Back in the day, I would always see celebrations featured on television, wondering what it was like to be part of the crowd. I would always get frustrated that those celebrations didn’t get to my radar weeks or even days before the actual event happened.
Well, never again! Now, I can leave my couch and get to know more about the culture and enjoy celebrating with the community instead.
So if you’re like me who simply can’t miss out on events, or maybe you just want a reason to celebrate, continue reading about these amazing festivals in Belfast today!
1. Belfast Film Festival
Media credit: @belfastfilmfestival
Website: https://belfastfilmfestival.org/
Address: 23 Donegall Street Belfast BT1 2FF
Contact Details: +44 2890 325 913
Belfast Film Festival has been celebrating the world of film since 1995. Here, movie or filmmakers, cinema-goers, and critics gather to share their love for films.
You can join this event and have an opportunity to watch short films and documentaries that highlight Northern Irish cinema. They also feature new, short, and classic cinema that are featured across the globe.
Some of the programs you can catch are The Spin, Familiar Touch, Nightbitch, and Nickel Boys, and so much more!
You can join this event by paying what you can. For as low as £5.00, you can already watch from their list of screenings.
For aspiring local talents out there, make sure to attend this event as talent scouts across the globe head over to this festival to meet new talents.
Aside from the main festival grounds, the whole of Belfast celebrates with film enthusiasts by screening films on select city landmarks and historical buildings.
If you’re new to filming, you can attend the Q&A sessions or even enroll in a mini masterclass, allowing you to learn more about what’s behind the film industry,
Pro tip: Consider reserving a wheelchair space for disabled companions when you purchase the tickets ahead. This will allow them to appreciate the screening while staying close to you.
2. Cinemagic Film Festival For Young People
Media credit: @cinemagic_filmfestival
Website: https://cinemagic.org.uk/
Address: 49 Botanic Ave, Belfast BT7 1JL
Contact Details: +44 28 9-031-1900
For parents who notice their child’s significant interest in film, or for those who want their kids to hone their love for the world of filming, then The Cinemagic Film Festival for Young People is for you!
This event started in 1989 when children were introduced to the creative realm of films.
Here, young ones have the opportunity to learn more about the industry by joining workshops, watching special screenings, and even doing hands-on activities with fellow young film lovers.
They can also appreciate how animation works, and learn how to digest documentaries at an early stage. Don’t worry, the organizers make sure that the topics and stories are all age-appropriate, sparking interest in these children.
Meanwhile, if your kids love to act, they can also join acting workshops during this festival. Moreover, they can also explore their skills in directing and scriptwriting during the masterclasses.
Pro tip: Every year, the Cinemagic Film Festival For Young People allows young filmmakers aged 25 and below to create an original film that will take place during the festival.
Let your kids join as they’ll get a great chance of meeting known directors, and film writers in the industry.
3. Belfast Mela
Media credit: @melabelfast
Website: https://belfastmela.org.uk/
Address: Multiple locations; Botanic Gardens/City Hall Grounds
Contact Details: [email protected]
If you want to celebrate Belfast’s art, music, dance, and other cultural scene, then you should attend The Belfast Mela.
This festival started in the summer of 2007 and has gathered people where they all appreciate the cultural contributions of communities around the globe.
True to its name, Mela means ‘gathering’ in Sanskrit and people from all backgrounds get to celebrate different cultures on one ground.
Here, you can enjoy watching dance performances that reflect various cultures. You can also catch famous Irish bands or artists from all parts of the world as they share the stage to entertain the crowd.
For art lovers out there, you’ll see installations featuring several paintings and art forms and see how cultures inspire each artist’s creativity. Additionally, they also feature digital art, reflecting the modern world we live in today.
When it comes to food, this is a great place to taste all the amazing flavors from across the globe. No need to book tickets as you can try out different cuisines all in one place!
Moreover, you’ll also get a chance to buy specialized goods that reflect different countries and cultures.
Pro tips: Don’t forget to catch the live cooking demo at The Belfast Mela. They normally invite known chefs from around the world to showcase their favorite dishes.If you have kids in tow, you may consider going to the festival’s Kids’ Zone. Here, they can enjoy activities such as face painting, and henna tattoo–away from the busy crowd.
4. Belfast International Arts Festival
Media credit: @cahoots_ni @belfast_int_arts_fest
Website: https://belfastinternationalartsfestival.com/
Address: 109-113 Royal Ave, Belfast BT1 1FF
Contact Details: +44 28 9033 2261
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you love cultural events that highlight visual arts, film, dance, and music, then you should add The Belfast International Arts Festival to the list of festivals you should attend when you’re in the city.
Every October, Belfast becomes a big stage for artists that want to showcase their creativity.
This festival started in 1962 and has since highlighted the city’s love for arts. You’ll love that this festival has adapted and has become a voice for diversity and inclusivity as well.
Here, you can also catch well-known artists and aspiring ones, giving you a taste of the old and the new.
If you’re into music, the festival features events that cover both classical and roots music. Meanwhile, those into digital arts and film can participate in the festival’s outreach events that will let you explore different venues around Belfast.
Pro tip: If you have no time to prepare your own itinerary during the Belfast International Arts Festival, consider checking different 5-day itineraries made by the organizers, perfect for individuals, friends, or families attending the event.
5. West Belfast Festival
Media credit: @feile_belfast
Website: https://feilebelfast.com/
Address: West Belfast Community Festival, 473 Falls Rd, Belfast BT12 6DD
Contact Details: +44 28 9560 9984
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Since 1988, The West Belfast Festival, most commonly known as Féile an Phobail, has been showcasing the cultural, political, and artistic realm of West Belfast.
This event was originally made to counter the negative insights in Northern Ireland. Now, it has been a venue to encourage people to join the community who share the love for arts. So if you love comedy, literature, and sports, then you add this festival to your list.
When it comes to music, this festival is your chance to hear the traditional Irish folk, pop, and hip-hop. You and your friends can also enjoy watching concerts at Falls Park and Clonard Monastery, where you can catch both local and international artists.
If you love spoken poetry and stand-up comedies, this is also a great venue for those artistic performances. Meanwhile, there are music workshops and art classes for the kids, making it a great event for families too!
On the other hand, since the festival originated from countering negative stereotypes, this festival has also been a platform to discuss political issues, addressing concerns related to peace and reconciliation.
Pro tip: Consider attending language classes at The West Belfast Festival so you can learn a few phrases using the Gaelic and Irish languages.
6. Imagine! Belfast of Ideas and Politics
Media credit: @linenquarter @imaginebelfast
Website: https://democracyfestivals.org/imagine-belfast-festival
Address: 46 Hill Street, Belfast BT1 2LB
For those of you who want to hear more about cultural and societal issues, then The Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas and Politics is for you.
This festival started in 2015, where speakers, artists, and activists from all over the world share a safe space together to discuss their various points of view about justice and culture, just to name a few.
Here, you can join various panel discussions, debates, and lectures. You can be more engaged by joining workshops about the future of equality and democracy, especially in today’s digital world.
This is also your chance to participate in collaborative projects that will encourage you to think and contribute to a better chance in society.
Aside from talks and hands-on activities, you can also watch theater acts and film screenings that will spark your creativity based on the festival’s theme.
Pro tip: Consider submitting creative proposals for various formats such as debates, workshops, or exhibitions at The Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas and Politics, giving you a direct role in being a major part of this event.
7. Outburst Queer Arts Festival
Media credit: @shameshow
Website: https://outburstarts.com/
Address: 109 – 113 Royal Ave, Belfast BT1 1FF
Contact Details: 0044 (0)28 90 135760
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you’re a part of the LGBTQ+ community or just want to show your support of love to our queer family, then you’ll love The Outburst Queer Arts Festival in Belfast. Started in 2007, queer artists have been sharing their inspiring stories to the world.
This is also a place to understand more about identity, and how society responds to constant changes.
If you love drag, here’s your chance to see different drag artists perform. You can even sign up for a drag make-up masterclass so you’ll know how much time and effort these artists put in before they even perform on stage.
You’ll also appreciate seeing avant-garde and truly creative works from the creative minds of the LGBTQ+ – things that we don’t usually see from the usual art galleries.
Meanwhile, for those of you who want to learn more about identities, or simply want to be educated about preferences, there are inclusive talks about sexual orientations, allowing everyone to be heard.
Pro tip: Consider attending after-party events at Union Street Bar during the festival. This could be an opportunity for you to connect with the community, and even enjoy the festival spirit beyond the main event grounds.
8. Belfast TradFest
Media credit: @claireloughshots
Website: https://www.belfasttradfest.com/
Address: 173 University Street,. Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT7 1HR
Contact Details: +44 28 9031 4981
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you want to learn more about Irish music and culture, then you shouldn’t miss the Belfast TradFest.
Here, you can catch both new and seasoned artists, showcasing their love for music and their talent using different instruments such as flutes, harps, fiddles, the Irish drum, and uilleann pipes. You can also watch the traditional Irish dance on the live stage!
What’s great about this festival is that it’s not just a venue for you to watch, you can also share your love of music by participating in workshops intended to teach you how to play the fiddle and the guitar.
The musicians will also teach you how to sing and dance the Irish way.
Aside from music, you’ll also get a chance to join panel discussions that will help you understand more about Irish poetry and storytelling.
If you want your kids to shine using traditional Irish instruments, you’ll love that there are various masterclasses that they can join during summer such as Whistle and Sing, Tin Whistle for Beginners, and Mixed Instruments Masterclass.
Pro tip: For a more in-depth involvement in this festival, consider applying as a Belfast TradFest volunteer. Just make sure you’re over 18 years old before you apply!