Free, Cheap and Fun Things To Do This Weekend 2-3 June 18
June is just brimming with fun things to do across Northern Ireland. In fact, there’s a whole host of exciting events taking place this very weekend!
From a continental market to a city marathon, vintage cars to quaint country craft fairs, open-air singing to a spot of pond dipping - see what takes your fancy this coming weekend and get out and about and enjoy!!
And remember, you can count on Power NI Perks to help you spend even less on 100s of big brands. Save on everything from sun cream to BBQ food and picnic hampers to barbecues and perk up your weekend!
This handy map will give you a flavour of what’s on offer each weekend to help you better plan and power your weekend - from all at Power NI.
1. COOKSTOWN CONTINENTAL MARKET
- Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd June
- Cookstown
- FREE
Cookstown is cooking up a world of summer foods, crafts and entertainment from around the globe.
Set off for this 2 day festival and you won’t be disappointed. Over 40 international traders will set up stall to serve you the finest German beers, delicious Indian delicacies, irresistible Russian fayre and much more!
With a Kid’s Zone and a Lego Workshop, it’s a fab way to spend a family day out.
2. MID ULSTER VINTAGE RALLY
- Saturday 2nd June
- Springhill, Moneymore, 12 – 5pm
- ADULTS £5, CHILDREN £2, MEMBERS FREE
Gear up for a great day out!
Join the procession of vintage vehicles in what has become the largest rally of its kind in Mid Ulster.
Expect to see hundreds of vehicles, vans, items of machinery, all in one place.
3. SPRING FAIR CRUMLIN
- Saturday 2nd June, 12-6pm
- Ballance House, Glenavy
- Adults £3, UNDER 14 - £1, Under 5 FREE
Anyone for a spot of gumboot throwing?
How about a Kiwi Sausage Sizzle? Or a local speed stacker display? With guided tours of beautiful Ballance House, the Ulster-New Zealand Exhibition in full swing and lots of family fun events, it’s the perfect ‘balance’ for a fun day out.
Hopefully the weather will hold for this exquisite Spring Fair.
4. WALK THE GLENS FESTIVAL
- Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd June
- Glenariff, Cushendall & Cushendun
- £3-£10
This is not your average walking event.
Don your hiking boots and ramble through some of the world’s most stunning scenery, whilst learning the area’s history, and all the stories that make these Glens so special.
There are various levels of walks you can participate in, so everyone can get involved.
5. THE BIG LUNCH
- Sunday 3rd June, 11am – 3pm
- Belfast Castle & Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park
- FREE
Hungry for fun? Two glorious venues celebrate The Big Lunch, an initiative created to bring people together.
At Belfast Castle there’s Babcock & Bobbin street entertainers, a BBQ, bouncy castles and climbing wall.
At Lady Dixon’s, you can help Little Bo Peep find her sheep, with fairy tale nature trails, music and more.
6. POND DIPPING WEEKEND
- Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd June, 1-4pm
- Castle Espie
- £ ENTRY FEE, MEMBERS FREE
Discover diving beetles, water boatmen and much more!
Ever wondered what life is like in our ponds? Here’s your chance to roll up your sleeves and ‘dive in’ with a state of the art aqua tank and underwater camera getting you up close and personal to some sea creatures.
This second mega pond dip of this year will excite all ages.
7. WALLED CITY MARATHON
- Sunday 3rd June, 8.30am
- Derry/Londonderry
- FREE TO SPECTATORS
Whether competing or standing on the side lines cheering…
The atmosphere will be electric as fitness gurus take on the 26.2-mile course, setting off from the Everglades Hotel and meandering around some of the Walled City’s most famous sights.
Or there’s the more manageable 10k or 10-mile challenge, and a mile run for little ones.
8. BALLYMONEY SHOW
- Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd June,
- Ballymoney
- FREE
This traditional show is a celebration of all things agricultural.
Enjoy 2 jam-packed and fun-filled days of equestrian events, dog shows, live music, the obligatory tug of war tournament and over 100 stalls selling everything from local food, crafts and agri-goods.
You can bet that this event is Best in Show.
9. CAUSEWAY COAST FORD FAIR
- Sunday 3rd June
- West Starnd, Portrush
- FREE
See the story of Ford Motor Company played out on Portrush’s West Strand.
From vintage to classic to saloons to supercars, the Ford fleet is centre stage as it takes spectators on a journey through its history in this 14th Annual Causeway Coast Ford Fair, sponsored by TrustFord.
A food village, kid’s entertainment and car-themed merchandise make it a great day out for everyone.
10. MUSIC IN THE PARKS
- 2nd & 3rd June
- Belfast
- FREE
Join a celebration of music in a park near you!
Every weekend from now until the Festival of Champions Grand Finale Band Concert in September, distinguished brass, accordion, flute and pipe bands will perform in parks across the province.
Show your support by packing a picnic and tapping your foot!
11. COCKLE ROW COTTAGES
- Every Saturday & Sunday in June, 2-4pm
- Groomsport
- FREE
It’s family fun how it should be!
Good old-fashioned get-togethers where families can spend quality time together. With activities such as face painting, animal road shows, crafts and science shows everyone will enjoy a little something.
For free fun for all, Cockle Row is the place to go!
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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Dates for your Diary
Pencil these dates into your diary so you can plan a fun-packed weekend in the weeks and months ahead:
BELFAST BOOK FESTIVAL
6-16 June
Literary luvvies will literally love this opportunity to come together and compare notes.
https://belfastbookfestival.com/
MAGHERAFELT MAKERS’ MARKET
9 June
Jewellers, potters, bakers and textilers take over The Bridewell to showcase their talents.
http://www.midulstercouncil.org/Things-To-Do/What-s-On/Magherafelt-Makers-Market
A TASTE OF CULTURE
9 June
The Ulster American Folk Park invites you to sample various cultures through food, crafts, and fun activities.
https://www.nmni.com/whats-on/a-taste-of-culture
SEA BANGOR FESTIVAL
9 June
Live music, food stalls, street entertainment, all aboard for Bangor’s biggest and best maritime festival yet.
https://www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/events/sea-bangor-festival
BELFAST PHOTO FESTIVAL
7-30 June
Smile! This is one of the top ten photography festivals in the world with master classes, workshops, exhibitions and inspiration.
https://www.belfastphotofestival.com/
UK PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS
16 June 10am-6pm
Stormont Estate
Dance to the beat of the pipes and drums at this free event, with food refreshments and majestic music.
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events/Event-89320.aspx
VESPA WORLD DAYS
14-17 June
Belfast
Take a ride through Northern Ireland’s history from Vespa Village is this unforgettable 4-day event.
www.vespaworlddays2018.co.uk/
JAZZ IN MOUNT STEWART
24 June
Pack a picnic and laze on the lawns to the sounds of soothing jazz. What better way to spend a summer’s day?
https://www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/events/jazz-in-mount-stewart-gardens
BELFAST CITY BLUES FESTIVAL
29 June & 1 July
Buckle up for some of the finest local and international Blues artists celebrating the 10th anniversary of this amazing festival.
www.belfastcityblues.com
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES AT CROM
1 July
Bring the family for a fun-filled afternoon amidst the wonder and wildlife at Crom Estate. Enjoy crafts, bug hunts, woodland trails and more.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/a1b756c8-2837-41a7-b861-0e752ea4a3e6/pages/details
FOYLE MARITIME FESTIVAL
14 & 15 July
Ahoy me hearties! Set sail to the Maiden City for this massive Maritime festival - all aboard shipmates!
http://www.derrystrabane.com/Things-To-Do/Whats-On/Foyle-Maritime-Festival-(1)
INTERNATIONAL ROSE WEEK
21 & 22 July
Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park
Wake up and smell the roses at the enchanting and aromatic Rose Week with music and entertainment for all the family.
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events/Event-90475.aspx
BELFAST PRIDE
28 & 29 July
Get set for a kaleidoscope of colour, a rainbow of fun and a party parade though the streets of Belfast!
www.belfastpride.com
THE EASTSIDE STREET PARTY
4 August
Belfast
Everyone’s invited to CS Lewis Square for storytelling, music, workshops, crafts, dance and more!
https://www.eastsidearts.net/
FEILE 30
2 - 12 August
Belfast & beyond
Celebrate the 30th birthday of the ‘festival of the people’ with big names in music joining in the party.
www.feilebelfast.com
