Free, Cheap and Fun Things To Do This Weekend 8th - 9th September 2018
As Autumn gently breezes in, you may find that it’s time to put away the flip-flops and pull out a pullover, but a little cooling down doesn’t mean you have to hibernate!
In fact, nothing beats a bright, fresh, crisp Autumnal day to really make you feel alive, so here’s a little inspiration to help you get out and about and enjoy the upcoming weekend.
Head for the Causeway Coast for a Speciality Market and a Dragon Boat Race, step inside historical treasures with European Heritage Open Days or simply forage for fruit in the suburbs! Our Map of Free, Cheap and Fun Things To Do provides the perfect perk up after the working week.
And speaking of perks, if you sign up to Power NI Perks, you can save money on 100s of big brands. Everything from your supermarket shop to flights to furniture, concerts, coffee shops, clothes shop…the list goes on and on.
At Power NI, we’re always thinking of ways to help you save money and better power your free time. Check in each week to find out more.
1. EUROPEAN HERITAGE OPEN DAYS 2018
Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th September
Various Locations
FREE
For one weekend only, there’s an ‘Open Door’ policy on 100s of precious places.
Places you’ve always wanted to have a peek into; Churches and Town Halls, Heritage Sites and Stone Cottages, Monuments, Stately Homes and Abbeys…with highlights such as ‘behind the scenes’ of Tower Museum (Derry~Londonderry) and the Bun na Margai Festival (Ballycatle).
This year, the theme is The Art of Sharing - perfectly apt for this event.
2. HEDGE FUN
Saturday 8th September, 11am - 1pm
Minnowburn Car Park, Belfast
FREE
You can hedge your bets that this will be pure fun – especially for little ones.
Forage for fruits! Bring a basket or container and with the help of a Park Ranger, you can collect some delicious autumn fruits and berries to take home. The Ranger will show you what to pick and what to leave.
Perfect for jam making, or to pop in a pie! Yummy.
3. WHISKEY SOCIAL
Saturday 8th September
Waterfront Hall, Belfast
£30 (Over 18s Only)
What a way to spend a Saturday!
Sampling Irish Whiskey from the best distilleries and bottlers in Ireland, and a few from beyond these shores. Meet the maestro whiskey makers, learn a little about the craft, enjoy good Irish food and savour the flavour of the finest Irish Whiskies.
Sociable, enjoyable and insightful - you can also buy a bottle of your favourite!
4. DONAGHADEE LIGHTS UP FESTIVAL
6th – 9th September
Donaghadee
FREE & Ticketed Events
Celebrate all that is great about Donaghadee!
With a Pipe Band and Regatta, tales of Shipwrecks and a trip down Murder Lane, a Sea Shanties Boat Tour and the finest of food - all topped off with the pure voices of Brian Kennedy and Eddi Reader sure to soothe your soul, and light up the night (with the help of some fireworks).
This festival shines a light on one of our most interesting places.
5. MINEVENTION
Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th September
Eikon Centre, Lisburn
From £15
Are your lot mad about Minecraft?
Meet like-minded Minecraft fans at this Mega Minecraft Convention. Ask the experts, meet the world famous YouTubers, hop aboard the Gamers Bus, join in fun virtual activities and get into the game like never before.
Perfect your playing skills with inside insight – game on!
6. Local Produce Festival at Slieve Donard
Saturday 8th September 2pm – 8pm
Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Newcastle
£15 which includes 3 drinks tokens and a souvenir glass
Pay a visit to the Slieve Donard Hotel this weekend and savour some of the delights from County Down’s finest food and drink artisanal producers
The Festival will showcase many of County Down’s finest brands such as Whitewater Brewery, Jawbox Gin and Kearney Blue Cheese who will be talking about what they do with such enthusiasm that it’s impossible not to get totally drawn in.
On top of that there will be lots of food and drink to sample, ensuring that a good time is had by all.
7. 2018 INTERNATIONAL SHEEP DOG TRIALS
6th – 8th September
Gill Hall Estate, Dromore
Adults £5, under 16s FREE
Round up your lot and head to Dromore!
From 600 dogs from four national championships, it’s now down to the last 15 clever canines to demonstrate their skill to become Top Sheep Dog! You’ll be amazed and mesmerized at how the dogs and their handlers interact.
With a range of trade stalls, plenty of food, it’s a fun day out for all.
8. NATIONAL TRUST EHOD 2018
Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th September
Fermanagh
FREE
Go see – for FREE!
To coincide with European Heritage Open Days 2018, the National Trust is inviting everyone to see the 18th Century working sawmill at Florence Court, to uncover Crom’s hidden history and to take a stroll around Castle Coole.
It’s history and heritage – on the house!
9. DERRY WALLS DAY
Saturday 8th September
Derry~Londonderry
FREE & Ticketed Events
It’s wall to wall with entertainment this weekend!
Take on The Schoolmaster’s Treasure Hunt, Sketch the Derry Walls, experience a Siege or see hand-drawn plans of the Guildhall. With Tours and Talks, live re-enactments and Open Invitations to the history of the city.
It’s an unforgettable family day out.
10. CAUSEWAY SPECIALITY MARKET
8th September
Coleraine
FREE
Save every second Saturday in the month for something really special.
This outdoor market welcomes you to mix and mingle with the finest speciality traders offering great local food, including delicious meats, breads and pastries, arts and crafts, jewellery, always a smile and plenty of chat.
It’s where you’ll find something truly original and always special.
11. CASTLEROCK WALKFEST 2018
Saturday 8th September
Castlerock
From £2
Come and walk Castlerock!
There’s a ‘dander’ for every happy wanderer including a Hill Walk, Nordic Walk, a Gentle Journey, Family Walk, History Walk and Challenge Walk. Expert guides and some tasty tea and scones post walk will help you along the way.
All abilities, all ages, all welcome.
12. DRAGON BOAT CHALLENGE
Saturday 8th September
Drumaheglis Marina, Ballymoney
FREE to Spectators
Ballymoney is really pushing the boat out this Saturday!
Line the River Bann in this friendly Market Town and cheer on the participants in the Dragon Boat Challenge as they raise the excitement levels and some cash for good causes.
Sitting close to the Causeway Coast, it’s a spectacle to behold.
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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