Hopefully the sun comes back out very soon!
The summer is flying past us and we can only hope the sun is going to make another reappearance very soon!
While festival season takes a little lull until the end of July after Belsonic finishes and CHSq returns in August, there are still plenty of exciting things to get up to this month.
From distillery tours to arts and culture festivals to scenic tours, every corner of Northern Ireland has something fun to explore this summer.
Discover Northern Ireland has put together a list of standout events happening in July 2026 to give you some inspiration for your next day out.
Here are 21 things happening this month across NI:
American Independence Weekend Celebrations at Ulster American Folk Park
Omagh, County Tyrone, 4-5 July.
A day for all the family, enjoy games and activities including traditional swing boats, a mobile shooting range, face painting and crafts. Listen to live music at the Frontier and hear a re-enactment reading of the Declaration of Independence by one of our costumed characters. We’ll also be joined by Paula McIntyre for ‘Hamely Kitchen’, a modern interpretation of classic Appalachian dishes inspired by Ulster migrants.
Picnic in the Park with Open House Festival
Bangor, County Down, July-August.
Open House Festival is an annual summer event that takes place in the beautiful seaside city of Bangor, County Down, curated and run by Open House, a local charity dedicated to regenerating the city through arts and culture. The festival’s eclectic programme includes music, comedy, film, theatre, boat trips, food and drink, talks and tours, and crafting events. The festival also hosts Picnic in the Park each Sunday throughout July and August, with free live music at the band stand in Ward Park.
Celtic Heart
Belfast Waterfront, until 30 August (select dates).
Created in collaboration with The Music Yard, Celtic Heart is a locally produced show celebrating Belfast’s rich storytelling, traditional music and homegrown talent.
USA 250: Showbusiness, Culture and the Causeway Coast Exhibition
Coleraine, County Derry, until 29 August.
Celebrate 250 years of the United States with this engaging new exhibition at Coleraine Museum, exploring the enduring cultural connections between America and the Causeway Coast.
Songs & Stories of Carrickfergus
County Antrim, 4 July (more dates through the summer).
Join local musician and storyteller, Lisa Dawson, as she shares Ulster-Scots heritage through song and folklore in the heart of Carrickfergus. Through the doors of Dobbins Inn, Lisa welcomes you by the 500-year-old fireplace. Her music reflects the language, stories and traditions of Ulster Scots culture and the rich history of her hometown renowned for the iconic Carrickfergus Castle overlooking Belfast Lough.
Lady of The Lake Festival 2026
Irvinestown, County Fermanagh 10-19 July.
The Lady of the Lake Festival is Fermanagh’s biggest annual summer festival which takes place every July in Irvinestown, providing 10 days of fun for all. Folklore has it that the legendary Lady of the Lake walked amongst the mists & islands of Lough Erne bringing a sign of good times ahead.
Shortcross Distillery Tour (Gin)
Crossgar, County Down, 2-3 July, 24-25 July and more.
Experience an immersive guided tour of Rademon Estate Distillery and discover the craft behind their award-winning Shortcross Gin. Learn about our unique distilling process as you explore the distillery, gaining an insight into the passion, expertise, and botanicals that make Shortcross Gin so distinctive.
Benone Visitor Complex Makers Market
Limavady, County Derry, 12 July.
Visit the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market at the Benone Visitor Complex this summer. Featuring a wide range of products including ceramics, street food, garden products, local produce and speciality food, art, handcrafted gifts, wood turning, pet products, gifts for children and so much more.
Orchard Cider Tour Experience with Tastings – Long Meadow Cider
Portadown, County Armagh, 11 July (more dates available).
Enjoy a fully immersive orchard/cider experience in the company of the McKeever family. Take an orchard walk explaining the various orchard plantations in place.
County Antrim Junior Senior and Masters Tennis Championships
Ballycastle, County Antrim, 11 – 18 July.
Held in the beautiful setting of the Ballycastle tennis courts, close to the beach, the tournament features events from age 8 to 80, with junior, senior and veteran events taking place in the same venue during the tournament week.
Twelfth of July Celebrations 2026
Various locations across Northern Ireland, 13 July.
Celebrate the Twelfth of July across Northern Ireland, as towns and cities mark the occasion with parades, music, and community festivities – the day honours tradition and heritage in every corner of the region. Whether you’re soaking up the atmosphere in a bustling city centre or enjoying local celebrations closer to home, there’s plenty happening across the country to mark the annual celebrations.
Harp By The Foyle
Greysteel, County Londonderry, 13 July.
Lucia brings years of professional performance, teaching and therapeutic experience, offering a warm, engaging introduction to the harp’s rich cultural history. Enjoy live harp music, hear the stories behind the tradition, and take part in a gentle, hands-on introduction where you can hold and play a harp.
Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne Guided Tour
Castlerock, County Derry, 13 July (more dates available)
Discover the history, ambition and character of Earl Bishop Hervey as you explore the landscaped gardens, the dramatic clifftop ruins of his once-grand residence, and enjoy special access to the iconic Mussenden Temple. Along the way, stories of the estate will be brought to life, from its remarkable architectural features to its breath-taking coastal setting.
Fiddler’s Green International Festival
Rostrevor, County Down, 15 – 19 July.
Prepare yourself for a captivating experience that combines traditional music, arts & crafts, mountain walks and so much more. With a history dating back over 30 years, the Fiddler’s Green Festival is a celebration of music, arts, and community that attracts visitors from far and wide.
Scarva Sham Fight
Scarva, County Down, 14 July.
Visitors can turn the clock to the 17th Century while watching performers in period costumes re-enact scenes from the 1690 Battle of the Boyne at the Sham Fight pageant in the Co Down village of Scarva.
Féile an Phobail
Belfast, July 25 to August 9.
Féile an Phobail is Ireland’s Biggest Community Arts Festival. Féile provides a programme of inclusive arts, cultural and community-based activities throughout the year, with its flagship festival, the August Féile, being the highlight of Ireland’s festival calendar. Join this year as they welcome over 120,000 visitors to our 500+ events.
Ulster Museum – GaelStair Exhibition
Belfast, until 16 August
Explore the origins of Belfast’s first urban Gaeltacht and the community that grew around it, and learn how the group built homes, raised children, founded schools, and established community.
Meet an Astronomer at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
Armagh, County Armagh, until 27 August.
This summer, join Armagh Observatory and Planetarium for their ‘Meet an Astronomer’ sessions. Every Thursday from 12pm to 2pm, an astronomer from the Observatory will be at the Planetarium answering your burning astronomy questions.
Summer Explorers at Crom
Newtownbutler, County Fermanagh, until 31 August .
Summer has arrived at Crom. After an eventful spring, come along for animal orienteering or borrow a tracker pack to find some of the animals you may have seen on TV. Take part in some summer games including play fishing, rabbit hoopla and other games. If outdoor activities are more of an interest, why not hire a bike, balance bike, boat or canoe.
Hillsborough Castle Hijinks
Royal Hillsborough, County Down, until 31 August.
Armed with a special Hillsborough Castle Beano comic strip story, you’ll track down six missing parts of the time machine and stumble across larger-than-life characters from Hillsborough’s history. With kids going free this summer and discounted entry to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, there’s never been a better time to enjoy this Beano-inspired family adventure.
Dragonfly Festival at WWT Castle Espie
Comber, County Down, until 30 August.
Explore the magical world of dragonflies and dive into a summer full of wondrous new wetland experiences. Activities and event dates may vary throughout the summer. Please visit the official Castle Espie website for the latest updates and programme information.
For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit: discovernorthernireland.com
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