All News
General
Chief Executive Announcement
2nd November, 2026
What's On in the Arts
5th November, 2026
From theatre performances, concerts, exhibitions and more, here's your guide to what's on in the arts...
Festivals
Outburst Queer Arts Festival: returns to Belfast from 12-21 November 2026 and is celebrating 20 years of showcasing the best of local, national and international queer arts. From visual art exhibitions, theatre, comedy, music, workshops, films, talks, readings and more, the festival welcomes everyone. View the full programme at https://outburstarts.com/festi...
Belfast International Arts Festival (BIAF): The Festival continues until 8 November 2026. With over 200 events across 30 venues, the Festival celebrates the very best in Theatre, Dance, Music, Visual Arts and Literature — alongside, for the first time, their new Immersive Arts strand. Visit https://belfastinternationalar...
Lyric Theatre: presents,
- Faith Healer continues until 14 Nov
- The Human Voice, 5-7 Nov
- Good Grief, 8 Nov
- Body Count, 13-14 Nov
- A PLEASING TERROR: TWO GHOST STORIES BY M R JAMES, 17-22 Nov
- SPACEBUCKET RIDES AGAIN, 24-29 Nov
- (Christmas Show) LITTLE WOMEN, 28 Nov – 9 Jan
- Rogue Encounters Showcase: Brain Injury Matters Ensemble, 3 Dec
- (Christmas Show) HOW GRIMES & MCKEE STOLE CHRISTMAS, 10-30 Dec
- GEPPETTO, 15-31 Dec
View the full autumn/winter programme at www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
The Playhouse in Derry-Londonderry: presents,
- Front and Centre Scratch, women and non-binary playwriting festival, 5 Nov.
- Body Count, 11 Nov
- The Human Voice, 13-14 Nov
- Maccana – The Unseen Growth of Winter, 27 Nov
- Operation Desperation: Whats Next? 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, 25 Nov – 10 Dec
Visit www.derryplayhouse.co.uk
Aisling Ghéar Theatre Company: will tour a major new Irish-language adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion this autumn. Pygmalion will explore how language, accent and cultural belonging shape identity, asking urgent questions about who can claim ownership of the Irish language in modern society. Remaining tour dates include,
- Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, Belfast. 2–5 November 2026
- Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair, Gortahork, Donegal – 7 November 2026
- Axis Theatre, Dublin – 9–12 November 2026
For more information, visit https://www.aislingghear.com/
DU Dance: has a number of classes available for young people, all abilities welcome. Visit https://www.dudanceni.com/news...
Accidental Theatre: presents a varied programme of comedy, live music, theatre, workshops and other cultural events, inviting audiences to enjoy great entertainment, good vibes and good company.
Cosmic Jam (19 November, 17 December) – An open mic and jam session celebrating creativity, collaboration, and musical experimentation.
- Handmade Music (5 November, 3 December) – An experimental music night featuring a carefully curated mix of established artists, emerging talent, and special guest performers.
- Accidental Comedy Club (6 November, 4 December) – A comedy night supporting the local comedy scene and showcasing the diverse talents of local comedians.
- Active Arts (until 15 December) – А programme for community members aged 60+, offering art, dance, acting and public speaking workshops and classes led by professional facilitators.
- Vein of Folly 2 (6 November) – Miyagee and Eulogy Beats explore the evolving sound of UK hip hop through a mix of listening session, personal archive and live show.
- Basically Oppressed (7 November) – A double-headliner comedy show featuring Iain Anderson and Jo Jarvie. Fresh from the Fringe, the award-winning duo turn their true stories into something truly hilarious.
- Feels Like Fiction (8 November) – Join singer-songwriter Chloe Jones on her UK Tour following the release of her literature inspired debut album 'Feels Like Fiction'.
- Spaceman (10-11 November) – Writer and performer Peter Jordan draws on 30 years in the arts to deliver a one-man comedy show full of absurdity, taking audiences on a journey through his universe before bringing them safely back down to Earth.
- Tonnta Films Screening & Launch (12 November) – A very Northern Irish film company telling very Northern Irish stories. Meet the team behind Tonnta Films and enjoy a screening of their first two short films.
- Myriad Things & Bon Ton Rouler (14 November) – Progressive rock titans Myriad Things launch their brand-new EP at Accidental Theatre, joined by special guests Bon Ton Rouler from Dublin.
- Hallow'istmas The 13th (20-21 November) – Belfast’s favourite cult comedy cabaret returns for its 13th outing, featuring live comedy, music and the chance to win some fiendish prizes.
- John Devlin and The Revolvers plus Support (27 November) – Roll up for an evening of spectacular original live music featuring John Devlin and The Revolvers with guests Chris Chalmers and The Charge, and Finn McGinn.
- 'Soviet Hotel Dressing Gown' Book Launch (27 November) – Acclaimed Belfast-based writer Christopher Owens returns with his most searing and psychologically incisive work to date, Soviet Hotel Dressing Gown – a novel of fractured memories, parallel lives, and the silent aftermath of trauma.
- Murder, Mistletoe and the Luffewaffe (28 November) – It’s Christmas in wartime Belfast, where German spies, double agents and hidden agendas collide. When a philandering soldier is murdered, everyone becomes a suspect, and it’s up to you and undercover conscientious objector Sandra to uncover the killer.
For these and many more events, visit: https://accidentaltheatre.co.u...
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:
- Romeo and Juliet, 3 Nov
- Shrek Junior, 9-10 Nov
- Phil Coulter, 17 Nov
- Paul Brady, 21 Nov
- (Panto) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 27 Nov – 31 Dec
The Millennium Forum also has 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:
- (Music) David Lyttle’s Jazzlife Jam, every Saturday from 2:30pm, free to enjoy
- (Dance) 6-7 Nov, Luail presents Nōs, a landmark triple bill of internationally acclaimed and defining contemporary dance works by choreographers Akram Khan, Oona Doherty and Liz Roche.
- (Music) 8 Nov, Rory Friers with Michael Keeney, Arco String Quartet, & The Fully Automatic Model. Created as the culmination of his time as Belfast International Arts Festival’s 2026 Artist-in-Residence, this ambitious one-night-only performance will bring together Friers’ live ensemble, award-winning composer and pianist Michael Keeney, Arco String Quartet, and special guests and collaborators.
- (Theatre/Christmas Show) No Room at the Flat: A DLA Christmas Story, 3-31 Dec Age 16+
- (Theatre/Christmas Show) Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Age 5+
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: https://seamusheaneyhome.com/u...
Strand Arts Centre:
- Silver Screenings of classic movies every Thursday at 2pm at Belmont Bowling Club. Book tickets online or by phoning (028) 9065 5830.
- Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree With The Soda Popz, 29 Nov, Harland and Wolff is a social club
Visit www.strandartscentre.com
Northern Ireland Opera: presents,
- 18 November, Morning Melodies
- 9 December, Christmas Morning Melodies at the Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards – tickets available summer/autumn
- 12 December, Christmas Morning Melodies at Custom House, Belfast
Visit www.niopera.com for more information on all events.
Moving on Music: presents,
- 6 Nov, Mississippi Records Presents: A People’s History of Music
- 19 Nov, Arborist (full band)
- 29 Nov, Chamber Choir Ireland
- 5 Dec, Trá Pháidín
Visit www.movingonmusic.com
Belfast Music Society/ Northern Lights Music Fest:
- Glass and Beyond with Ruth McGinley, Sunday 1 November | 3.00pm | The Harty Room, Queen's University Belfast
Visit https://www.belfastmusicsociet...
Portico of Ards, Portaferry: presents,
- 6 Nov, Deirdre O'Kane: All The Rage
- 14 Nov, THE ILLEGALS with Niamh Kavanagh
- 15 Nov, Christian Forshaw, Richard Pinel & Grace Davidson - Saxophone, Organ and Voice
- 21 Nov, 4 in a Bar vocal harmony quartet
- 27 Nov & 4 Dec, Neil Delamere - Neil's on Wheels
- 28 Nov, Clubsound
- 11 Dec, Lore by Candlelight, Supported by Brigid O'Neill
- 12 Dec, Arcis Saxophon Quartett
- 13 Dec, Mrs Claus is a Silly Sausage!
- 16 Dec, The London Handel Players – A Concert for Christmas
Visit https://www.porticoards.com/wh...
Ulster Orchestra:
The Ulster Orchestra’s 2026/27 Season is now on sale. November and December events include:
- 6 Nov, Friday Night is Music Night Live: Celtic Symphonies
- 7 Nov, Spielberg at 80: A Night Of Cinematic Scores
- 20 Nov, Seasons & Splendour
- 4 Dec, Once Upon A Time…Visit the magical land of the fairy tale, as the Ulster Orchestra performs some of the loveliest musical versions of those best-loved stories that have been read for generations.
- 5 Dec, On Your Doorstep at Christmas: Bangor Abbey
- 11 Dec, Messiah, The Guildhall, Derry~Londonderry
- 12 Dec, Messiah, Belfast
- 13 Dec, The Snowman family concert
- 20 Dec, The Magic of Christmas, Belfast
- 21 Dec, The Magic of Christmas, Millennium Forum, Derry~Londonderry
Full details of all concerts visit www.ulsterorchestra.org.uk/wha...
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
Tumble Circus: presents Winter Circus:18 Dec – 3 Jan. Belfast’s favourite alternative Christmas show returns to Writers’ Square, Cathedral Quarter for its tenth incredible year www.tumblecircus.com
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...
Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, Derry~Londonderry: programme highlights include,
- 7 Nov, International Uilleann Piping Day
- 19 Nov, Singing Circle Doire
- 5 Dec, Christmas at the Cultúrlann
- 11 Dec, Acadamh Christmas Celebration
Visit https://www.culturlann.org/eve...
Belfast Circus:
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. Belfast Circus | Join the Circus Today
Duncairn: presents live music with highlights including,
- 7 Nov, Belfast City Council Teenage Kicks - The Friel Sisters
- 13 Nov, The Ties That Bind - Sing for your Supper
- 14 Nov, The Ties That Bind - Secret Son
- 15 Nov, The Ties That Bind - SUPER SONG SUNDAY & ABAIR AMHRÁN
- 28 Nov, John Spillane
- 5 Dec, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin & Niamh Keady-Tabbal
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 on 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 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/
Royal Ulster Academy of Arts (RUA): presents the 145th Annual Exhibition which opens to the public at the Ulster Museum on Sunday 18 October 2026 and runs until Sunday 3 January 2027. The exhibition spans painting, sculpture, print, photography and craft. A luscious landscape painting by invited British artist Andrew Gifford features alongside work by newly elected Academicians Alana Barton and Stuart Marshall. The RUA also continues its engagement with contemporary craft through its association with Craft NI. https://belfastinternationalar...
R-Space: Visit https://www.rspacelisburn.com/...
Outburst Arts and the MAC: proudly present Unruly Ordinances, a major group exhibition of queer artists from the last two decades, 12 Nov – 14 Feb. The exhibition will be accompanied by a dynamic three-month public programme, bringing together artists, activists, academics and audiences through talks, screenings, publishing, performances and workshops. Visit www.themaclive.com
Craft NI Gallery: With Christmas just around the corner, Craft NI Gallery is getting ready to celebrate the season with the return of THE GIFT and their much-loved Big Bauble Showcase - two highlights of the gallery’s festive calendar, showcasing the talent, creativity and skills of Northern Ireland’s designer-makers. The participating makers in The Gift exhibition this year are Abbie Dixon, Aisling Higgins, Anna Smyth, Fiona Kerr, Hugh Cummins, Inga Reed, Janice Gilmore, Jill Phillips, Marlene McKibbin, Martin Cameron, Mary Chris, Natasha Heaslip, Nichola Dalton, Rory Shearer, Sarah Elliott, Seamus Gill and Ursula McGivern. 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:
- QSS Gallery 1, BURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!! – Reuben Brow, 15 Oct – 19 Nov
- QSS Gallery 2, Between Two Breaths – The Drawing Journal, 15 Oct – 16 Nov
- “From the Same Night” – DIY Ephemera Toolkit Workshop w/ Reuben Brown, 7 Nov
Visit https://www.queenstreetstudios...
Golden Thread Gallery: Belfast's leading contemporary art gallery, located at 23-29 Queen Street, BT1 6EA. Free Entry.
Golden Thread Gallery will present The Perfect Storm Ralf Sander’s largest solo exhibition in Northern Ireland to date, from 14 November 2026 to 13 February 2027. Spanning the Upper and Lower Galleries, the exhibition brings together sculpture, photography, sound, film and satellite data to examine how images shape our understanding of reality. For all of the above, and more https://goldenthreadgallery.co...
PS2/Paragon Studios: 31 - 35 High Street, BT1 2AB, www.pssquared.org
Belfast Exposed: presents
Gallery 1: 1 Oct – 19 Dec, Acts of Becoming. Belfast Exposed is honoured to present a solo exhibition Acts of Becoming, by the renowned artist Rosy Martin. The exhibition brings together work from Martin's sustained exploration of photography, memory and the construction of identity. www.belfastexposed.com
VOID Art Centre: presents, The Breathing Wall, a solo presentation by artist Daniel Godínez Nivón which marks the artist’s first solo exhibition in the UK and North of Ireland. Developed through nearly a year and a half of artistic research, The Breathing Wall explores the material and ecological life of Derry’s historic walls. The exhibition runs until Saturday 12 December. Visit www.derryvoid.com
CCA: presents The Night Journal Exhibition, 3 Oct – 19 Dec. The Night Journal is an exhibition considering constructed realities of the night by four, intergenerational artists working in Northern Ireland. These four vantage points feature new and existing work including print, drawing, installation, film and a new text by Michaela Razafima Nash. Written from the perspective of an insomnia-driven walk, the journal encounters the different artists’ worlds in a haze of sodium lit grit and fantasy. Visit www.ccadld.org for more details.
