Free, Cheap and Fun Things To Do This Weekend 18th – 19th August 2018
We’re lucky to live in this part of the world! For there’s always something to do, and all so close to you! Nowhere in Northern Ireland is more than an hour or two away, so it’s perfect for a day away, or even an overnight stay.
Our map makes it easy to plan the perfect weekend for you and your family or friends. This weekend, you could be sampling local delicacies at speciality food fairs, Walking for Waiting for Godot through the Marble Arch Caves, dancing to a super trance DJ duo, Waking the Giant Finn, or watching 80ft high uni-cycling fire jugglers!
Another way to help keep the purse strings in check is Power NI Perks*. Sign up for free and when you shop with participating brands you’ll get money off! Brands include Pizza Express and Primark, Amazon and Asos, Currys PC World and Café Nero - and literally 100s more!
Check in each week and let us help you better power your weekends.
1. CARIBBEAN SOCIAL AT WRITERS SQUARE
Sunday 19th August, 12pm – 3pm
Writers Square, Belfast
FREE
Fresh from the Notting Hill Carnival, its steel drum maestros, Tropical Heatwave!
While the temperatures may not reach those in the Caribbean, you’ll find everything else to make your afternoon sing; with reggae music, dance, DJs, kids workshops, Caribbean street food and all the feel-good you can handle.
Join in and chill out.
2. THE GREAT BELFAST BUSK OFF
Saturday 18th August, 1pm - 5pm
Various Belfast locations
FREE for Spectators
The streets of Belfast City will become centre stage for some brilliant buskers.
Up for grabs is recording time in a local studio, a run of 100 CDs and music vouchers, so anyone who fancies their chances should brush up on their busking act and get involved.
Spectators are in for a real treat with the sounds of music filling the air.
3. CUSTOM HOUSE SQUARE FESTIVAL
Saturday 18th August, 6pm
Custom House Square, Belfast
From £33
This Saturday dig out your gig gear.
For electro dance trance Ministry of Sound veterans, DJ duo Sasha & John Digweed, are headlining at CHSq, supported by Nic Fanciulli and Psycatron in the biggest and best Custom House Square Festival yet!
We defy you to stand still.
4. MID AND EAST ANTRIM FLOWER SHOW & SUMMER FAIR
Saturday 18th August, 1pm - 4pm
Larne Market Yard
FREE
It’s a floral festival of magnificent proportions!
With live music, street theatre, flower arranging lessons, arts and crafts, fairground attractions, activities and an awards ceremony for Best Arrangement, Best Grow Your Own, Best Potted Plant, Best Junior Category, Best Monster Vegetable!
Best not miss out on this blooming marvelous, gloriously green-fingered fair.
5. CLANDEBOYE FESTIVAL – CAMERATA IRELAND
17th – 25th August
Clandeboye Estate
£10-£27
Oh Vienna! What a beautiful tribute to the world’s most famous composers.
Brought to you by Artistic Director Barry Douglas and a whole cast of world-class classical musicians, including Ruth Gibson and Michael D’Arcy, this weekend’s recitals include Beethoven and Brahms, Debussy and Shubert, all complimented by young musicians and designers showcasing their creativity.
The Young Musician of the Future concert is a great way to spot fresh talent.
6. PANASONIC ROADSHOW AT MOUNT STEWART
Saturday 18th August, 10am - 4pm
Mount Stewart
FREE Event, Normal admission applies
Want to know how to capture that perfect photograph? Snap!
Meet the experts as they guide you on a walk around the stunning grounds of Mount Stewart, showing you tricks of the trade and giving you a heads up on how to get that ‘wow’ shot. Try out professional cameras, have your portrait taken and quiz the pros.
Now, ready for your close up?
7. JIM & DR NICK ON THE PROM
Saturday 18th August, 1pm & 2.30pm
Newcastle Promenade
FREE
Bring your sense of adventure to this seaside town in County Down!
See two of Ireland’s top street entertainers couple up and combine circus skills with slapstick comedy featuring juggling, uni-cycling, fire juggling and ladder balancing in a routine designed to delight audiences young and old!
Juggling fire on 8-foot uni-cycles? Stand well back!
8. WAKE THE GIANT FESTIVAL
18th & 19th August, from 12pm
Warrenpoint, Newry
FREE
Shhhh! There’s a sleeping giant about to stir in Warrenpoint this weekend!
Join in the gigantic fun as a new story unfolds around Finn the Giant with the help of artists, craftspeople and the audience! With plenty to do for the kids, a fab food village, street parties, music, song and dance it’s big fun for all.
And you’ll be helping to keep the legend of Finn alive.
9. MOIRA SPECIALITY FOOD FAIR
Saturday 18th August
Moira Demesne
FREE
Your senses will be working overtime at this sumptuous specialty gathering.
A whole host of award winning local artisan producers will set up stalls inviting you to try and buy everything from cakes to condiments, charcuterie to chutney! Krazi Baker, Burren Balsamics and Ruby Blue Spirits will be there to name a few.
With hands-on workshops for adults and kids it’s a truly satisfying day out.
10. JOHN MULHOLLAND MOTORS ULSTER RALLY
Friday 17th & Saturday 18th August
Antrim and Newtownabbey
FREE
On your marks, Set, Go… to Antrim this weekend!
The stunning grounds of Antrim Castle Gardens will be the start and finish line for the ultimate Ulster Rally. See the Rally stars and their cars up close (even if it’s a fleeting glance due the high speeds!) on over 100 miles of the ‘best’ closed road stages in the British Isles.
It’s the main event in motorsport!
11. MUSSENDEN TEMPLE MUSIC SUNDAYS
Sunday 19th August, 12pm - 3pm
Downhill Demense, Castlerock
FREE event, normal admission applies
This is what Sunday afternoons were made for!
Enjoy a gentle stroll in one of the most picturesque spots in Northern Ireland, and listen to the soothing sounds of local musical talent along the way. Stop and take it all in - the music, the magnificent view, the majestic temple.
Yep, this is something special alright.
12. CAUSEWAY COAST TRUCK FEST 2018
Sunday 19th August
Portstewart
FREE
Ready for a big old convoy?
Catch the cavalcade of over 300 trucks as they ride the famous North West 200 track in search of that Top Truck and Top Truck Fleet Title 2018. Visit the craft village, taste lashings of glorious local food and enjoy live music and entertainment.
The whole family can keep on truckin’ all day long!
13. ROE VALLEY SPECIALITY MARKET & NATURALLY NORTH COAST AND GLENS MARKET AT BENONE
Sunday 19th August
Benone, Limavady
FREE
Indulge in something a little different.
This area of outstanding natural beauty provides the perfect inspiration for local artists, craftspeople and connoisseurs to create something very special. With live music, gourmet food and a wonderful atmosphere, it’s a great way to spend a day.
Talk to the talented artists and take home specialties, and memories.
14. FOYLE PRIDE FESTIVAL
18th – 26th August
Derry-Londonderry
FREE & £
Celebrate with pride as this weekend launches the 25th Foyle Pride Festival.
Street parties and parades, theme nights and theatre, Rock for Pride music event, and this Sunday 19th August, a play entitled ‘Human’ at the Derry Play House, based on interviews with the LGBTQI+ Community.
All culminating next weekend with a rainbow parade thought the city!
15. 6TH HAPPY DAYS: INTERNATIONAL BECKETT FESTIVAL
1st – 19th August
Enniskillen
£15
Become part of the performance in a theatre like no other.
As part of the Beckett Celebrations this weekend, you are invited to join Purgatorio: Walking for Waiting For Godot at none other than the magnificent Marble Arch Caves UESCO Global Geopark.
Literary genius, exceptional setting, unique experience? Happy Days!
Polite Disclaimer from Power NI:
Every care has been taken to portray event information as accurately as possible. If there are any mistakes or if we’ve missed anything, please drop us a line and we’ll put it right.
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