Free, Cheap and Fun Things To Do This Weekend
Plan your weekends ahead and spend more time doing the things you love, without spending much cash!
At Power NI we’re not ones to sit back…
So we’re putting our positive energy into creating a magnificent map of events highlighting lots of exciting things to do in Northern Ireland each weekend, so you can get out and about and enjoy all that’s on offer.
And don’t forget to get ready for the weekend with great discounts and savings from Power NI Perks. From picnic food to sun cream, hire cars to awesome activities, we’ve literally 100s of ways to Perk up your weekend!
Enjoy your weekend, from all the team at Power NI!
1. ARMAGH CRAFT FAIR
- Saturday 26th May, 10.30am-5.00pm
- Market Place Theatre
- FREE
Looking for that something original?
Browse and buy the beautiful wares of 45 handpicked, high quality designers, artists and craftspeople.
Join in the ‘Have a go’ sessions, with children’s workshops and craft demonstrations, all topped off with live music, great local food and a super atmosphere.
2. BALLYCLARE MAY FAIR PARADE
- Saturday 26th May
- Ballyclare Town centre
- FREE
Where better than Ballyclare and its May Fair?
This Saturday sees the pinnacle of the ever-popular horse fair come to a close with a culmination of local music and entertainment, traditional arts & crafts, fireworks and a foam party no less!
Led by Ritchie Remo it’s the perfect round off to a fabulous fun filled week.
3. FESTIV’ARDS 2018
- Friday 25th – Monday 28th May
- Portico, Portaferry, Co Down
- £ Ticketed Events
If you love Classical music, you can’t miss this.
As part of a 4-day music festival, world-class’ical musicians will excite and delight audiences as they take to the stage in this stunning grade A-listed building.
From Irish pianist Michael McHale to violin virtuoso Patrick Rafter, you’ll experience unforgettable, emotional performances that will stay with you, forever.
4. PUPPET FESTIVAL
- 26-28 May
- Conway Square, Newtownards
- FREE
Prepare for the province’s biggest puppet festival yet!
In fact, this is Northern Ireland’s only Puppet Festival, and this year it’s popping up in Ards! Along with street theatre and puppet performances, walkabouts and workshops, fantastical creatures and characters.
This event will be a sure fire hit with all the family.
5. BELFAST RACE FOR LIFE 2018
- Sunday 27th May, 10.30am
- Stormont Estate, Belfast
- Women £14.99, Children £10, Under 6 years FREE
5k or 10k? Runner, stroller or supporter?
Sign up and help save lives. Whether you don a tutu or a tee-shirt, join in, raise some funds and help beat cancer.
Fancy a dirty weekend? Take on the Pretty Muddy obstacle course, 1st September. Slip down mudslides, crawl through tunnels, splash through puddles on space hoppers. All good (not so) clean fun for an amazing cause!
6. OTTER MAYHEM
- Monday 28TH May
- Exploris Aquarium, Portaferry
- £ Entry fee
Celebrate World Otter Day with an event that’s sure to be otter-ly fun!
This Bank Holiday Monday, have a family day out with a difference. Your little ones will love to see the otters up close at the recently refurbished Exploris Aquarium, Reptile Exhibition Centre & Seal Sanctuary.
Be sure to book your tickets online (24hours in advance) to be fast tracked and discounted.
7. SPRING CONTINENTAL MARKET
- 24-28 May 2018
- Belfast City Hall Grounds
- FREE ENTRY
Bratwurst anyone?
The May Bank Holiday weekend sees a welcome return to the wonderful, aromatic, sumptuous and delicious pop up market bringing scrumptious spring flavours and hand crafted goodies from around the world to Belfast’s City Hall.
Wander around at your leisure and soak up a true feast for the senses.
8. CENTENARY CELEBRATION WEEKEND
- 27 – 28 May
- Castle Archdale Caravan Park
- FREE
Travel back in time with the RAF.
To help celebrate the centenary of the Royal Air Force, the stunning grounds of Castle Archdale will be transformed into a WWII town, with exciting re-enactments of when the American and Canadian soldiers were stationed there.
It’s a family fun day to remember!
9. THE BIGGEST WEEKEND TITANIC SLIPWAYS
- May Bank Holiday Weekend
- Belfast
- £ TICKETED GIGS
Music lovers, are you in for a treat?
Orbital and Ash, Beck and Underworld, Goldie and Soak, David Holmes and Neneh Cherry… to name but a few! The Biggest Weekend Belfast set plays host to the biggest (you could say Titanic) line up Belfast has seen in a long time.
Grab your mates and make your way to this super cool BBC music extravaganza.
10. RATHLIN SOUND MARITME FESTIVAL
- 25 May – 3 June
- Ballycastle & Rathlin Island
- FREE & £ EVENTS
Celebrate the stretch of sea between Rathlin Island and Ballycastle!
This fabulous family fun event invites all shipmates to come aboard and enjoy all things maritime. Playing host to the Ulster Chowder Championship with a market and music, tall ships, talks and tours, exhibitions and activities.
It’s nautical and nice!
11. FLORENCE COURT ANNUAL COUNTY FAIR
- Sunday 27th May 12-5pm
- Florence Court Demesne, Enniskillen
- Event free but £ Admission fee
It’s all the fun of the fair in Fermanagh!
This is a perfect way to break up the long bank holiday weekend. Take the kids along to enjoy a craft fair, animals, outdoor activities, tour the grand house, see forge re-enactments, dig into a BBQ and much more.
It’s a great way to spend the day.
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 does not take any responsibility for the quality or cancellation of events, we simply spread the word so you can spread your wings!