Spend the bank holiday weekend in Belfast! Here’s our round-up of events, ideas and inspiration for things to do, both in the city and beyond.
Food & Drink
Whether you're after a relaxed brunch to ease into the weekend, a family-friendly restaurant with something for everyone, or a beer garden with enough blankets and covered spots to brave whatever the sky throws at you, we've got you covered. Here's where to eat, drink, and make the most of the long weekend, whatever the forecast says!
Brunch in Belfast
- 4 min read
Belfast does brunch like no other. From a hearty Ulster fry to Instagram-worthy smashed avocado on…
Family Friendly Restaurants in Belfast
- 6 min read
With special menus and activities for little ones, have a look at some of our suggestions for…
Beer Gardens in Belfast
- 8 min read
Take a look at these beer gardens and terraces in and around the city, from cobbled historic streets…
August Bank Holiday Events
Discover a packed weekend of things to see, do and enjoy right across the city and beyond.
August Bank Holiday BBQ
As the sun shines and days get longer, embrace every minute at The Rabbit with their August Bank…
Summer Finale at Montalto
Soak up the beauty of summer as you explore our Trails & Gardens, enjoy a delicious seasonal…
Kids Go Free
This summer, the spacious gardens of Hillsborough Castle are open for children of all ages…
Belfast Giants vs Herlev Eagles, Friday 28 and Sunday 30 August 2026
The Belfast Giants return to home ice at The O2 Belfast for two GIANT pre-season games this August…
W5 Space
Blast off on an out-of-this-world adventure this summer at W5 - Space. Step into an immersive…
Sundays on the Maritime Mile
This summer, you are invited to Belfast's Historic Waterfront every Sunday from 28th June to…
Cathedral Quarter Sunday Market
Cathedral Quarter Sunday Market is a new seasonal food, art and craft market series taking place on…
Creative Peninsula
Creative Peninsula is Northern Ireland's premier celebration of Art and Craft, taking place in…
Visit a Museum
Northern Ireland is home to a diverse and captivating range of museums, offering something for every curiosity. Check out the best museums in Belfast and beyond, from history to transport and folk museums, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Ulster Museum
- Botanic Gardens
Come face-to-face with dinosaurs, meteorites and Spanish sailors with a visit to Ulster Museum. Ulster…
Ulster Folk Museum
- 153 Bangor Road
Step back one hundred years and discover the traditions and heritage of Ulster’s past at Ulster…
Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum
- Market Square
Explore the rich history of Irish linen through friendly guides, interactive displays, and live spinning…
Family Activities & Attractions
The Bank Holiday weekend is made for family adventures! From big outdoor escapes to hands-on experiences that fire up curious minds, there's something here for all ages and every kind of family day out.
Irish FA Tours
- Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park
Irish FA Tours tells the unique story of Northern Ireland football from 1880 to present day using a…
W5 at The O2
- 2 Queen's Quay
W5 is Belfast’s award-winning science and discovery centre and provides a unique experience as…
Airtastic Entertainment Centre Belfast
- 38 Mill Rd
At Airtastic Belfast you'll find fun for all ages! Airtastic's activities in Newtownabbey…
Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary
- The Rope Walk
Exploris, Northern Ireland’s only Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary, has lots to see and do. With…
Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes
- 143 Dromore Road
Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes, winner of the Best Tourism Business Award 2025, is one of Northern…
Prison Island Belfast | Multi-Activity Venue
- Unit 3
Prison Island Belfast | Multi-Activity Venue is a MUST for the Bucket List this visit to Belfast…
The Lost City Apocalypse
- Odyssey Place (SSE Arena),
Are you ready to take on the apocalypse? Immerse you and your fellow rogues in a…
Belfast Zoological Gardens
- Antrim Road
Belfast Zoological Gardens is home to more than 120 species of animal, many of which are in danger…
Let’s Go Hydro
- Knockbracken Reservoir
Let’s Go Hydro is Ireland’s largest aqua park and alternative accommodation resort. A…
Andersonstown Indoor Aqua Park
- 132 Andersonstown Road
Andersonstown Indoor Aqua Park is the largest centre of its kind in Northern Ireland, offering three…
Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory
- 20-22 Holywood Road
Welcome to Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory Belfast ✨ Step into a traditional sweet shop in…
Other Inspiration
Explore Free Things to do in the City
There is plenty to do in Belfast and beyond without spending a penny! Discover free things to see and do this Spring Bank Holiday across Belfast. Take in some art at The MAC or learn about the history of the city with Belfast Free Walking Tours.
Go on a Day Trip
Find something for all the family to enjoy with our picks for family fun attractions in both Ards and North Down and Lisburn and Castlereagh, only a few minutes away from Belfast. Take a tour of Hillsborough Castle & Gardens and discover Northern Ireland’s royal residence, or take the whole family to Ark Open Farm or Exploris Aquarium.
Get Outdoors
Get outdoors this bank holiday weekend and discover the stunning parks, enchanting woodland and coastal scenery in Belfast and across Northern Ireland. Why not enjoy a pleasant walk through the beautiful Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park this bank holiday. Get outside and enjoy a day out exploring nature, just moments from Belfast.
Explore Belfast's Maritime Mile
Discover Belfast’s historic waterfront with a stroll along the Maritime Mile, which covers one mile of water and 10 kilometres of connected pathway. Stretching from Sailortown to the Titanic Pump House the pathway includes the Big Fish, SS Nomadic, Titanic Belfast and Titanic Slipways. It’s also perfect for cycling so why not bring your bikes and experience the whole thing on two wheels?