Free, Cheap and Fun Things To Do This Weekend 7th-8th July 2018
Holidays are no doubt on everyone’s mind, but for those who are staying in Northern Ireland and not heading further afield this weekend, here’s some free, cheap and fun things to do – near you!
Music, markets and sporting events - there’s simply something for everyone this week! And because we go out of our way to find things to do that are easy on your pocket, you can afford to pop along to as many as you like!
Why not also make use of the extra discount you’ll pick up with Power NI Perks*, giving you deals on everything, every day. Why not take out membership to the National Trust and get 3% cashback or update you summer wardrobe with 9% off e-voucher at Debenhams and House of Fraser!
Check in with our map every week to help you better power your weekends, from all at Power NI.
1. MUSIC BY THE LAKE AT CROM ESTATE
Saturday 7th July, 7pm - 10pm
Crom Estate, Fermanagh
Adults £10, Children £5
Bring the family, and even the dog, for an enchanting evening.
Cosy up on the shores of Lough Erne, and listen to Midnight Graffiti perform its perfect jazzy pop. With a glass of wine on arrival, load up your picnic (don’t forget supermarket discounts with Power NI Perks) and dance the night away.
Be sure to book so you don’t miss out!
2. MUSIC IN THE PARK AT CASTLE COOLE
Sunday 8th July, 2pm - 4pm
Castle Coole, Fermanagh
Normal Admission Applies
From the Lake to the Park…
The National Trust knows how to make the most of hosting music at its stunning venues. This easy listening afternoon will play out on the majestic Drying Green, previously home to the BBC Proms in the Park.
With the 18th century mansion as the perfect backdrop, it’s regal and relaxing.
3. DUBAI DUTY FREE IRISH OPEN
Wednesday 4th – Sunday 8th July
Ballyliffin Golf Club, Co. Donegal
Early Bird(ie) Tickets from €10
See how 4-time Major winner Rory McIlroy fairs on his home turf.
Watch the pros take on the challenging and charming Inishowen course at Ballyliffin Golf course for the first time. Hosted by the Rory Foundation, there’ll be fans from far and wide so make sure you get your tickets.
Plus, get a round in Ballyliffin Town with music, entertainment and fun for all.
4. BANGOR TOWN REGATTA
Thursday 5th – Sunday 8th July
Bangor
FREE for spectators/£ some ticketed events
Set sail for Bangor this weekend!
Bangor Marina will be a spectacle of sails, a cacophony of yachts and a sea of sailors as Ballyholme Yacht Club and the Royal Ulster Yacht Club host Northern Ireland’s largest Regatta.
With action on the water and family activities on dry land, Bangor will be buzzing!
5. PORTAFERRY MARKET ON THE SQUARE
Saturday 7th July, 10am - 1.30pm
The Square, Portaferry
FREE
This Saturday and every first Saturday in the month, local traders will set up stalls in the Portaferry Market House.
To celebrate the launch, there’s free family fun to be had at the Visitor Information Centre at 2pm, so you can really make a day of it! A ‘heads up’ would be to visit the ‘Art in the Loft’ exhibition series.
There’s plenty to ‘sea’ and do in Portaferry!
6. WALLED CITY MARKET
Saturday 7th July, 11am - 5pm
Guildhall Square, Derry/Londonderry
FREE
When it comes to markets this is the real deal.
From homemade jams and chutneys, handcrafted jewellery and original paintings, organic meats and the freshest of fruits, the aim here is authenticity, with personalised items and some even made before your very eyes!
Visit this Saturday and the first Saturday of every month.
7. WONDERFUL WILDFLOWERS DANDER
Saturday 7th July, 11am - 1pm
Ballycollin Road, Belfast
FREE
Take to the Belfast Hills and tiptoe through all types of wild flowers.
Enjoy a leisurely and somewhat aromatic stroll through the meadows and heaths of Slievenacloy as your guide helps you spot various types of orchids including the Marsh Orchid, Heath Orchid and the Butterfly Orchid.
Just turn up and join in, no need to book!
8. 178th ANNUAL OMAGH SHOW
Friday 6th & Saturday 7th July
The Showgrounds, Omagh
FREE & £ EVENTS
This is a formidable event in Northern Ireland’s farming calendar.
All things agricultural are celebrated including Livestock & Equestrian Show Classes, TRM/RDS Puissance Qualifier, Ulster Region Grand Prix and HIS/TRM/SJI New Heights Champion Series Qualifier.
With Tug of War, a Fashion Show, Model Farm and Amusements, it’s fun down on the farm!
9. SUMMER SUNDAY MUSIC
Sunday 8th July, 3pm - 4pm
Antrim Castle Gardens & Loughshore Park, Jordanstown
FREE
What a way to spend a Summer Sunday afternoon?
The Johnston Star Flute Band will entertain you at in the glorious Antrim Castle Gardens, while the Sir George White Memorial Flute Band will deliver its dulcet tones to audiences at Loughshore Park in Jordanstown.
Take a picnic, pick a spot and enjoy a free music concert each and every Sunday right up to 26th August.
10. Dr. Nick on the Prom
Saturday 7th July, 1pm & 2.30pm
Newcastle Promenade
FREE
Britain’s got talent wouldn’t be in it! Head down to Newcastle this weekend for some impressive beach side entertainment!
Grab the kids, grand-folks, friends and the dog and watch high energy uni-cycling, tantalisingly dangerous fire-juggling and skillful plate spinning. Watch out though as you’re sure to be picked from the crowd for some full-on audience participation!
11. SUMMER STEAM
Saturday 7th July – 25th August, 12pm - 4pm
Whitehead Excursion Station
Adults £2.50, Children, £2
Ride aboard a ‘rail’ old-fashioned steam train.
Get up close to the magnificent machinery and engineering excellence from another era. Talk to the driver, step up to the footplate and even add a visit to the Edwardian Tea Room to your unforgettable trip.
The romance of the railway is very much on display.
12. HMS CAROLINE SUMMER FAMILY WEEKEND
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th July, 10am - 5pm
On board HMS Caroline
Adults £10.75, Children FREE
If big ships are more your thing, you’re invited to board one of the best.
Sing sea shanties with Sailor Dan, follow Tom the Cat’s trail though the ship, finding various treasures along the way and get creative with sea-inspired crafts, it’s a must for any young naval novice.
The whole family, young and old, will love the opportunity to climb aboard for a great day out.
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.
* Power NI Perks is only available to Power NI customers.
