There is lots to do over this May bank holiday weekend in Belfast and beyond! Enjoy theatre, music and street performances, or gather the family together for a range of family fun activities.
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival
The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival returns from the 27 April – 07 May with over 100 live events across Belfast’s City Centre and beyond! Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival will animate the city centre with an 11 day celebration of live music, comedy, theatre, spoken word, literature, eclectic performance and street art.
Festival of Fools
Festival of Fools is the largest festival of free-to-access circus and outdoor performance on the island of Ireland, with over 70 performances taking place in the city centre over one weekend. They feature artists from around the world, alongside the best of locally based talent, this year their programme features German, Irish, Swedish, Korean, English and Portuguese nationals.
Hit the North
The ‘Hit The North’ Street Art Festival will welcome its most impressive roster yet with over 60 artists from across the UK, Ireland and Europe are due to take part. The ten-day celebration will culminate in a ‘paint jam’ on Kent Street, Belfast on Sunday 30th April where spectators can soak up the party atmosphere and enjoy entertainment, food trucks and refreshments as they watch murals come to life.
2023 Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon
The Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon is one of the leading marathons in the UK and Ireland and is an AIMS certified race, attracting between 15-18 thousand runners each year. The route runs through all 4 areas of Belfast: North, South, East and West, starting at Stormont Estate and finishing in Ormeau Park. The Belfast event is renowned for the incredible local support and crowds to cheer runners on throughout their 26.2 miles!
Early Bank Holiday Weekend at HMS Caroline
Bring the children to HMS Caroline during the May bank holiday weekend and they will enjoy extra specially themed activities while they’re here! Drop-in, family-led activities including crafts, dress ups, puzzles, games and colouring in activities are also available in the Learning Room onboard the ship.
May Day, Holywood
Holywood will be abuzz on May Day, Monday 1 May, for its annual event of music, merriment, family fun and of course May Day dancing performed by local school children. The town will be transformed into a pedestrianised hub of activity. Expect delicious savoury and sweet treats on offer from a food stall market. Music from a selection of local brass bands will add even more to the day
May Day at the Railway
Come to Whitehead Railway Museum this May Day and enjoy a short trip hauled by one of their steam engines and a tour of their 5-gallery museum. Learn all about steam operations in a bygone time, all included in your ticket price. Enjoy some children’s activities in the Stables building and cap off your stay by treating yourself in their Platform 3 café.
Spring Walks
Enjoy a walk with family or friends this bank holiday! Make the most of the brighter and longer days. Check out what the most popular hikes and trails in Belfast and beyond are. You might also discover a hidden trail tucked away.
Top 10 Family Attractions in Belfast
Check out the Top 10 Family Fun Attractions in Belfast – there is plenty of entertaining attractions for the whole family to enjoy around Belfast, including W5, Ulster Museum and Belfast Zoo.
Walking Tours in Belfast
Step outside and discover parts of Belfast on foot. No matter your interests, you will find a walking tour for you! Themes include political and historical, food and drink, nature and wildlife, and free self-guided tours.
