We’ve picked out five new hobbies to try in 2026, alongside where and when you can give them a go
With 2026 right around the corner, it’s likely you have something on your new year’s resolution list.
However, it can be hard to stick at something new without the support of others. So why not try a new hobby, while also supporting locally, and maybe make some new friends while you’re at it?
We’ve picked out five new hobbies to try in 2026, alongside where and when you can give them a go.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Assemble, Carrickfergus
Starting a martial arts may seem intimidating at first, but that’s why Assemble in Carrickfergus could be the perfect place to start, with owner and head coach David Orchin said the club is, “great for beginners”.
He said: “Assemble opened in June 2024, meaning we’re a relatively new club which makes it great for newcomers as many other members are in a similar position.
“It’s a healthy balance of competition focused training but also caters to those who just see it as a hobby. Everyone has their own reasons to train, and we cater to everyone individually.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has grown immensely popular over the last few years, which David puts down to a wide range of benefits.
He continued: “The obvious ones are improved fitness, learning a new skill and how to defend yourself. However, being part of a close-knitted team and community is something many adults are missing.
“It’s a place they can go to hang out, socialise and work towards a shared goal with like-minded people from all aspects of life”.
Assemble Jiu Jitsu is located in Carrickfergus, and offers a free trial week for anyone interested.
Belfast Book Club
If you’re thinking about trying to read more novels in 2026, why not join a book club?
Belfast Book Club was founded by Sian & Lauren, who wanted a place for people in their twenties to be able to make new friends.
“There aren’t many ways to meet people that don’t involve nights out or social media, and that can be quite daunting. The book club was made just as an excuse to meet up and chat.
“It was meant to be a small thing with our friends, but due to demand it caught traction on social media and really started to grow.
“The book club’s a safe space to come and talk all about books, life and just general chat. Most people tend to come by themselves, it’s a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone and do something for yourself.”
Belfast Book Club’s next meetup is 28 January at the Belfast Barge, with more information on their Instagram page.
Running Club – Boundary Brewing, East Belfast
Whether you’re a seasoned marathon runner, or just trying to do a couch to 5k, running by yourself can sometimes feel like a chore.
It could be tough to motivate yourself to pick up your running shoes and go out by yourself in January, so why not head out with a group of people who’ll support you?
Boundary Brewing may be a bar in east Belfast, but they also have a popular running club every Wednesday for a 5k, with all levels of fitness welcome.
Eve Henderson, 22, regularly attends and says the weekly run has a “lovely and welcoming community”.
She said: “The run has such a nice buzz about it, and it really helps me keep up running. Before I started going, I wasn’t a natural runner, but I started to make friends the more I went.
“I’ve met some of my best friends in the community there, and you’re not just going out for a run to exercise, you’re going out for a run to socialise and make new mates.
“People from all sorts of ages come down, there’s even full families who will attend together. It’s a super chill pace as well. If anyone is looking to get into running, especially in the new year, it’ll open up a whole new world for you.”
Open Water Swimming – Carrickfergus Blue Tits
It may be getting cold in the winter, but there’s still plenty of reasons to get in the water!
Gillian Gordon organises Carrickfergus Blue Tits, and has been open water swimming since the pandemic ended. She says the benefits of a safe, open water swim are endless.
Gillian said: “While it’s always going to be tough initially to get in the water, once you get your shoulders in you feel absolutely amazing.
“It can help with any muscle aches you might have, and can instantly lift your mood and release any anxiety you might have. When you get out, you feel like you could climb a mountain.
“It’s especially nice in the summer months, but that doesn’t mean the benefits still aren’t there when it’s colder at this time of the year.
“The other big benefit is the social aspect. We can get up to thirty to forty people attending, all to have a bit of craic, and everyone is welcome down.
More information about Carrickfergus Blue Tits’ next swim is available on their Facebook page.
Pilates – Reformer Lab Pilates, Antrim
Pilates has grown widely popular in Northern Ireland recently, with many different clubs constantly selling out their sessions.
Reformer Lab is a growing NI business, with their first studio being a big success in Moira, and a second on the way in Antrim set to open on the 3rd of January.
Offering both reformer and mat pilates, and yoga, there’s a good mix for those who are well experienced and those who are looking to give something new a go.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
