Free tickets for the Belfast Christmas lights switch-on will be released at 10am next Tuesday 3 November.
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It feels like padel is taking over. FEAT4 is the latest addition, bringing five courts, recovery facilities and a café to Boucher Road.
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The Linen Hall wants to hear about the gigs, record shops and music that shaped your Belfast including photos and personal memories.
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Thur 29 October to Sat 7 November

Belfast Film Festival opens on Thursday with the world premiere of Lost City, produced by local filmmaker Seán Murray.

Blue Lights actor Martin McCann leads the Belfast-set drama, and director and cast members are due at Cineworld for the 7.30pm screening.

Earlier that evening, Stephen Rea will be in conversation at QFT at 5pm before receiving the festival’s Réalta Award.

There are lots more films, talks and special screenings to explore over the following days.

FIND OUT MORE →

DEATH, TRAGEDY & BETRAYAL
30 & 31 October · Clifton House
A 90-minute Halloween tour of Clifton Street Cemetery’s darker stories. Booking essential; expect uneven ground.
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THE LAST TUESDAY
Tuesday 27 October · The Commons
The second in the series. Campaigner Meg Hoyt and academic Agustina Martire discuss how to make Belfast a more caring city.
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GET PLASTERED
Thursday 29 October · Bullhouse East
A relaxed plaster-casting workshop. Press seasonal flowers and spooky decorations into clay to make your own unique wall hanging.
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LANTERN PARADE & FIREWORKS
Thursday 29 Oct · Falls Road to Falls Park
Féile’s lantern parade travels along the Falls Road, finishing with fireworks in Falls Park. Check the latest route details.
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KEEPING THE LINES OPEN
28 October to 27 November · The Linen Hall
Photographs, posters and letters tell the story of the Peace Trains between Belfast and Dublin from 1989 to 1995.
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The team behind The Garrick with a new spot next door. The Side Bar is open all-day, with breakfast and coffee in the morning, food later on and local artwork inside.
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Ryan’s offers 2 courses for £15 all week with good options for starters, main courses & desserts.
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TAKKUUK: An Immersive Arctic Experience
28–31 October · Studio Ulster · FREE
Belfast electronic duo BICEP collaborate with Indigenous artists for a stunning audiovisual experience blending electronic music, Arctic landscapes and storytelling.

FIND OUT MORE →

GURRIERS
Wednesday 28 October · Ulster Hall
Dublin five-piece Gurriers bring their Nobody’s Coming to Save You tour to Belfast.
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THIS IS HALLOWEEN. EMO NITE!
Saturday 31 October · The Parlour
A Halloween night packed with emo, pop-punk, rock and alternative anthems.
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IRISH TRAD MUSIC
Follow Belfast Session Guide for a listing of traditional Irish music sessions across Belfast.

Last week we shared our free Belfast Half-Term Guide, bringing together Halloween fun, family activities and days out that won't cost a penny. There are still plenty of ideas to enjoy this week.

26 October–1 November | Belfast City Centre
Nine giant inflatable monsters are taking over Belfast's rooftops and streets! Follow the free Monster Trail, visit the Pumpkin Patch at City Hall, or enjoy free crafts, storytelling, face painting and disco at 2 Royal Avenue.
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Tuesday 27 October, 3–5pm · Pigment Space
Free mask-making and Halloween crafts with Open Ormeau and Pigment Space.
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Friday 30 October · Across the City

Belfast’s monthly social cycle has a Halloween edition, with fancy dress encouraged. It’s a group ride rather than a race and participants should be comfortable cycling after dark.
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Tuesday 27 October · City Centre
A free guided walk exploring mill workers, campaigners and women who shaped Belfast. Booking recommended.
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RSPB Window on Wildlife
Look for migrating birds from the reserve’s hides.
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The incredible starling murmurations over Albert Bridge are one of Belfast’s natural wonders. This takes place around dusk as starlings gather before settling down to roost beneath the bridge.

Belfast almost lost this spectacle when the flock dwindled dramatically around the winter of 2020–21, likely due to new lighting near the bridge. Following efforts by local conservation group Wild Belfast and changes to reduce light pollution, thousands of starlings returned in November 2023.

Now, as autumn turns to winter, their evening performances are beginning again. If you're passing Albert Bridge around sunset over the coming months, look up.

Feel free to tag us in any photos and videos you take!

The story behind their return:
Read the fascinating account from Wild Belfast

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COMING SOON

5–15 NOV
🎵 Sound of Belfast
Venues across Belfast
Gigs and conversations celebrating local music

10–11 NOV
🎥 Belfast Media Festival
The MAC
Free registration

14 NOV
✨ Christmas Lights Switch-On
Belfast City Hall
Free tickets released 3 November.

14 NOV–22 DEC
🎄 Belfast Christmas Market
City Hall grounds
Festive stalls return to the gardens

24–25 NOV
🛍️ Christmas Twilight Market
St George’s Market
Evening shopping with local makers

27–28 NOV
🏒 Friendship Four
The O2 Belfast
College ice hockey returns for Thanksgiving

A different view of the city, captured by local photographers.

Thanks to Aidan McManus Photography for this photo of Samson & Goliath filling ‘The Gap’ between Belfast Met and Arc Apartments on the Maritime Mile. 

Follow Aidan on Facebook and Instagram.

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