Get back to Belfast for a feast of festivals to brighten your days and nights. Whether your passion is music, theatre, dance, film, comedy or experiencing something new, there’s plenty of events to be enjoyed throughout Belfast this year.
Culture Night
17 – 19 September, Writer’s Square
Cuture Night will look a little different this year as Belfast artist Gawain Morrison and his team will turn Writer’s Square into The Ogham Grove, a monumental, immersive sculpture and accompanying digital trail. Two monumental sculptures will take up home in Writers’ Square, inspired by themes drawn from our ancestral heritage and culture here on the island of Ireland. which will create a whole new experience for Belfast. The on-site installation allows people to drop in and enjoy over the course of the weekend. The focus is on safety as well as a great event.
Belfast International Arts Festival
6 October – 7 November, various locations
Belfast International Arts Festival returns, bringing an eclectic fusion of cutting edge performances to Belfast with world class theatre, dance, visual art, music, film, literature and talks. With an extensive programme that gives audiences opportunities to both experience live performances again whilst also enjoying a selection of online events at home. Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard and The Great Irish Songbook by Irish folk group Dervish, will be the headline performances.
Cinemagic International Film & Television Festival
October, various locations
The Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People will return in October 2021. Cinemagic embraces the magic of film, television and digital technologies and offers young people the chance to develop real skills, explore opportunities, and reaffirm their belief in what they want to do and their own ability to achieve it.
CS Lewis Festival
November, various locations
Celebrating the life and works of the renowned east Belfast-born writer the festival gives everyone the opportunity to engage with Lewis and his legacy in Belfast.
Outburst Arts Festival
November, various locations
Outburst is Northern Ireland’s annual queer arts festival. It features 10 days of theatre, film, music, literature, visual art, discussion and debate from both local and international LGBT artists and performers.
Belfast Continental Christmas Market
20 Nov – 23 Dec , Belfast City Hall
The Continental Market makes a welcome return to Belfast City Hall for 2021. Get into the festive spirit, with a wide range of international traders bringing everything you need this Christmas. Stock up on stocking fillers, or fill your fridge with foods from around the world. Bring the little ones to visit Santa in his grotto or meet the grown ups for Christmas drinks!
