What's on: 12 Events happening across Northern Ireland this week
From a Teddy Bears Picnic to Belfast Pride there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Last updated 30th Jul 2018
With the summer holidays now in full swing, it can be difficult to find activities to keep your wee ones happy. Whether you're local or visiting, there's loads going on.
Discover NI has put together a selection of exciting things taking place across Northern Ireland this week.
Belfast Pride Festival, Belfast, 27 July – 5 August
Belfast Pride is one of the biggest festivals in Belfast celebrating the LGBTQA+ community and runs over 100 events across 10 days. The week includes a range of activities from workshops to social events and much more, with the main parade held on Saturday 4 August.
Open House Festival, Bangor, 1 - 31 August
Open House Festival Bangor is a vibrant music and arts festival that runs throughout August. The eclectic programme incorporates music, film, theatre, food & drink, books, local history, talks & tours, comedy, visual art and crafting – in venues such as boats, pubs, parks, cafes, clubs, gardens and even an island.
The Wickerman Gathering 2018, Armagh, 4 August
As the Celts celebrate the festival of Lughnasa, marking the beginning of the harvest season, join the clan in their preparations for the ceremonial burning of the 30ft Wickerman. Music, dancing and face painting will all be available at this event alongside the great ceremony of burning the Wickerman.
Ulster Military Vehicle Club Show, Portrush, 4 - 5 August
This annual event gives the public the opportunity to see up close a range of historic military vehicles. The Ulster Military Vehicle Club exists to promote the restoration, preservation and display of ex-military vehicles. There will be re-enactments and display stalls alongside the exhibition.
Footsteps in the Forest, Armagh 4 - 5 August
Set in Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Footsteps in the Forest Giant Adventure is an unmissable annual weekend festival of story-telling, arts, culture, food and heritage.
Teddy Bears Picnic, Falls Park, Belfast, 5 August
The Teddy Bears Picnic will have arts and crafts, a petting farm, graffiti wall art and a few other surprises. Bring along a picnic, a blanket, your teddy and its owner. There will also be a competition for the best dressed teddy bear and owner.
Hog ‘n’ Bog Weekend 2018, Newcastle, 3 - 5 August
The Hog “n” Bog weekend will see hundreds of Harley Davidson motorbike fans descend on Newcastle, Co. Down, for the chance to ride-out through the stunning surroundings of the Mourne Mountains. This year’s event will be based at the Burrendale Hotel and will feature a custom bike show, live music and much more.
Improv Comedy Festival, Belfast, 4 - 5 August
Improv acts from as far afield as Shanghai and as close to home as Dublin will be performing their unique form of comedy over the course of five evenings at the Accidental Theatre.
Kite Festival, Castlerock, 4 - 5 August
This high-flying spectacle offers fun for all the family as a kaleidoscope of kites of all sizes take to the skies over the iconic coastal estate of Downhill Demesne. There will be award-winning kite displays, stunt kite teams, and other kite related activities, all of which will make this a weekend not to miss.
Foyle Cycling Club 3 Day Race, Derry~Londonderry, 3 - 5 August
The FCC 3 Day Race is an event designed for A1, A2, A3 and junior male riders and A1, A2 and A3 female riders with the aim to be one of the best cycling events of its kind. Over the course of the weekend the race will see some of the best riders compete on some of the hardest roads in the North West.
Ulster Rugby Family Fun Day, Belfast, 3 August
Ulster Rugby's Fun Day lets fans meet and greet members of the 2018/19 playing squad. Activities available on the day include rugby skills and tag sessions, a bouncy castle, meet and greets, a climbing wall, a petting zoo and much more.
Dog Leap Rally, Limavady, 4 August
A day of high quality motorsport entertainment, attracting top drivers and co-drivers. Visitors can experience high speed, high octane-+nd an ultimately exhilarating event, making for a fantastic day out for all the family