What's on in Ards and North Down
Discover Ards and North Down through our lively events and experiences programme throughout the year. Within an hour of the bustling city of Belfast, Ards and North Down is a region brimming with creativity, we welcome you to celebrate with us; our maritime heritage, creatives, musicians and food!
Be inspired and entertained in our place
Throughout the year, Ards and North Down host an incredible variety of events, taking place in the City of Bangor and across the towns, villages, and countryside. From Newtownards to Comber, Holywood to Donaghadee, and the scenic shores of Strangford Lough, there’s always something happening to bring people together.
We’re warm and welcoming, and we love sharing our traditions, festivals, and celebrations with visitors. Whether it’s large-scale events or charming village fairs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy—and plenty of reasons to plan your visit around an event that catches your eye.
Annual events are a highlight in our calendar here in Ards and North Down; flagship days out for locals and visitors who travel afar for our renowned programme, which offer free admission and can incur little to no cost.
Easily save your favourite events to your planner (click the heart on the top right of the page), then explore the wonderful places to stay nearby.
What’s on in Ards and North Down for You?
Music, food, art, sport, theatre, history—whatever you’re into, you’ll find events to match in Ards and North Down. Many are family-friendly, and some are truly unique to the region, offering traditions and experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Take a look at our monthly events calendar to discover what’s happening right now, and don’t forget to mark your diary for some of our biggest events of the year.
Unique Events in Ards and North Down
We’re proud to host world-class festivals and exciting events, but we also offer something uniquely Northern Irish with traditions and activities steeped in local history and charm.
Holywood’s May Day (May): A tradition dating back centuries, Holywood’s May Day celebrations feature traditional maypole dancing, craft stalls, live music, and entertainment, creating a carnival atmosphere in this charming town. Sea Bangor celebrates the City of Bangor’s rich maritime heritage with family fun activities, entertainment for all, delicious food and live music. The Comber Earlies Food Festival as part our Taste Summer programme in June: Celebrates PGI status potatoes, locally grown, with an event featuring guest chefs and cookery demonstrations, an artisan food market, live music, family entertainment, crafting and more! Bangor’s Open House Festival (August): This arts and music festival transforms the seaside town into a cultural hub, with performances, workshops, and events spread across quirky venues and outdoor locations.
The Tide AND Turf Portavogie Seafood Festival as part of our Taste Autumn programme in September: A must for seafood lovers, this festival celebrates the region’s fishing heritage with live cooking demonstrations, fresh seafood stalls, family activities, and live music—all set against the beautiful backdrop of this working harbour.
Then, in October, Shorelife celebrates the stunning nature and wildlife inhabiting the local shoreline and official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Strangford Lough.
Christmas in Ards and North Down (November and December): This magical season of events spreads festive cheer throughout the Borough, with family fun, live performances, artisan markets, and the all-important switching on of the Christmas lights.
Cultural events celebrate talent and welcome artists from near and far. In April, cases are opened, and strings are finely tuned for the acclaimed Ards International Guitar Festival (April), the annual Creative Peninsula events in August celebrate local artists and makers, then in the autumn, Aspects, Northern Ireland’s longest running literary festival is a celebration of writing and an opportunity to engage with authors from across the island of Ireland.
Find more 2026 Event Highlights here!
Immersive Experiences
Local providers, solely or in collaboration with other providers, have put together unique experiences for you, that showcase their offering, our place and all the ingredients to make your visit in Ards and North Down memorable.
Discover hidden gems and create lasting memories with unique local immersive experiences and guided tours.
For even more experiences throughout the Borough visit The Giant Experience Collection in our Things to Do section.
Share Your Event with Us
Hosting an event in Ards and North Down? We’d love to hear about it! Submit your event details to our team and let us help you spread the word. (subject to criteria)
Stay Updated
Don’t miss a thing - Stay up to date with all the latest events and things to do and see - follow us on our social channels - Facebook and Insta and sign up for our e-newsletter to keep up to date with everything happening across Ards and North Down, as well as tips and suggestions as to how you could spend your time in our place.
Whether you’re planning a visit or live locally, you’ll find all the latest news and events right here.
