Visit www.ccadld.org for more details.
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