Down

Come along to North Down Museum’s Mulicultural Festival this Saturday at Bangor Town Hall to experience a range of unique multicultural activities, entertainment, family-friendly activities and workshops at this creative, community festival.

Armagh

Join the Millennium Court  Arts Centre Newry this Saturdayfor their Family Open Art Day. At 11:30am there will be a projection style screening of ‘Pokemon Detective Pikachu”, then join the arts team afterwards rom 1:30pm – 3:00pm to use a selection of materials to design and make some fake souvenirs from a fake place! 

Fermanagh

This Saturday evening the Ardhowen Theatre Enniskillen will host the world premiere of The Beating Heart of Ulster which celebrates the rich musical heritage from both Irish and Ulster Scots traditions as well as the local landscape. This world premiere performance blends song, dance and storytelling, and will be performed by local young musicians and dancers from across the district, bringing the audience on a musical journey through the history and landscape of Fermanagh and Omagh.

Tyrone

From 7th to 10th November the Craic Theatre Coalisland presents The Little Shop of Horrors! The meek Seymour Krelborn, who works in a flower shop on Skid Row, stumbles across a new breed of plant.  He calls it Audrey II – after the woman he works with and with whom he is love.

Derry 

Los Dramáticos take you on an exciting voyage around Latin America and Spain this Friday night at the Playhouse in Derry.  Los Dramáticos bring together flamenco guitar, the charango lute and vocal harmonies to give new life to traditional songs from both sides of the Atlantic. For this special show they are joined by renowned jazz drummer Steve Davis.  

Antrim

The RPSI will be holding its first Model Railway Day at Whitehead Excursion Station this Saturday, 9th November, with a line-up of marvellous miniature models, steam train rides, refreshments, etc. All this, and the Museum exhibits too!

Belfast

Join TinyLife #Premvember celebrations as they host a special Afternoon Tea event in Stormont, Parliament Buildings on Saturday 9th November 2019 courtesy of Robbie Butler MLA.  TinyLife guests will have a guided tour of Parliament Buildings, relax to music by the McAuley Swing Duo and enjoy Afternoon Tea in the eloquent surroundings of the Great Hall.  

For further 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 for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Jacqueline McGonigle

Down

Do things go bump in the night at the Exploris Aquarium? Well now is your chance to find out with the new alternative night out – Night at the Aquarium this Friday and Saturday Night.  Includes meal, guided tour and more!

Armagh

Join the Armagh Planetarium “Adult Only Takeover” when adults get the chance to take over the facility for the night this Friday.  Grab a glass of bubbles, experience the dome theatre, be entertained with the Hubble Bubble Toil and Trouble live science show with Scientific Sue and take home an intergalactic space photo.

Fermanagh

Scary trail for Children at Lusty Beg Island until 3rd November. Includes food and a drink.   Are you brave enough to walk the woods, can you explain the noises and sightings, are you ready to experience Fermanagh’s scariest Halloween Event?

Tyrone

Phil Coulter’s long career as a songwriter, producer and recording artiste has been recognised over the years and you can see Phil perform live at the Alley Theatre Strabane this Saturday night.  An original retrospective on the work of one of our finest, it’s a show for every lover of good music.  

Derry/Londonderry

The Walled City Market returns to Guildhall Square this Saturday from 11.00 to 4.00pm, welcoming the very best of artisan traders and offering visitors a family friendly shopping experience with a wide selection of speciality foods and hand crafted products.  Tickle your taste buds with homemade jams, chutneys, sauces, artisan breads and cakes,  a range or organic meats and of course some sweet treats!

 Antrim

Join the Marine Hotel Ballycastle on Saturday November 2nd for their Spooktacular Witches and Wizards Afternoon Tea.  Devour delicious sand-witches, drink down a poisonous potion, and indulge in some devlish delights.  Halloween Movie | Face Painter | Small Gift | Fancy Dress Competition | Witch-craft corner | Room Décor. .£12.50 per child | £16 per adult 

Belfast

An Evening of Irish Horror is the perfect, cozy scare for when the air gets cold and the night grows dark, with two classic Irish spook stories reanimated in the dark, with live music – two original scores for violin, cello, and guitar. Wireless Mystery Theatre presents A Story of Irish Gothic at the Crescent Arts Centre this Saturday evening.

For further 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 for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Jacqueline McGonigle

Down

This Friday, North Down Museum, Bangor is bracing itself for some intergalactic visitors when ‘Invasion from Planet X’ takes place in its historic building.  Find out  if you could survive an alien invasion at this fun event. Visitors can expect storm trooper performances, escape rooms, alien walkabouts, live music and more!

Armagh

To celebrate Armagh City Centre being granted Purple Flag status, a number of events have been organised, kicking off the a ‘Halloween Movie Day’ in the Johnston’s Building on Saturday, 26th October 2019.  See family favourites Beetlejuice and Hocus Pocus!

Fermanagh

Calling all witches and wizards! Share Discovery Village are pleased to offer you a place on their magical Halloween Cruise,  26th – 29th October.   Report to Platform 9 3/4 by 2:30pm on the day of your cruise. Expect to be sorted into your house, cast some spells and sample some fascinating foods from professors, as well as other fun games and crafts.

Tyrone

Jamboree Oktoberfest – where Bavaria meets Fintona returns to the Ecclesville Centre Fintona on Saturday evening. Performing at this year’s Jamboree Oktoberfest will be Derek Ryan, Johnny Brady, Paul Kelly and Christopher King.

Derry

First performed in 2006, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, presented by Isosceles, is a fast-paced adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel which has enthralled audiences throughout Britain and Ireland and played to packed houses everywhere.  See it performed live at the  Playhouse in Derry this Saturday.

Antrim

Halloween Hullabaloo / Travelling Treeluminations comes to Ballylough Country Estate 25th to 31st October. Two events in one with the “seeing is believing” Travelling Treeluminations  lighting up the woodlands to specially composed music by Sharon Graham.  From there you’ll travel on to the Hullabaloo with family friendly ghosts, a haunted castle and maybe the odd scary zombie!

Belfast

Aisling Ghéar Theatre Co is taking over the Cultúrlann for its Samhain/Halloween celebrations!! Let ‘Butler McCracken’  take you on a special tour of this scary old building. Expect ghostly stories, spooky goings on and some creepy crawlies! This event is in Irish and is aimed at children who are attending Irish Medium Primary schools. It is easy peasy to understand but if in doubt consult your child for a quick translation!

For further 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 for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Down

Tullyverry House in Killyleagh will host their Open Day and Wedding Fair this Sunday 20th October between 1.00pm and 5.00pm. Exhibitors include caterers, florists, musicians, photographers, videographers, stationary providers, wedding cars, weddings decorators and more!

Armagh

Take a Farm/Cider Tour of Long Meadow Farm this Saturday 19th October at 11.00am.  Be guided through the 30 acre orchard and see how the famous PGI status Bramley Apple is grown, processed, harvested and hand pressed to be transformed into brands of apple juice and artisan ciders. 

Fermanagh

Join RSPB staff on a guided walk this Saturday 19th October through the autumnal display at Castle Archdale Country Park. Learn to identify the different signs of autumn and the wildlife that will be most active during this bountiful season.   £5 per adult, £2.50 per child. Free for all RSPB members.

Tyrone

Enjoy an audience with MUNDY at an intimate acoustic gig by one of Ireland’s finest singer/songwriters in the modern era.  Mundy’s mainly acoustic, folk based pop/rock has been compared to Damien Rice and Josh Ritter. See him live this Saturday evening at Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre in Dungannon. Tickets £18.

Derry/Londonderry

Seamus Heaney HomePlace  in Bellaghy is delighted to work with Moving on Music to present Ruth McGinley and Darragh Morgan, two of Northern Ireland’s leading internationally renowned classical musicians, as they tour NI for the first time together.  Performing this Saturday evening, this concert will feature two beautiful violin sonatas, Irish folk song arrangements as well as a piece by Northern Irish composer Deirdre McKay.

Antrim

Whitehead Museum Railway We are delighted to offer their vintage inspired afternoon tea with a difference!   Afternoon Tea will be served in a static railway carriage beside the award-winning Edwardian Tea Room at Whitehead Excursion Station on Saturday afternoon between 2.00pm and 3.30pm.

Belfast

La Spire, Botanic Gardens, this Sunday afternoon is part of the 2019 Belfast International Arts Festival. Breath-taking aerial acrobatics on an impressive steel spiral sculpture. The all-female cast combine raw strength, tenacity and vulnerability, accompanied by a live musician and special sound machines to create a suspense-filled dreamlike journey into human fragility and power.

For further 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 for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Jacqueline

Down

Newtownards weekly market returns on Saturday from 8.00am to 4.00pm to Conway Square.  This market caters for all your needs with a diverse range of stalls including local fruit and vegetables, seafood and meat, tools, clothing and accessories, toys, flowers and plants, to name just a few. Something for all the family!

Armagh

The Björn Identity, Ireland’s greatest tribute to the world’s most famous super group – ABBA, make a welcome return to the Market Place Theatre Armagh this Friday evening.  Re-live or newly discover the magic of the ‘Swedish Super Group ABBA’ and their musical legacy that lives… ‘On and On and On’.

Fermanagh

To the Moon and Beyond is a free and spectacular light show that is quite simply ‘out of this world’.  Definitely one for all the family at Broadmeadow. There are 4 separate shows this Friday evening, each lasting approximately 20 minutes. From 7.00pm  with the last show taking place at 8.30pm.

Tyrone

To celebrate Positive Ageing Month, The Alley Theatre in Strabane is showing the classic movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid this Friday afternoon. Movie begins at 1.30pm and admission is £5 which includes tea & shortbread after the film.  

 Derry/Londonderry

This Saturday The Inishowen Gospel Choir brings their varied repertoire to the intimate setting of The Playhouse, joined by three of the finest soul, gospel, jazz and blues singers in Ireland – Mirenda Rosenberg, Amanda St John and Jaime Nanci. Tickets £12.

Antrim

Step back in time to delve into the designs, fashions and way of life in the 1940s and 50s, while enjoying a vintage crafternoon tea at the Island Arts Centre Lisburn this Saturday. With displays, demonstrations and hands-on opportunities you will see, touch and hear stories about fascinating memorabilia from the vast Living Vintage collection.

Belfast

The Jail of Horror at Crumlin Road Gaol, described as one of Belfast’s most fearsome scare attractions, is back and it’s bigger and better for Halloween 2019. Visitors, if they dare, will enter the off-limits dungeon of D Wing and face all their fears on an intense scare after scare journey which only has one way out!! Runs 11^th to 31^st October!

For further 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 for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Down

Everyone, regardless of their age, are encouraged to get into the outdoors and take the time to be mindful of their surroundings.  Crawfordsburn Country Park will host a free event on Saturday 5th October. There will be a range of wellbeing activities that you, your family and friends can all enjoy:

 Armagh

Visit the National Trusts Ardress House every Sunday in October for some appley family fun. At the height of the harvest season, Apple Sundays will celebrate the wonderful fruit that has made Co. Armagh famous!

 Fermanagh

Round 10 of the Ulster Superbike Championship, the Enniskillen 100, takes place this Saturday 5th October at Enniskillen Airport.  Scrutineering will take place in the Paddock from 7.30pm to 8.30pm Friday 4th October 2019 and 7.30 am until 9.30 am Saturday 5th.  Qualifying begins on Saturday at 9.30am with racing staring at 11.30 approximately.

Tyrone

Hatch, this Saturday and Sunday at the Alley Theatre Strabane, is full of Fidget Feet’s unique blend of music, comedy, theatre, contemporary dance and aerial dance. Hatch weaves craft workshops, Irish language and Irish dancing into this wonderful story for 4 – 10 year olds and their families. Saturday 1.00pm and 3.00pm, Sunday 2.00pm and 4.00pm.

Derry/Londonderry

Join James Mustich at the Heaney Homeplace Bellaghy this Sunday 6th October as he talks about how he came to choose the 1000 books he feels we all should read, providing an extensive, intelligent, lively library in which readers of all ages will find books for their own to-be-read piles. 

Antrim

Northern Ireland’s favourite potato-themed festival is back, bigger and better than ever, on Saturday 5th October 2019.  Set against the backdrop of the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, the Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival is a heady mix of family fun, a celebration of world-renowned potato breeder John Clarke, and a chance to sample the delights of the agri-food industry which thrives in the Causeway Coast & Glens.

Belfast

Packed full of stalls and exhibitions focusing on personal development and spiritual awakening, the Mind Spirit and Body Fair takes place at the Crumlin Road Gaol this Sunday 6th October.  Followers of both modern and time-worn medicinal practices can find something to soothe their soul.

For further 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 for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Northern Ireland boasts an irresistible collection of places to stay including beautiful B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and great value self-catering properties. Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week to help you plan a short break.

·         Autumn Two Night Escape, Whistledown Hotel, Co. Down from £99 per person sharing

The three-star Whistledown Hotel nestles quietly in Warrenpoint, surrounded by the magnificent Mourne Mountains. The hotel offers an ideal location for seafront walks as well as being a convenient from which visitors cam explore the region, visiting Silent Valley, The Fairy Glen, Kilbroney Forest Park and more. Offer includes two nights’ accommodation with a full Irish breakfast each morning. As part of this package, enjoy tea/coffee and a scone each on arrival and £30 dining credit to use on the night of your choice in the hotel’s bistro restaurant, and is available Monday-Thursday. To book call 028 4175 4174. Offer available until 31 October 2019.

·         1 x Night B&B, Mahons Hotel, Co. Fermanagh from £100 per room per night

Mahon’s is a traditional family run three-star hotel, situated in the heart of Irvinestown and only a short trip away from Enniskillen and Omagh. Being located in the heartland of Fermanagh and its beautiful lake district means beautiful country walks, water sports and of course shopping. Offer includes overnight accommodation with breakfast the following morning. To book call 028 6862 1656. Offer available until 15 November 2019. 

·         1 x Night B&B, Ballygally Castle Hotel, Co. Antrim from £120 per room per night

Overlooking golden sandy beaches and only a five-minute drive from Carnfunnock Country Park, the four star Ballygally Castle Hotel is the perfect base for exploring the Causeway Coast this summer. The castle dates back to 1625 and is the only 17th century building still used as a residence in Northern Ireland today. Offer includes overnight accommodation with a full Irish breakfast the following morning. To book call 028 2858 1066. Offer available until 15 November 2019. 

Down

This Saturday Ahorey Presbyterian Church Hall Portadown will host an Antiques Vintage and Collectables fair showcasing lots of treasures from the past. 40 stalls including Victorian jewellery, silver, china, crystal, clocks, tools, militaria, kitchenaria, books, coins, medals, ceramics, art, clocks, vintage textiles and linens.

Armagh

Embrace the opportunity to visit Ballywalter House on Saturday 28^th September.  Become a member of the gentry for the afternoon as Lord Dunleath guides you around his remarkable home and joins you for a chat over tea and light refreshments, in the historic conservatory.  Tour departs by coach from Ards Visitor Information Centre.

Fermanagh

Climb the Stairway to Heaven on Sunday the 29th of September in aid of the USPCA Animal Welfare Charity. Gather your family and friends together for a fantastic day outdoors.

Tyrone

Look ‘hot on The Hill’ this September as Mid Ulster District Council’s popular fashion event, Heels on The Hill, returns for its eighth year!  The Dungannon style extravaganza, organised by the Council in partnership with Style Academy, will take place on Friday at the Hill of The O’Neill, Dungannon at 7.30pm.

Derry/Londonderry

The Totally Wiped Out challenge is coming to Meadowbank Sports Arena, Magherafelt on Saturday and is open to teams of ten.   Take on the inflatable assault course, including  the wipeout balls, last one standing, super slide and lots more. Teams will go head to head through a series of obstacles to eliminate the competition. Only one team will be crowned the ultimate Wiped Out winners!

Antrim

Moneyglass and District Runners are proud to present their inaugural annual run, MAD For the Road 5K/10K this Thursday 26th September.   Entry fee includes a bespoke medal for all finishers and chip timing. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in both races and superb post-race hospitality.  On the night registration begins 5.30pm. 10K starts 6.45pm with 5K shortly after.

Belfast

Crumlin Road Gaol #LiveAtTheCrum presents The 70’s Sensational Superstars with tributes to The Bay City Rollers, Smokie, Donny Osmond and Alice Cooper this Saturday night.   Make an evening of it with a tour + dine + show package.  Discover over 150 years of history as you explore within the walls of Belfast’s Infamous Prison, enjoy a 2 course meal in the atmospheric setting of Cuffs Bar & Grill and finish the night with live entertainment

For further 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 for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Down

Cycle in the Park for Knockevin is an all ability cycling event in Castlewellan Forest Park, hosted by Kilmegan VC this Sunday 22nd September.  There are cycling adventures for everyone from the novice to the seasoned lycra-clad warrior.

Armagh

From Thursday 19th to Sunday 22th September, Armagh Food & Cider Festival visitors to the iconic city of Armagh and its surrounding fruit-laden orchards can expect to raise more than a glass to an incredible spread of mouth-watering events.  An international extravaganza featuring multiple can’t-miss events in venues right across Ireland’s Orchard County, the Armagh Food & Cider Festival is this autumn’s hottest ticket.

Fermanagh

Festival Lough Erne takes place for the fifth year on 21st & 22nd September.  Ireland’s only island town, Enniskillen, will host Festival Lough Erne, a celebration of the very best of local food and the Fermanagh Lakelands. The weekend will see a host of activity on and off the water with cookery demonstrations by celebrity and local chefs, local artisan food and drink producers and live entertainment all taking place at Enniskillen Castle. 

Tyrone

The Showman is coming to the Strule Arts Centre Omagh this Friday, starring Peter Corry!  Combining the passion of Moulin Rouge, the spectacle of Barnum and the magic of The Greatest Showman, this new show brings an eclectic mix of iconic songs from ‘Somebody to Love’, ‘Your Song’, ‘Rise Like a Phoenix’, ‘The Show Must Go On’, ”Spanish Train’ to ‘This is the Greatest Show’.

Derry/Londonderry

Different Drums of Ireland come thundering onto the Playhouse stage this Saturday with a show not to be missed!  Feel the power of indigenous Lambeg and Bodhran drums, paired with Uileann pipes and whistles, guitar, world percussion and more.

Antrim

Larne Museum & Arts Centre will be open on Saturday 21st September.  See the permanent exhibition gallery which explores the agricultural, industrial, military and maritime history of the area. You will also have the ‘not to be missed’ chance to explore Discworld and the Charmed Realm in the temporary exhibition ‘Paul Kidby, Discworld and Beyond’. 

Belfast

With 53 producers in attendance, the Tesco Taste Festival 20th – 22nd September will be showcasing the very best local food and drink Tesco has to offer, all under one roof. Custom House Square, admission free.

For further 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 for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Down

Join other foodies on the lawn at Slieve Donard Resort & Spa for a fun filled family day out at their Food & Drink Festival this Saturday 14th September. Featuring local produce, face painting, live entertainment, a bouncy castle and a host of other child friendly activities, admission is only  which includes a donation to Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.

Armagh

This Saturday, enjoy a tour of Armagh Planetarium building and grounds and explore the heritage of this unique organisation that is involved in ground breaking research and has been exploring the Cosmos from 1790.  Tours are free for European Heritage Open Day

Fermanagh

RSPBNI Bat Detectives this Friday at Enniskillen Castle is a great opportunity to learn more about bats, to see and hear them and to immerse yourself in their world. There will be a short introductory talk about bats followed by a night-time walk using bat detectors to identify the different species living in Enniskillen town centre. 

Tyrone

See Little Red Riding Hood and the Silly Billy Wolf this Saturday at the Alley Theatre Strabane.  This colourful, fast-paced all singing and dancing show is a fun and gentle re-telling of the classic fairy-tale of Little Red Riding Hood. 

Derry/Londonderry

Has your pooch got what it takes?  Bring them along to the Jungle Family Fun Day and enter them in the Dog Show this Sunday.  The last Dog Show was such a success they have added a few more categories! With 10 great categories to choose from there is something for every pooch!

Antrim

I Sing for Me Community Choir begins on Friday 13th September.  This is an all abilities, all ages choir. If you would like to use your voice, get out and meet other people then come along and join in.  Just  bring your voice and sense of fun!  Weekly on  Friday mornings beginning this Friday.  10.30am to 12.00pm at Ballymena Methodist Hall.

Belfast

Enjoy the new Downton Abbey movie in the fabulous surroundings of the Strand Arts Centre, all to raise vital funds for Almost Home Animal Rescue this Saturday 14th September. 

For further 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 for news, competitions and what’s on near you.