Featured Events in Belfast in May, 2025 (July Updated)

Improv is the art of spontaneously performing comedy and theatre without a script. Works in Progress was conceived as an antidote to writer’s block, a space in which anyone can have fun making up characters, scenes and stories in an encouraging environment. This session runs in the Wolfson Lecture Theatre at the Seamus Heaney Centre from 4-6pm. It will be a mixture of classic short form games (think Whose Line Is It Anyway) and long form montage performances. No performance experience is required, and there is no pressure to perform; you are welcome just to watch. Information Source: School of Arts, English and Languages | eventbrite

The Belfast City Marathon is one of the leading marathon events in the UK and Ireland, with a marathon walk, relay and wheelchair races also taking place. The race route covers all areas of Belfast and has strong support from local residents.

Nikola Arkane Belfast born Nikola has captivated audiences and viewers across the world with a unique, fresh and theatrical style of magic. She has performed in The Magic Castle, on Penn and Tellers’ Fool U and Sweden’s Got Talent as well as many famous venues around the world. Nikola picked up the 2023 International Slaight Rising Star Award in Canada and the Grand Prix Stage Award at the Swedish Championships in Magic where she came 1st in General and Parlour Magic. Tom Stone Tom Stone, from Stockholm, Sweden, has been a full-time magician for 34 years, since September 1990. As an innovator and expert in the field, Tom has written many books and articles about the art of conjuring, consulted for theatre and TV, lectured all over the world, and been the main instructor at advanced further educations in magic. He has been nominated for three FISM Special Awards and is the recipient of the 2015 Creative Fellowship Award. Romany As the ‘Diva of Magic’, Romany is the first and only woman to be named The Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year, the only British winner of the prestigious Las Vegas World Magic Awards, and a member of the exclusive inner circle of The Magic Circle. She has performed on Penn and Teller’s Fool Us and by personal invite for King Charles Fay Presto As well as being the Ulster Society of Magicians’ President, Fay Presto is arguably Britain's premier close-up magician. Voted The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year 2012 and a former Tatler 'Party Entertainer of the Year' Fay has been personally requested to entertain the late HM The Queen on no less than six occasions, as well as performing for every other senior member of the Royal family. A Gold Star Member of The Inner Magic Circle, her powerful personality-based magic and ability to connect with an audience has set a standard within the magic industry. Quentin Reynolds Over the past 40 years, Quentin Reynolds has probably performed more kids shows in the United Kingdom than any other magician. Accomplished in children’s magic, cabaret magic, mentalism and close-up. He is known by magicians around the world for his brilliant approach to Children’s Magic and is the current President of The Society of Irish Magicians. Information Source: The Ulster Society of Magicians | eventbrite

Luke Skywalker wiles away his youth sipping blue milk and farming moisture for his Aunt and Uncle on the desert planet of Tatooine - but a chance encounter with a precocious droid hurls Luke into battle against the evil Galactic Empire. Will he rescue the beautiful princess? What will become of his Uncle and Aunt and their moisture farming business? The cast at Belfast Improv take on a sci-fi classic and add a comedic spin to it. All songs will be improvised in the moment, with musical accompaniment throughout the show. .................................. Doors at 6.30pm Show starts at 7pm and ends at 9pm, with a 15 minute intermission. Information Source: Belfast Improv | eventbrite

All classes focus on progression through the coloured circuits and difficulties, building a strong technical, physical and mental base. Fundamental skills in climbing - footwork, movement, technique, strength, power and endurance and routereading will all be covered. Whether you are wanting to to beat that plateau, get back into it after a break or an injury, get a better understanding and confidence to use the centre and make this your hobby or meet some freinds to climb with ... these clases are for you :) All courses run for 3 consecutive weeks from the start date listed on the event. Sundays are Beginner / Intermediate Level (Blue - Yellow climbs) Mondays are Beginner / Intermediate Level (Blue - Yellow climbs) Tuesday's are Intermediate / Advanced Level (Yellow - Red Climbs) Thursdays are Intermediate / Advanced Level (Yellow - Red climbs) £20 for those with pre paid entry (DD, annual, 30 day pass, 10 visit pass) - please use promo code BWBMEMBER to discount the amout at checkout. £50 for regular PAYG members (entry for the night is included) Information Source: Lucy Mitchell (BoulderWorld Belfast) | eventbrite

Welcome to The Angels' Share Whiskey Tasting @ The Sunflower ! Join us on Tue, May 06, 2025 at 7:30 PM at the amazing Sunflower Public House for an evening filled with whiskey, great craic and new friends. The Angels' Share is a whiskey club for all women and non-binary lovelies and whether you already love whiskey or are curious to find out more, we would love to welcome you. This tasting will feature 4 drinks and this month we will be going all EUROVISION. So don your best sequins (strongly encouraged), get those scoring cards out, and lets chat whiskey! Our tastings are generally all blind tastings (you don't know what the whiskey is before the event - just the theme). We think that helps you explore the whiskey fully and lower those preconceptions. If you are unsure or have any questions, please do contact Annie at angelssharebelfast@gmail.com - I'd love to chat to you. If you are interested in a collaboration, please do get in touch. Please give us a follow here on Eventbrite and on Instagram for news on future events This event is for all women and non binary people - but its only open to over18's . Thanks to The Taylored Collective for our recent photo shoot at the Angel and Two Bibles, which features as our cover image this month. Other images by Jo Hanley from the Modern Face of Whisky library. The Modern Face of Whisky is a free stock photo library. Led by Our Whisky Founcation it is designed to challenge gender bias and improve the diversity of whisky drinkers portrayed in the media. Find out more at https://www.ourwhiskyfoundation.org/projects/the-modern-face-of-whisky Information Source: The Angels' Share, Belfast | eventbrite

Join us for an exciting evening with Oz Sercan Vatansever, the Head Sommelier of Michelin-starred Ox restaurant in Belfast. Oz will guide as through a wine tasting of pre-phylloxera wines, and offer insights behind each sip. The tasting will be held at the Ramada Wyndham, Belfast City Centre at 8:00 pm, 6 May 2025. Limited spots available, book your ticket now! Information Source: Northern Ireland Wine & Spirit Institute | eventbrite

The Paediatric Emergencies Intubation Course is truly multidisciplinary, attracting healthcare professionals of all levels of experience and from a wide range of specialties, providing an excellent opportunity to learn from each other. To complement the course we have produced a  course manual  and a growing  intubation video library , both of which are freely available online. We hope this will allow participants the opportunity to enjoy the course without the need to take notes and will also provide a method for those who can’t attend the course to also further their knowledge, no matter where in the world they are. If you are anyway involved in the intubation of babies or children, no matter how small the role is, we would love to have you on the course and we look forward to meeting you soon. For more details visit  https://www.paediatricemergencies.com/intubationcourse/ Information Source: ITDCS Ltd | eventbrite

Once upon a time, Irish monks, or some would say Saint Patrick himself, invented an elixir which was held in such reverence that it merited the name ‘usice beatha’ – nothing less than the water of life. The truth, while a lot less fanciful, is a lot more interesting. For a start, we know that the Irish didn’t invent whiskey – neither did the Scots, but the Irish perfected it! Join us on the first Wednesday of every month, where you'll get to taste four whiskeys and hear the story of the guest distillery’s colourful history. Hosted in our rooftop venue Angel And Two Bibles, each month we will have a special guest from some of the island's best known and some not so well distilleries. £20 per ticket | Includes 4 whiskeys and nibbles after event Information Source: The Deer's Head | eventbrite

Raymond is a Professor of Human Computer Systems at Ulster University, and has research interests in digital health, medical informatics and human-computer interaction. Specific interests include: 1) healthcare data science and machine learning, 2) the design and evaluation of digital health interventions (e.g. health apps and chatbots) and 3) clinical decision making with artificial intelligence. Raymond continues to work with a series of companies including Stryker (Heartsine), Inspire Wellbeing, Chroma Lighting, Action Mental Health, ARC Regulatory, ORCHA, Kainos, PulseAI and others. Raymond is a visiting professor at Keele University. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and is an Ulster Distinguished Research Fellow. He currently lectures on topics related to data science, machine learning and AI. He has co-authored over 500 research outputs and has supervised around 20 PhD researchers to their final viva. On estimation, he has been a grant holder on research projects to the value of around £15M to Ulster. Raymond is a board member of the European Association of Cognitive Ergonomics and is a directing board member for the International Society for Computerized Electrocardiology. Within Northern Ireland, he is a Member of the DHCNI Digital Capacity and Capability Board and the Northern Ireland Trusted Research Environment (NITRE) Strategic Board (2024) as well as the Medical Imaging Board AI sub-group. Raymond has chaired a number of international conferences, including 1) the International BCS Human Computer Interaction conference, 2) the Annual Conference of the International Society for Computerised Electrocardiology, 3) the Annual European Conference of Cognitive Ergonomics and 4) the International Conference of Digital Mental Health and Wellbeing which he co-founded. Another part of Raymond likes sitting on the sofa, watching football, eating popcorn, drinking coffee and being with his family. https://pure.ulster.ac.uk/en/persons/raymond-bond https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=WN5qJ-EAAAAJ&hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymond-bond-44904712/ https://www.ulster.ac.uk/staff/rb-bond Information Source: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment | eventbrite

Belfast Playwrights presents Play Club - monthly play readings of local scripts by professional actors. Our first script - As We Drift by Heather Martin. A great way to hear new work and build connections. Free to attend, though donations are welcome as we strive to pay the playwrights and the actors for their time. Information Source: Belfast Playwrights | eventbrite

Belfast Playwrights presents Play Club - monthly play readings of local scripts by professional actors. Our first script - As We Drift by Heather Martin. A great way to hear new work and build connections. Free to attend, though donations are welcome as we strive to pay the playwrights and the actors for their time. Information Source: Belfast Playwrights | eventbrite

Frederick Hervey, the ‘Earl Bishop’, was one of the most extraordinary characters of the eighteenth century. In this talk, Peter Fox, who has recently published an edition of the Earl Bishop’s correspondence, will discuss the Bishop’s passion for building in his diocese of Derry, especially his two grand houses, Downhill and Ballyscullion, as seen through the prism of his letters and those of his architects. Members: £12 Non-members: £15. Students: £6 Light Refreshments: 6.30 – 7pm. Lecture to start promptly at 7pm . The Old Museum Building, 7 College Square North, Belfast BT1 6AR Please note that due to the historic nature of The Old Museum Building, access is via a flight of stone steps. We regret that it is currently unsuitable for wheelchair users. Information Source: Ulster Architectural Heritage | eventbrite

NIMO is partnering with CASC to support Karl Crockard as he takes on the "26 Mountains to Mayo" Challenge to raise money for the Cancer Fund for Children ! A team of business leaders will climb the highest peak in all of Northern Ireland & Ireland's 32 counties in just 9 days. Funds raised through this challenge and this event will directly support the services offered by the Cancer Fund for Children, ensuring that no child faces cancer alone. Your support will help provide: Emotional Support : Counselling and therapeutic services for families. Practical Assistance : Resources to manage the challenges of treatment and care. Respite Breaks : Opportunities for families to recharge and reconnect. We hope you'll join us for a night of quizzing and fun at Seaton's of Sailortown to support Karl! The night will include a: Pub Quiz Food & Drinks Raffle The Cancer Fund for Children is a local charity in Northern Ireland & Ireland and your support will make a huge difference. Information Source: NI Maritime & Offshore | eventbrite

Belfast's illustrator meet-up 'Illustrators North' play host to a live talk featuring award-winning illustrator and author Barry Falls . Our conversation will explore Barry’s career, diving deep into his failures and successes to see what it takes to build a successful career in commercial illustration and children’s publishing. Following the talk, we will have time to ask questions, mingle, and connect. Join us for this riveting conversation upstairs at The American Bar (Belfast BT15 1LF) on Thursday 8th of May, 7pm onwards. Barry Falls is an award-winning illustrator and author from Northern Ireland. His illustrations have been commissioned by, amongst others, The New York Times, The Guardian, Netflix, and Unicef. As well as editorial, corporate and advertising work, he has written and illustrated several children's books, which have been translated into many languages worldwide. About Illustrators North: Illustrators North has a vision to build a community of thriving illustrators in Northern Ireland, via events and meet-ups and more! As with all our AOI supported meet-ups, they are open to all illustrators, at any stage in their career – including students. Hosted by Ashwin Chacko and Clive McFarland . Accessibility: The AOI would like to make events accessible to all, where possible. Please let us know your access requirements at least one week in advance by emailing info@theaoi.com Information Source: The AOI | eventbrite

Belfast's illustrator meet-up 'Illustrators North' play host to a live talk featuring award-winning illustrator and author Barry Falls. Our conversation will explore Barry’s career, diving deep into his failures and successes to see what it takes to build a successful career in commercial illustration and children’s publishing. Following the talk, we will have time to ask questions, mingle, and connect. Join us for this riveting conversation upstairs at The American Bar (Belfast BT15 1LF) on Thursday 8th of May, 7pm onwards. Barry Falls is an award-winning illustrator and author from Northern Ireland. His illustrations have been commissioned by, amongst others, The New York Times, The Guardian, Netflix, and Unicef. As well as editorial, corporate and advertising work, he has written and illustrated several children's books, which have been translated into many languages worldwide. About Illustrators North: Illustrators North has a vision to build a community of thriving illustrators in Northern Ireland, via events and meet-ups and more! As with all our AOI supported meet-ups, they are open to all illustrators, at any stage in their career – including students. Hosted by Ashwin Chacko and Clive McFarland. Accessibility: The AOI would like to make events accessible to all, where possible. Please let us know your access requirements at least one week in advance by emailing info@theaoi.com Information Source: The AOI | eventbrite

Belfast City Council Good Relations Workshop In-Person Come join us at the Belfast City Council for a Good Relations Workshop that will inform and influence the city's new good relations strategy and action plan. Your input will really matter and help make the new strategy as good as it can be. See you there! Please note venue is Council offices via Adelaide Street. Information Source: Peter Osborne | eventbrite

Becky McNeice 'Popular Loner' EP Launch Come join us at Happys Belfast for the EP launch of the talented Becky McNeice! Get ready for a night filled with amazing music, good vibes, and great company. Becky will be performing songs from her latest EP 'Popular Loner' live on stage. Don't miss out on this incredible event - mark your calendars and be there to support Becky on this special night! Information Source: Alayex | eventbrite

Join forager, folklorist and bird lover Aoife de Bhál for an early morning walk around Lagan Meadows to enjoy the spectacle of the dawn chorus. At this time of year, birds from our own island are joined by birds from all over the world and the air is filled with a symphony of birdsong. Learn to pick out a robin’s melody from a blackcap’s trill, as well as the Irish names and folk stories that these birds have inspired for generations. This is a bilingual event with no experience of Irish needed. Suitable for adults and families with children over 12 years old. Please dress appropriately for the weather as the event is outside. ** Bígí le soláthraí agus béalaideasóir Aoife de Bhál ar shiúilóid go moch ar maidin le taitneamh a bhaint as ceiliúr na camhaoire. Ag an am seo den bhliain tagann na héin dhúchasacha le chéile le héin ó fud an domhain agus bíonn séis de cheol na n-éan le chloisteáil san aer. Foghlaim an dóigh le fonn na spideoige a aithint ó scol an chaipín dhubh, chomh maith le hainmneacha Gaeilge na n-éan agus na scéalta a spreag siad leis na glúnta. Information Source: Fálróid | eventbrite

Starting with a beginners friendly Vinyasa Practice which will last one hour.Then we will dive into the wine world where we will chat about wine styles, winemaking, food and wine pairing and taste some nice exaples of wines from different regions. Information Source: eventbrite

"Equality - It is new-strung and shall be heard" Join public historians Sean Napier & Colm Dore on their epic 1798 journey through Belfasts hidden and illustrious past. Its inspiration was a young Dublin Barrister, Theobald Wolfe Tone, who was invited to Belfast by Presbyterian radical republicans after publishing a pamphlet titled 'An Argument on Behalf of the Catholics of Ireland' In Belfast, Tone, Henry Joy McCracken, Thomas Russell and Samuel Neilson drafted the three resolutions of the United Irishmen that were to guide republicans for the next two centuries. The political thinking of Tone and his associates was strongly influenced by the democratic principles of the French revolutionary ideals of “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” and it was natural that they should turn to France for help. Belfast was known as "The Athens of The North" due to its radical thinking on 'enlightnement ideas' Its newspaper 'The Northern Star' would become the most popular across Ireland espousing these ideas. Thomas Paine's, 'The Rights of Man' was described as the 'Koran of Belfast'...what a time to alive in 1790's Belfast! Revolution was in the air! Information Source: Sean Napier | eventbrite

Join forager, folklorist and bird lover Aoife de Bhál for an early morning walk around Belvoir Forest Park to enjoy the spectacle of the dawn chorus. At this time of year, birds from our own island are joined by birds from all over the world and the air is filled with a symphony of birdsong. Learn to pick out a robin’s melody from a blackcap’s trill, as well as the Irish names and folk stories that these birds have inspired for generations. This is a bilingual event with no experience of Irish needed. Suitable for adults and families with children over 12 years old. Please dress appropriately for the weather as the event is outside. ** Bígí le soláthraí agus béalaideasóir Aoife de Bhál ar shiúilóid go moch ar maidin le taitneamh a bhaint as ceiliúr na camhaoire. Ag an am seo den bhliain tagann na héin dhúchasacha le chéile le héin ó fud an domhain agus bíonn séis de cheol na n-éan le chloisteáil san aer. Foghlaim an dóigh le fonn na spideoige a aithint ó scol an chaipín dhubh, chomh maith le hainmneacha Gaeilge na n-éan agus na scéalta a spreag siad leis na glúnta. Information Source: Fálróid | eventbrite

The Spitfires are a British band known for their high-energy performances, sharp melodies, and dynamic sound. Originally formed in 2012, the group quickly gained a reputation for their distinctive style, combining punchy guitar riffs, infectious rhythms, and socially conscious lyrics. Their early releases caught the attention of both critics and fans, earning them a loyal following across the UK, Europe and beyond. Over the years, The Spitfires released a series of well-received albums - Response (2015), A Thousand Times (2016), Year Zero (2018), Life Worth Living (2020) and Play For Today (2022) . The band toured extensively, building a reputation for their electrifying live shows and ability to connect with audiences through their raw, honest music. Their songs have always reflected a deep connection to the themes of personal and social change, often exploring the complexities of modern life. After a decade of working together, the original line-up announced they were to split up in 2022, bowing out at their final performance at a sold out Electric Ballroom, London in February of that year. But the band’s story is far from over. In 2025, The Spitfires will be reforming with an exciting new line-up, ready to share fresh material with fans old and new. With a renewed sense of purpose and a bold new direction, the band is poised to make their return with a sound that promises to be just as powerful and relevant as ever. Information Source: eventbrite

Big News Fan Zone and After Party Powered by Cloudbet On Saturday 10th May , we’re running two events on the day of PFL Belfast, and your ticket gets you into both. First up at 3 pm is the Big News Fight Zone at Lux , with live music from Two Degrees , set to build the atmosphere before heading to the SSE Arena. Every ticket includes entry to a giveaway — 5 winners will each receive 2 tickets to PFL Belfast . Then after the fights, we’re heading to the Big News After Party at Common Market , with a DJ and the perfect way to close out the night. All proceeds go to TAMHI (Tackling Awareness of Mental Health Issues), a charity that promotes mental health and resilience in young people through sport. Ran by the Big News crew. Powered by Cloudbet. Please note - Times and other details may be subject to change, please follow @thebignewscrew on instagram for updates. Information Source: Big News Crew | eventbrite

Information Source: Problem Patterns | eventbrite

Welcome to the Voice Acting Workshop. On the 10th May 2025 the VO workshop will arrive in Bristol as part of its UK & Ireland Tour. This is an opportunity to learn all things voiceover in a fun and comfortable environment. This interactive session will offer personal feedback and advice. Whether you have always wanted to know more about the profession or perhaps you see voice work as a possible career change. We will cover everything you need to know to develop as a performer and as a business. The voiceover industry is enormous and only getting bigger. We are guided around our lives by voices and maybe one particular area of work is of interest to you? Are you an avid 'gamer', do you devour novels or perhaps you come from a medical background? Your existing skills and interests could be a great starting point to a new career (or side career) as a voiceover. The current trend in the industry is for ‘real’ voices. Voices that deliver a message or performance in an authentic way. This workshop will cover the following main areas, What is voiceover and how has the industry changed? Vocal warm up and health Recording technique and studio etiquette Performance and script analysis Home studios How to make voiceover a business Practical session with different genres of scripts Q&A Workshop Instructor - Martin Allanson has been an actor and voiceover artist for 20 years. As well as travelling the world as an actor, and having his own show on BBC Radio 4. His voice has represented brands such as Lego, Samsung, M&S amongst many others. To find out more information about Martin please visit, www.martinallanson.com Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to learn from the best in the business and take your voice acting to the next level. Sign up now and get ready to unleash your voice! Information Source: Voiceover Acting Workshops | eventbrite

ill Records presents: Babylon Dead (Taking Over Tour)— live in Belfast at Ulster Sports Club. A collaboration between UK producer Illinformed and MC Jman, Babylon Dead delivers a hard-hitting blend of politically driven lyricism and heavy, bass-focused production. This marks their debut Irish show — a rare opportunity to catch them live in an intimate setting. Support: Violentlyill (ill Records) – all-vinyl setMore support TBALimited capacity – early booking recommended. Information Source: ill Records | eventbrite

Belfast, N.Ireland – People Playbook is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of The Courtside Collective All-Star Game, set to take place in the Newforge Sports Complex, Belfast, from 6 pm until 9 pm on 10 May 2025. This exciting event, presented in memory of Janet McGaharan, who passionately supported her sons in playing this beautiful game, promises to bring together the community for an evening filled with sportsmanship, competition, and entertainment. The All-Star Game will feature two teams drafted by Captains Jordan Blount and Paul Dick in a friendly yet fiercely competitive match. In addition to the main game, attendees can look forward to a dunk and 3-point contest, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities. Building on last year's huge success, where we raised £9,000 for charity, this year's event aims to continue celebrating the sport while honouring the memory of Janet McGaharan. Her dedication to the game and unwavering support for her family and the basketball community make this tribute especially meaningful. The 2025 All-Star Game is also dedicated to raising funds for charity, continuing the spirit of giving and community support that defines the event. We are proud to have already secured commitments from marquee names in Irish basketball, including Paul Dick, Jordan Blount, and Sean Jenkins. These Irish Internationals and many more quality players are set to grace the court, ensuring an unforgettable experience for players and spectators alike. This year, we're introducing a professional live stream setup in collaboration with Infinity 21, the team behind the Belfast Giants Hockey live stream production. For those unable to attend the event in person, you can now watch from the comfort of your home via YouTube, with all proceeds going to charity. For additional information about the All-Star Game and how you can support or participate in the event, please get in touch with the People Playbook team at hello@peopleplaybook.com. Join us in making this event a fitting tribute to Janet McGaharan's memory and a celebration of the unity and talent within the Irish basketball community. Contact: Tony McGaharan, Paddy McGaharan and Niall McDermott Email: team@thecourtsidecollective.com Information Source: People Playbook | eventbrite

Join us in Kapricorn, Belfast, for a relaxing and social evening of crafting with Dominique! In this fairy making workshop you'll learn how to create your very own whimsical fairy using a variety of material. Let your creativity soar as you personalise your fairy to make it truly unique. This in-person workshop is tailored for independent adult crafters of all abilities, and please note that basic sewing is required in this workshop. All materials needed to make your fairy will be provided, including a variety of beads, felt, embroidery thread, wool and other fabric. Dominique is an experienced multi-medium crafter, with years of experience in various crafts such as knitting, crocheting, clay crafting and cross-stitching. Dominique enjoys teaching and loves sharing her knowledge and experience with others. This will be Dominique's second workshop in Kapricorn, Belfast, and we are so pleased to welcome her back. This is a small ticketed group event with max. 6 spaces. This workshop will take place on Sunday 11th May and will run from 5pm-7pm. Latest admission will be 5.10pm. This workshop is designed to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience for adults. Information Source: Kapricorn, Belfast | eventbrite

Join artist and zine maker Helen Gomez to delve into the world on zine making, with the opportunity to have your zine added to a growing archive. Information Source: NIMHAF | eventbrite