What's On in Belfast

Kneecap — Falls Park plays host to one of the most thrillingly provocative acts to come out of Ireland in years, as Irish-language rap trio Kneecap bring their incendiary energy to an outdoor stage at 4:00pm. Equal parts political, chaotic, and genuinely hilarious, a Kneecap show is a full-body experience — expect the crowd to be singing every word back at them. Check the website for ticket details and do not leave it too late, because this one will sell.

The Old Courthouse Session Band — For something a little more intimate and achingly atmospheric, head down to The Belfast Barge at 4:00pm for an afternoon session with The Old Courthouse Session Band floating gently on the Lagan. There is something almost magical about hearing traditional Irish music on the water, with the city humming quietly around you, and this is the kind of low-key gem that locals treasure. Check the website for tickets and pricing — but do not let a sunny afternoon on the river slip by.

Ryan McMullan - Fleadh 2026 — Ryan McMullan has spent years quietly winning over everyone who hears him, and his 7:00pm appearance at the Empire Music Hall as part of Fleadh 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most heartfelt sets of the week. The Empire is a venue with real soul, all ornate Victorian bones and warm lighting, which suits McMullan's rich, emotionally direct songwriting perfectly. Check the website for ticket details — this is one for those who love music that genuinely moves them.

All Folk'd Up — Limelight 2 is one of Belfast's most beloved smaller stages, and at 7:00pm it welcomes All Folk'd Up for what promises to be a high-energy, foot-stomping celebration of folk music done with attitude. If you have ever suspected that folk can be just as raucous as rock, this is the evening that will prove you right. Check the website for tickets and head in early to get a good spot close to the front.

CELESTIAL SANCTUARY + Insidious Void + Indominus — Over at Voodoo Belfast, Thursday night takes a dramatically heavier turn as Celestial Sanctuary headline a triple bill alongside Insidious Void and Indominus from 7:00pm, and at £15 it is exceptional value for the sheer volume and ferocity on offer. This is a night built for those who find catharsis in crushing riffs, thunderous drumming, and a crowd that means it with every fist in the air. Voodoo's intimate, dimly lit space makes the whole thing feel gloriously intense — a proper underground metal night in one of Belfast's most characterful venues.