Down

Myra Zepf, the first ever Children’s Writing Fellow for Northern Ireland, is set to create the magical story behind this year’s Footsteps in the Forest. From kidnapped dragons and a mischievous witch to elves, fairies and druids, these are just some of the characters you could bump into at the Footsteps in the Forest Festival in Slieve Gullion.  The two-day event returns on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th August when actors will guide adventure-seekers through the forest in a theatrical tour in search of dragons and to help overcome Gullion’s witch, the Cailleach Bheara.  The Footsteps in the Forest Festival is part of the wider Giant Adventures programme, a major series of family festivals organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to showcase the region’s breath-taking mountains, coastline and mythical stories.

Armagh

Join Navan Fort this for the annual celebration of the Celtic Sun God Lugh. The 30ft Wickerman will proudly oversee the many and varied activities taking place during this evening of music, dance, crafts, and displays of ancient Celtic traditions & custom this Saturday 4th August. Enjoy performances by, among others, Hatch jaw, Trad Folk Experience. Get into step with dancing, observe the amazing agility of the World of Owls demonstrations. Be transformed with Henna body art and traditional face painting, and join our Celtic characters in their preparation for the great ceremony of the burning of the Wickerman.  Pre-booking essential, limited tickets available.

Fermanagh

Arts Over Borders presents The  Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival, Legnabrocky, Enniskillen, 1st to 5th August.   The 6th Beckett Festival returns with its uniquely adventurous mix of site-specific events in our landscape, world class song in our churches and its engaging talks and discussions on a wide range of themes for everyone to enjoy.

Tyrone

Rock around the clock with The Soda Popz at the Alley Theatre Strabane this Saturday 4^th August. This sensational seven piece band pays a memorable tribute to some of the best-loved hits from that fabulous era! Take a nostalgic trip back to the dance hall days with this action packed, fully costumed, toe tapping show which has been wowing audiences all over the country! Featuring the songs of Johnny Cash, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Connie Francis and much more… So put your glad rags and dancing shoes on for an uplifting night of timeless classics!

Derry/Londonderry

See the second instalment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy and the eighth main instalment of the Star Wars franchise this Friday 3^rd August at the Roe Valley Arts Centre Limavady.  Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares for battle with the First Order. Tickets are only £3.

Antrim

From 31st July to 4th August, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the “American” Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks.  Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.

Belfast

Come along to Orangefield Park on the Connswater Community Greenway for Greenway Celebrations! There’ll be environmental activities, sports, historical tours, local food stalls, entertainment, street theatre and so much more!  Part of The EastSide Park Fest.  Two days, two parks in east Belfast and lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy! This August we are excited to announce the first EastSide Park Fest offering a whole weekend of fun in C.S. Lewis Square and Orangefield Park where we guarantee there is something or everyone. Admission is free.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Down

This month sees the return of the much-loved Skiffie Festival on Strangford Lough and in Delamont Country Park. From the 27th to the 29th of July, international competitors and locals will descend upon Strangford Lough in their community-built skiffs for this action-packed weekend of events. Visitors will not only have the opportunity to watch the racing, there will also be a range of free family centred activities including boat trips, live music, model air craft displays, a food village and much more. The festival marks the first of five events in the Giant Adventures summer programme, spearheaded by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

Armagh

Lúnasa Festival 2018 – Lúnasa… Bringing it on! takes place on July 28, 2018 from 10.00am to 4.00pm, Slieve Gullion Courtyard, Meigh.  Lúnasa is one of the four great days in the Celtic wheel of the year. It traditionally  announced the beginning of the grain harvest, was recognised as a time for matchmaking and marks the sun’s progress around our planet. These were days of rent paying and stock taking but also days of pausing, merriment, reflecting and exploring what needs to be done in the coming period. You are invited to come along and enter into a pausing space, a space to reflect and discover what personal gifts, skills or ideas you need to harvest and bring forth over the coming season. Facilitated by Janet O’Hagan.

Fermanagh

Asda Enniskillen is hosting a Teddy Bear’s Picnic in aid of Children in Need in store this Saturday 28^th July.. There will be lots of ‘bear-y’ exciting activities for everyone to take part in, from teddy bear bingo to a traditional tombola. A fun filled day for all the family to enjoy while doing their bit for Children in Need.

Tyrone

Dergfest Music Festival is back for its fifth year this weekend from 27th to 29th July. This year’s line-up includes Mark McCabe, Darude, Teddy Cream, Niamh McGlinchey, Jim Devine, Derek Ryan, Rough Justice, Mundy and the Logues. Full details at dergfest.co.uk.

Derry

Frock Around The Clock will be taking The Great Summer Holiday Fair to the wonderful seaside location of Portstewart for the first time on Sunday 29th July. This event will feature 20 stalls of beautiful artisan crafts, vintage & antique items, holistic therapies and much more, including fashion accessories, jewellery, homewares, collectables, textiles & decor, art and photography, health and beauty, artisan food, & much more besides. Town Hall, The Crescent, Portstewart. Admission is  £2 and children go free.

Antrim

Randox Antrim Show takes place on Saturday 28th July at Shanes Castle, Antrim, from 9.00am – 5.00pm.  Take a walk in the country at one of Northern Ireland’s bets known regional agricultural shows and its beautiful location on the shore of Lough Neagh.  From cookery demonstrations by Paula McIntyre in the Festival of Food marquee, to livestock, sheep shearing and horse jumping competitions there’s plenty to keep all of the family amused. There’s also a dog agility display, a children’s pet show, a petting zoo, Young Farmers Games, Irish dancing, live music and a jiving competition to be found among craft stalls, family entertainment, and Home Industries and Horticulture exhibits.  Admission is £10 per person, where accompanied children under 16 years of age go free. Car parking is also FREE. Admission is payable at the gate, and discounted early bird tickets can be purchased online for £9 until Wednesday 25th July. Further show information available at www.randoxantrimshow.com.

Belfast

On Saturday 28th July, Belfast Zoo will go ‘quiet’. Belfast Zoo’s quiet hours allow visitors on the autism spectrum, their family and friends to enter the zoo an hour early at 9am. This is an opportunity to enjoy the peace and quiet of the zoo for an hour before it opens to the general public. Normal admission prices apply. You can book online in advance or can purchase your ticket on arrival.

 

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

 

Down

The 2018 Carryduff Forklift Down Rally kicks off at the Eikon Centre, where the adrenaline fuelled action will kick off at 8.30am on the 21st of July. The live action will continue throughout the day with plenty of safe viewing areas within the Eikon Centre. There will also be lots of additional entertainment in the form of static car displays, interactive model car racing, kids entertainment, face painting and lots more.

Armagh

Asda Portadown is hosting a Teddy Bear’s Picnic in aid of Children in Need at Kids United, North Way Community Association on Thursday 19^th July.  There will be lots of ‘bear-y’ exciting activities for everyone to take part in, from teddy bear bingo to a traditional tombola. A fun filled day for all the family to enjoy while doing their bit for Children in Need.  Admission is free.

Fermanagh

Grab your favourite teddy bear and look out his best outfit, because you are invited to the Ultimate Teddy Bears’ Picnic!  Departing from SHARE on Sunday 22nd July at 11.00am & 2.30pm this picnic cruise will venture along Upper Lough Erne. On board all baby bears will enjoy a delicious picnic spread (don’t worry there will be food for mummy & daddy bear as well) and take part in fun party games including Balloon Modelling and Teddy Bear Games. Cruise last approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and booking is essential as places are limited.

Tyrone

Book a guided a tour of  Hill of The O’Neill Dungannon &  the exhibition space with an experienced guide when you’ll hear tales of the skeletons found on the Hill during a major excavation in 2010, the escape tunnels leading from the O’Neill castle which snake underneath Dungannon town, and the well which served as a hiding place for the inhabitants of the Hill during many sieges.  At least two castles are thought to have been built on the hill, as well as a grand manor house and a fortified town.  A walk to the top of brings stunning views across 7 Ulster counties, all the more impressive when seen from the height of a new glass viewing tower, making it all the more clear why this site was chosen by the famous O’Neill dynasty to rule Gaelic Ireland for over 300 years. Tours run until 28th September at 2.30pm Monday to Friday.

Derry

Enjoy a day out with the kids at the Jungle!   Set in deep countryside, engulfed in trees and streams, hills and hollows just outside Moneymore The Jungle uses a blend of creative vision, subtle touches, and some less-than-subtle machinery, and have fashioned it into an outdoor pursuits haven with a range of activities for children of all ages and abilities : Choose from Kids Adventure Packages, Kids Tree Top Adventure and Laser Tag from 10 per person.

Antrim

The Merchant of Venice is coming to Shaftesbury Park, Carrickfergus on Friday 20^th July.  Shakespeare’s great courtroom drama is by turns gripping, funny, romantic and thought-provoking. International award-winning Illyria promise a production to keep you on the edge of your seat!  £3 per ticket. Free admission ticket for under 16s, must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets available for collection from Carrickfergus Visitor Information Centre, based within Carrickfergus Castle. Tel: 028 9335 8222.

Belfast

Keep your ‘little explorers’ busy this summer with the adventure of a lifetime at Belfast Zoo’s Explorers’ Club! From 23rd to 27th July, explore the wonderful world of animals through a five-day programme (9.15am to 3.30pm) of animal encounters, VIP behind the scenes access, crafts, animal enrichment and the chance to meet the zoo keepers.  Tickets must be pre-booked, a registration form must be completed with the education team and payment must be received to secure your place.  The Explorers’ Club is open to children aged 7 to 11.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Down

This weekend, 6^th and 7^th July at the Newcastle Community Cinema,  Belvoir Players present Sink or Slim, a classic Sam Cree comedy set in the 1960″s in a Health Farm run by the owner Mrs Babbington. She is a formidable lady who rules with a rod of iron and who feeds her pet poodle better than her paying guests! We meet the Major, Millie the dippy maid, Willie the handyman who supplies guests with whatever contraband they are willing to pay for and a Swedish Masseuse called Hildie who’s determined to help everyone lose weight and get fit! A merry go round of crazy craic and lots of laughs…….one not to miss!

Armagh

Enjoy a lovely lazy Summer Sunday this weekend at the Argory in Moy with laid back tunes and relaxation. Chill in the Courtyard while the kids are entertained and feast on the summer BBQ.  From 1pm- 4pm, every Sunday in July. Normal Admission.  Members Free.

Fermanagh

Make your way to Castle Coole this Sunday 8th July for Music in the Park. Join the National Trust as they bring you a Summer of music after the success of BBC Proms in the Park 2017 at the Castle.   Sit back and relax as the Magee Family Band play in the beautiful Drying Green.  Enjoy a relaxing Summer afternoon and pick up some tasty treats and lunches from the Tallow-House Tearoom!

Tyrone

The Ulster American Folk Park presents A Step in Time : The Story of Irish Dance. The collection of Irish dance costumes, programmes, photographs and medals provides a fascinating overview of a performance art which has grown over the last 125 years from dancing at village crossroads to a global phenomenon. Along the way, many women have played a key role in championing change and innovation, designing sets and costumes, and choreographing new work. The exhibition opens July and runs until May next year. Normal admission costs apply.

Derry

Teddy Bears’ Picnic, Sunday 8th July, Carrowmena Activity Centre, Limavady.  Enjoy an Action Packed Adventure – family dun says with a wide range of exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy from 11.00 am – 4.00pm. Activities include Teddy Bear Hunt – follow the clues to crack the answer and claim your prize, face painting, inflatables, story time – gather round and hear a story and a Teddy Bears’ Hospital – bring your teddy and get them checked at the teddy hospital.

Antrim

Every Saturday in July and August you can experience the steam train which will be operating at Whitehead Excursion Station.  Visitors will be able to see how this magnificent machine works up close.  You will be able to talk to the driver and fireman and see the footplate.  There is an additional option to enjoy a visit to the Whitehead Railway Museum and Edwardian Tea Room.

Belfast

JCC is Ireland’s only indoor JDM exhibition show casing the best JDM cars the country has to offer. Complimented by a live action arena and an extensive trade village JCC is arguably Northern Ireland’s largest true petrol head exhibition!  JCC brings together everything from rare retro Japanese classics to insane horse power highly tuned monsters and everything in between all under one roof at the Eikon Centre this Sunday 8^th July.

 

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.  

Down

Portaferry Sails and Sounds Festival on the shores of Strangford Lough and Portaferry Town,  entering its 3rd successful year, is aiming to add and improve the festival each year with new events and keeping some of the popular traditional events. Highlights this year include Brian Boru Tall Ship, trips on Strangford Lough, kids entertainment, themed food talks,  and exhibits. The festival runs from the 28^th June until the 1^st July.

Armagh

Our Wee Craft Village at Brownlow House in Lurgan will be hosting its first fair on Sat 30th June from 10.00 am – 3.00 pm`.  Another fun filled event with kids crafts, live demos, make and take sessions for all ages, plus 25+ craft stalls, with all handcrafted products.  There will be jewellery making, kids crafts, jumping clay for kids and art workshops and live demos for the adults.  The vintage car club will be also be exhibiting outside in the gardens and raising money for various charities.  Come along for a great family fun day out!  Entrance Fee £4.

Fermanagh

The roads of Fermanagh will echo to the sound of racing bikes for the first time in 66 years when the Fermanagh 100 Road Races return to the county. The Enniskillen and District Motorcycle Club is set to host two days of racing on Friday 29th June and Saturday, June 30 on a three mile circuit based in the shadow of Cuilcagh Mountain. Organisers have promised that the course will feature a ‘little bit of everything’ ranging from wide fast straights with sweeping corners to blind jumps along narrow tree lined routes, only a few miles from the now famous stairway to heaven walk over Marble Arch Geopark and Lough Erne and local marinas. The race schedule will see a full day of practices on the Friday and on Saturday there will be an eleven race program with the Richard Britton Memorial Race to be the showcase of the day.

Tyrone

Don’t miss this year’s Cookstown Summer Carnival on Friday 29th June! The carnival parade begins at 7.00 pm with all the fun continuing until 10.00pm with live entertainment,  food village and a fairground.  Admission is free. Organised by The Hub for all the community.

Derry/Londonderry

This year’s St. Lurach’s Maghera Garden Fete and Vintage Rally takes place this Saturday 30^th June.  There will be vintage vehicles, live music, strongmen, afternoon teas, Ulster Scots and Traditional Irish Music and free entertainment for the children. Ritchie Remo and David “Jonny Cash” Kelly with also be making a special appearance in the afternoon.

Antrim

This Saturday 30th June the Organisers of “Pirates Off Portrush”, Portrush Heritage Group, will stage the 6th adventure of the notorious Pirate Off Portrush, Tavish Dhu when the town is invaded by the Emperor of The Orient. The Emperor and his Dragon Queen, with her ferocious Dragons and Ninja Warriors, are searching for Skerry Island of the Seven Cities which they believe contains great riches. The Emperor has not reckoned on coming against Tavish, the fearless Pirate Off Portrush. The outcome, will be revealed at the festival, but be warned the town is full of Pirates and Ninja Warriors. Events kick-off at 11.00 am on Saturday with a Pirates Treasure Hunt, from the Portrush Atlantic Hotel, followed at 1.00 pm with the Pirate Dance and Pirate Dress Competitions at the Amphitheatre.

Belfast

It’s party time at Roar and Explore, Daisy Farm Shopping Centre, when Moana, Batman and Spiderman come and play this Friday 29th June! This first Party Night will include singing and games from Princess and all-round heroine Moana plus a Super Hero Academy from both Batman and Spiderman, who will put you through your paces. There will be plenty of opportunity for photos and play in the roarsome Roar and Explore!

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

 

Jacqueline McGonigle

Down

On Saturday 23rd June, the annual Comber Earlies Food Festival welcomes the multi Michelin Star Chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli, who will be hosting this year’s food demonstrations. Join the celebrations and have a relaxing hay bale picnic while listening to a Brass band. With amazing savoury potato-based traditional gourmet dishes to try, children’s activities and street theatre to enjoy this is going to be a great family day out.

Armagh

Join Navan Fort this Friday 22nd June for Celtic Celebration on the eve of Mid-Summer as the Celts say goodbye to the longest day in the year – why do they do this?  How did they celebrate?  Join the camp and celebrate in style. Arrive and be welcomed into the Celtic camp, mingle and help set up for the evening’s festivities, dine at 9:00pm on something quite wild, caught earlier in the day then sing, dance and listen to stories of the years gone by while watching the sunset.  Pre-booking only, as spaces are limited.

Fermanagh

This Saturday 23rd June, join staff at the Marble Arch Caves in a hunt for unseen wildlife in the Marble Arch National Nature Reserve. Hunt in habitats throughout the Nature Reserve, catching and identifying invertebrates as you go!  Why not learn a bit more about these mini-beasts’ fascinating lifestyles and their roles in an ecosystem. You will also get an opportunity to get up close to some of the moth species found in the woodland, as you discover what is inside the moth trap from the night before!  This event is suitable for people of all ages but all children must be accompanied by an adult.  Please bring warm waterproof clothing and suitable footwear. Unfortunately, the Nature Reserve is not suitable for pushchairs.

Tyrone

The biggest summer jam live music festival is in Strabane this year with headline act “Hothouse Flowers”. It all takes place at the Canal Basin on 23rd June. There are five top local bands supporting the spectacular Hothouse Flowers, on two stages, namely The Paul Brady stage and the Flann O’Brien stage. The fun starts at 5pm with “1980’ Something” and the main act hits the stage at 9.30pm. There will be a fully licensed bar area and a selection of food vendors covering the whole area. So summer is here and it’s time to party at Strajamba 2018!

Derry

Take a journey through Chocolate & tantalise your taste buds with the Chocolate Manor’s tasting session this Thursday, followed by dinner at the fabulous, award-winning Angler’s Rest.  You are invited to try some new taste sensations in chocolate, beginning with the Chocolate tasting, where you will learn a little about how their favourite chocolate is created, and be guided through a cocoa journey, uncovering flavours you may not have experienced in chocolate before. Focus on tuning your senses so you can enjoy chocolate even more than you do now!  You will then enjoy a 2 course dinner in the wonderfully welcoming Angler’s Rest Restaurant – this award winning eatery brings the best of local produce together to create some stunning dishes!

Antrim

The Randalstown Soap Box Derby is back on Friday 22^nd June! This year it’s even bigger, better and faster, so why not enter your team to take part in this exciting and entertaining event?  If you, your group or business would like to enter a team, entry forms and rules are available from ARCHES Office or email: info@randalstownarches.com.  All Soapbox Karts must have: – back brakes, steering and drivers must wear a helmet. Age 16+Pre-registration of teams is essential and all drivers competing will be required to provide details for insurance purposes. Entry is free!

Belfast

W5 Late, this Saturday 23^rd June, is a strictly adults-only, after-hours evening at Northern Ireland’s award-winning science and discovery centre!  With over 250 interactive exhibits and four incredible exhibition areas, there’s plenty to see and do!  Meet the life-sized humanoid robot as Robothespian goes LIVE! Scale the heights on Climbit, and engage with the experts in our exciting range of science shows and lecture theatre talks!  Marvel at moving, ROARING dinosaurs as the incredible Dinosaur Encounter exhibition arrives at W5 and try your hand at drawing some prehistoric predators at Sketch Club with local illustrator Blair Bailie, plus so much more!  There will be a fully licensed bar where you can have a glass of wine or cold beer.  Admission is £12.00 per adult. Capacity is limited, therefore online booking essential.

 

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

 

Down

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Open Art at Project 24 Bangor this weekend on the 17th June. Relax and listen to live music; the afternoon will be an art lovers dream, with the chance to participate in workshops, watch demonstrations, browse and buy original artwork.

Armagh

Multi award winning singer songwriter Kaz Hawkins, is launching her new solo career with an Irish Tour with special guest Sam York on piano.. Kaz will perform at the Market Place Theatre Armagh this Saturday 16th June. Show starts at 8.00pm and the tickets are £15.

Fermanagh

Explore the Cliffs of Magho this Sunday 17th June. This is a guided walk along the Magho Cliffs pathway leading from the Shore Road to the Magho Viewpoint. The view from the top is arguably one of the best vistas on the island of Ireland and the cliffs are also home to some of the rarest flora and fauna within the Geopark. Warm waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are essential.

Tyrone

The Dublin City Ramblers will be performing live this Saturday at the Alley Theatre, Strabane. They have thrilled audiences worldwide with their unique blend of Ballads, Folk ,Humour, Wit and foot-tapping music. Their impressive career has spanned more than 35 years, with over 30 albums, Top Ten hits, several Awards for best Ballad/Folk Group and, to top it all off, 8 Gold Albums. It is certainly no wonder that they are classed as Ireland’s Number 1 Ballad Group! Show starts at 8.00pm and the tickets are £14-£16.

Derry/Londonderry

Ground Work: Writings on Place, Heaney HomePlace, Saturday 16th June.   How best to make our way through the ruins that we have made? Ground Work – a new anthology of commissioned work tries to answer this as it explores new and enduring cultural landscapes, in a celebration of local distinctiveness that includes new writing from some of our finest authors, three of whom will speak about their work at HomePlace.  This panel will feature Tim Dee, the writer, BBC radio producer, birdwatcher and editor of Ground Work. He will be joined by Scottish poet and novelist John Burnside who is one of only two poets to have won both the TS Eliot Prize and the Forward Poetry Prize for the same book and by writer Tessa Hadley whose novel The London Train was longlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction.

Antrim

The Allstars Annual Extravaganza, Theatre at the Mill, Saturday 16th June. This is the annual show for Allstars Dance Academy and Newtownabbey Allstars Cheerleading Squad. An incredible night, showcasing the dancers and cheerleaders achievements over the last year. This year they will be joined by special guests – Moira Vipers Cheerleading Squad.  Allstars – Where Every One is A Star!!

Belfast

The Belfast Book Festival Family Fun Day returns for its 6th year and promises to deliver a great day out that the whole family can enjoy!  This Family Fun Day aims to introduce children to the fabulous world of books for all ages and abilities and this year’s event will celebrate the great Roald Dahl and all his wonderful characters and stories!  There will be Arts & Craft activities, Face Painting, interactive storytelling, Renowned children’s authors’ readings, entertainment and a Book Fair! Best of all, our it is FREE for all to attend! So why not pack a picnic and join us for a great day out!

Down

The popular Sea Bangor Maritime Festival returns this weekend with a host of activities including live music, food stalls, street theatre and impressive displays that the event is known and loved for. Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th June. See visitardsandnorthdown.com for the full line up of events.

Armagh

In a special collaboration, the pupils of St Patricks Primary School, Armagh will join the members of the South Ulster Sinfonia for an evening of musical entertainment this Thursday at the Market Place Theatre. There will be a varied range of music including folk, classical, hymns, and even a little ABBA, alongside improvisation, dancing and drumming. The players from Lisanally Special School will be assisted by the Drake Project NI. This performance promises something for everyone.

Fermanagh

This Sunday jump on board one of the Geopark Landrovers and explore the stunning scenery of Cuilcagh Mountain Park. Ranging from the rugged upland cliffs to the weathered limestone landscapes on the lower ground, this safari is a chance for you to experience and explore the patchwork of landscapes found on Cuilcagh Mountain.  Not suitable for children under the age of 12 years old.  Please note this tour does not go to the summit of Cuilcagh. Booking essential.

Tyrone

Croke Park meets Windsor Park Charity Fundraising Event this Friday evening at the  Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown. Enjoy an interview with Aaron Hughes & Owen Mulligan by TV sports journalist Adrian Logan.  The net proceeds of the evening will go to support the work of two very deserving Cookstown charities, The Hub and Charis Cancer Care.  It promises to be a great night of celebration, banter and craic. Additional entertainment will be provided by Magician Rodd Hogg. Signed Northern Ireland & Tyrone jerseys as well as sought-after match tickets and other good prizes will be up for grabs in the half-time raffle.

Derry/Londonderry

On the evening of Saturday June 9th, everyone is invited to walk through the gates of the Playtrail, Racecourse Road Derry,  and step into the city’s very own Little Tokyo as Foyle O-Bon, Derry Londonderry’s very own festival of Japanese music, arts and culture returns for a third year.  Foyle O-Bon was born of a desire to share Japanese taiko, culture and tradition while creating a meaningful family festival for all and recognising the ever growing number of Japanese and shared heritage families in the North West.

Antrim

Prepare to be dazzled and bewildered by Cahoots NI’s ‘Danny Carmo’s Mathematical Mysteries’, a spectacular show where Maths, Theatre and Digital Technology collide in a fun and interactive performance this Saturday 9^th June at The Theatre at the Mill Newtownabbey.  Following a hugely successful American tour enjoyed by over 30,000 people, Danny Carmo is back and bigger than ever before with a brand new interactive LED wall to be enjoyed by young audiences this Spring.

Belfast

From  6th – 16th June the 8th annual Belfast Book Festival, supported by Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council, will open the world of books to everyone. For 11 days, venues across the city including The Crescent will come alive with unique and diverse events featuring high profile authors as well as events exploring a range of interests and themes.  See belfastbookfestival.com for the full programme of events.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.  

Down

Legendary Irish rockers, The Boomtown Rats are to headline Harmony Live 2018 in Holywood this weekend.  The three-day event, which is set to pack out the County Down town, will run from June 1^st to 3rd at the Festival Marquee in the Holywood Rugby Club grounds.  Previously known as the Holywood Harmony Festival, Harmony Live will see big-name acts take to the stage at the main marquee as well as events across several venues in the town.

Armagh

Following their first visit to The Market Place Theatre last October with a sold-out performance of ‘Lady Windermere’s Fan’, Theatrical Niche Ltd return with a new adaptation of ‘A Doll’s House’ based on Henrik Ibsen’s classic tale this Friday 1st June.

Fermanagh

If you love Van Morrison’s music you will love Celtic Soul, the definitive Van Morrison tribute. BBC’s Ralph McLean, describes Celtic Soul as ‘a great band’ and ‘a very fine tribute’.  The band perform songs from his days with Them right through to the present day. Expect to hear the big hits as well as hardcore album tracks. See Celtic Soul perform this Saturday evening at the Ardhowen Theatre.

Tyrone

Cookstown is set to go continental when the food and flavours, sights and sounds of Europe and beyond come to the town centre for two days on 2nd and 3rd June 2018. It will feature over 40 traders from as far afield as Morocco, India, Belgium, France, Russia, Holland, Spain and China, who will set up stalls alongside local traders from the weekly street market.  As well as mouth-watering dishes, from freshly made Paella to delicious Bratwurst sausages, visitors will also be kept entertained with a variety of street performances, music and entertainment for all the family.  A German beer stall offering specialty beers, wines and spirits will also be available.  An added feature to this year’s market is ‘The Brickx Club’  at the Burnavon where children and adults alike will have the opportunity to utilise LEGO through creative brick building. There will be construction zones and brick pits where LEGO enthusiasts of all ages can build and create.

Derry/Londonderry

Enjoy unique adventure activities at budget prices at the Jungle NI this Sunday 3^rd June.  Similar to a fun-fair, The Jungle’s Family Fun Day  is an open-park day and offers a range of outdoor activities by token. Simply buy as many tokens you wish, exchange your tokens for the activity, or activities, of your preference and enjoy a fun family experience day unlike any other!  Suitable for all ages and abilities.

Antrim

This year’s Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival is now in full swing and continues until  Sunday 3rd June with a packed programme taking place between Ballycastle and Rathlin Island and the sound of water separating the two.  The festival has firmly established itself as a fabulous celebration of our rich maritime heritage offering something for all the family!  You are invited to enjoy the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival and to stay, enjoy and explore further the spectacular Causeway Coast and Glens.

Belfast

The Belfast Craft Beer festival runs on the 1^st and 2^nd June.  Taking over Custom House Square, the festival is ready to set the city’s taste buds alight!  Whether it is a quirky craft beer or a delicate gin cocktail that tickles your fancy – guests can relax in the atmospheric marquee or sit back under the stars in the beautiful surroundings of Custom House Square, right in the heart of the city.

 

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.  

Down

The Puppet Festival is back with a bang in 2018 with the biggest festival yet!  Expect a programme jam-packed with puppet fun and antics.  With a variety of free scheduled performances, free puppet workshops and plenty of quirky characters to meet, there’s something for everyone!  Performances take place at various times and venues around Newtownards town centre, 26^th to 28^th May.

Armagh

The Armagh Craft Fair returns for the eighth year to the wonderful surroundings of The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre in Armagh on Saturday 26th May.  Bringing high quality craft to the heart of Armagh City, this highly anticipated annual event offers something for everyone. The fair will feature over 45 fantastic craft stalls from makers across Northern Ireland and Ireland, 7 free craft demonstrations from master crafters throughout the day including hands on creative craft making experiences for adults and children, free children’s drop in creative craft sessions, family workshops, musical entertainment, great food & much more.

Fermanagh

SHARE is offering a portfolio of outdoor activities for you to get involved with.  Activities for All offers the general public, a chance to try a wide variety of outdoor activities according to the activity timetable at great prices. Every weekend in May and June (and Bank Holiday Mondays!) SHARE are offering a selection of Outdoor Activities. These activities are open to the public, and if booked in advanced are great value for money, with a 1 hour session being just £6. Get outside this Spring and enjoy a number of activities such as Banana Boating, Climbing, Archery, Sailing and many more!

Tyrone

Award winning singing sensations, Leading Ladies, (Michelle Baird, Ceara Grehan and Lynne McAllister) bring their highly acclaimed Country & Celtics Classics show to Ranfurly House this Friday 25th May. Featuring popular Celtic favourites such as Caledonia, No Frontiers and Will ye go Lassie go, their show includes haunting music from Riverdance, traditional Irish favourites and some of the best America country songs ever written, from artists including Dolly Parton and John Denver, you’ll not want to miss it!

Derry/Londonderry

Try something new and exciting this May Bank Holiday at Foylehov Activity Centre.  Ever fancied having a go at flying a Hovercraft?   Prefer a more relaxed day off? Then why not pop out and have a few rounds at the 18 hole Football Golf course at your leisure . See foylehov.com for details.

Antrim

Do you love community, walking and Rathlin Island? On the 26th of May you can enjoy all three as part of the #BigWalk which is a community celebration building up excitement in the run up to #TheBigLunch 2018.  The walk will be four slow-paced miles and will include several interesting catch up points, a beach clean and a Big Lunch!  Senior Smart Pass holders can book free Rathlin ferry tickets, so if you haven’t been, or if you are eager to return, this is the perfect time!

Belfast

Make a Terrarium this Saturday at the Crescent Arts Centre. A Terrarium is a miniature garden for indoors, usually in a glass container.  Using succulent plants you will learn how to layer the container in a way to be of maximum benefit to the plants.  These gardens need very little maintaining and just need a well-lit spot.  They are easy to make and are excellent gifts for family and friends.  All materials are provided, including the container.  You don’t have to be a keen gardener to enjoy this fun class!

 

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.