From festivals to art, to chess and a jobs fair, there is a good variety of different activities in our city this week
2 Royal Avenue has several events on over the next week(Image: Belfast City Council/Twitter)
Prior preparation prevents poor performance and so we have compiled a list of ten things for you to do this coming week around Belfast that should contain almost something for everyone.
Here are a list of ten activities that are happening around the city over the next seven days.
1. Out to Lunch Arts Festival
This event has been happening since January 9 and will run up until the end of the month when it is due to finish on January 31. The Out to Lunch Festival events can feature live music, comedy, theatre, film and other events often paired with a hot lunch at various venues around the city.
There are several events coming up as part of the festival as it winds to a close, and while some are sold out, you can still access quite a few. But, with less than a week to go, you will have to be quick.
Click here for full details.
2. Belfast Trust Photo Exhibition
The Belfast Trust Photo Exhibition is taking place from at 2 Royal Avenue, from Monday, January 19 to Wednesday January 28. It is a free event.
The Trauma Resource Centre is a Mental Health service in the Belfast Trust that is part of the Regional Trauma Network. It is working to provide specific services and support to victims and survivors of the ‘Troubles’ / conflict.
The event page states: “A significant part of this intervention can involve working to reclaim aspects of a person’s life that have been disrupted by years of dealing with the debilitating symptoms of trauma, which can include flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive and upsetting thoughts, as well as panic attacks and avoidant behaviour.
“As well as talking therapies, our Occupational Therapist offers opportunities to engage with clients on an individual and group basis to help them recover areas of their lives and functioning that have been disrupted and this photography Group Exhibition is the result of one of those activities.
“Belfast Exposed facilitated and led a six-week photography group that went out each week around Belfast City Centre and captured sights and images of the city and its people. The Photography Group gave participants the opportunity to either engage in a creative activity or hobby they used to enjoy, or to try out something that was new for them.”
3. Sunday Chess
For fans of the classic, ancient strategy board game, Sunday chess sessions are now underway at 2 Royal Avenue.
You can drop in and play chess on:
- Sunday 25 January
- Sunday 1 February
- Sunday 8 February
- Sunday 15 February
- Sunday 22 February
It is a free event for chess players and organisers emphasise that it is not a chess club or tournament. Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For more event information, contact roamingknightsni@gmail.com.
4. Bank of Ideas Coffee Morning
Also located at 2 Royal Avenue, this free event will take place on Thursday 29 January 2026, 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Participants will need to register for the coffee morning and information session on this year’s Bank of Ideas. If you’re interested in the Bank of Ideas, register to attend on 29 January. To register, email culture@belfastcity.gov.uk.
Organisers said: “The Bank of Ideas scheme invites individuals and community groups to bring their creative ideas to life. The theme for ideas is ‘Celebrating together’.
“The scheme will be open to neighbours, friends, schools, clubs or an individual with an idea. All creative ideas will be welcome, from recycling and baking to skateboarding and gardening.
“For 2026, your ideas can be part of the celebrations for the Fleadh Cheoil, which comes to Belfast from Sunday, August 2 to Sunday, August 9, 2026.
“The Bank of Ideas is run through a Participatory Budgeting scheme, which means that residents decide which ideas are funded. Successful ideas could receive up to £2,500.”
5. Volunteer for Fleadh Cheoil 2026
A registration day for Fleadh Cheoil will take place Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 11am to 5pm. This event will take place at 2 Royal Avenue.
This free event aims to provide information and a chance at registration for potential volunteers of this year’s Fleadh Cheoil celebrations. This is the world’s largest annual festival of Irish traditional music, featuring competitions, concerts, and dancing.
Volunteer Now are seeking 1,000 plus volunteers to help with the smooth running of the event in Belfast.
With over 800,000 people set to experience Fleadh in Belfast from Sunday, August 2, to Sunday August 9, volunteers will be instrumental in making the eight-day festival a success.
6. 4 Corners Festival 2026
This year, the festival will run from Saturday, January 31 to Sunday, February 8, 2026 at various venues across Belfast.
Organisers said: “The annual 4 Corners Festival celebrates Belfast and the city’s people through music, storytelling, prayer, drama, sports and discussion.
“The festival uses arts, culture, and discussions to inspire unity and transform the city for the peace and well-being of all residents.”
For more information, click here.
7. On Your Marks
Sports fans will be able to participate in On Your Marks which will take place at various leisure centres across the city during Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1.
Organisers said: “Enjoy an open weekend of free sports activities at leisure and community venues, kicking off Belfast’s year as European City of Sport 2026. This is an opportunity to try different sports, have fun and get involved.
“All events are free and suitable for all ages and abilities.
“Activities will include pickleball, fencing, family swim sessions, sensory swims, inclusive climbing, tennis, bike skills, martial arts taster sessions and loads more.”For more information, contact your local leisure centre.
8. Late Night Art Belfast 2026
This one starts a little later than the others but is worth planning ahead for as it is anticipated to be a popular event at various Belfast galleries.
The event will first take place on Thursday February 5, 2026, from 6pm to 10pm.
It will then take place throughout the year on:
- 5 March
- 2 April
- 7 May
- 4 June
- 2 July
- 6 August
- 3 September
- 1 October
- 5 November
- 3 December
All Late Night Art events are free. For event updates, follow Late Night Art on:
9. JobStart Apprenticeship Pathway Jobs Fair
This event will take place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 10am. It will be located at 2 Royal Avenue.
The Job Apprenticeship Pathway Programme is open to people aged 16 to 65 years old who are unemployed.
At the fair, you can ask staff for advice on your steps to an apprenticeship. You can also meet employers and get information on paid opportunities available in:
- technology
- business administration
- construction, and
- other sectors.
Employers with apprenticeships on the pathway include: Silver Apples Digital, ProfileTree Web Design and Digital Marketing, Karb AI, Community Sports Network, GFG, A-One Control Services Hospitality, Bia Loch Lao, Townsend Enterprise Park, Antrim Construction Company, People 1st, Toland House Properties, O’Prey Developments, Lyric Players Theatre Productions, BW Homes and Construction.
You don’t need qualifications or experience to apply to the programme.
It is free to attend the job fair and you don’t need to register.
10. Belfast Anime Disco
The Botanic Inn will be hosting this event on Saturday, January 31.
Billed as: “The only and most hyped Anime Disco Night in Belfast”, this event will run from 8pm until Midnight.
It is an 18+ event and tickets can be purchased here.
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