Categories: Things To Do, events

August Craft Month

Northern Ireland’s unique celebration of the craft sector, August Craft Month provides opportunities for the public to experience, participate in, buy and learn about Craft. August Craft Month works to increase the public’s understanding and appreciation of craft by shining a spotlight on local talented makers, venues and the joy of making and will see a host of activities held throughout Mid and East Antrim.

Full details of the events can be found here.

Around theTown Festival

Around the Town is a first of its kind festival for Carrickfergus organised by a collective of local musicians and event planners. The festival originated via by Positive Carrickfergus and their monthly conversations for musicians and creatives as they worked together on an arts strategy and program of events for Carrickfergus Town Hall. The event will take the form of a crammed program of local music in venues across the town, each hosted by a local musician or performer showcasing the life and passions of mucisians Around the Town. Book your tickets for individual events here.

Teddy Bears' Picnic at Whitehead Railway Museum

Do you love your teddy enough to bring it down to Whitehead Railway Museum for a day of celebrating our special companions? Bring your teddy, big or small, on Saturday 3rd August, 11am - 4pm, and treat it to a short ride in a carriage hauled by the steam engine 'Guinness'. After the ride, explore the five-gallery museum. See if you can find all the teddies hidden around the museum and track down Harvey, the Railway Museum's very own railway bear, who is having a picnic with friends somewhere on the site. There will also be additional activities in the Education Room to keep you entertained.

Cups and Carriages Tea Room will be open, offering hot and cold food and refreshments. So, what are you waiting for? Get your teddy ready for a fantastic day out! Book here.

Check out Whitehead Railway Museum's events page for dates of all their events, including steam train rides and other family-friendly events.

Whitehead Food & Folk Fest

The incredibly popular Whitehead Food & Folk Fest returns to the Castleview Road Recreation Grounds on the 10th August for what is sure to be a brilliant day of festivities for the whole family.

Great food and music, funfair attractions and bouncy castles for the kids, and a beer tent serving artisan beers and ciders for the adults, the festival has something for everyone and is sure to be one of the highlights of the local calendar.

"Theatre in the Park" Events in Ballymena & Carrickfergus

Gather your family and friends for a delightful summer evening in your local park. Set against the charming backdrop of picturesque Venice, these light-hearted perfomrances of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers will transport you to a world of blissful romance, sharp satire, and comedic chaos.

Illyria will be performing in Shaftesbury Park, Carrickfergus, on Wednesday, August 21st, and in People’s Park, Ballymena, on Thursday, August 22nd. The show begins at 7:30 PM, with gates opening to ticket holders at 6:30 PM. Arrive early to enjoy the lively entertainment from the CWA Brass Band in Carrickfergus and the Ballymena Ukulele Group in Ballymena.

Bring along a delicious picnic and a rug or low-backed seating to make your experience comfortable. 

Tickets are priced at £5 plus a booking fee and are available online here. 

Antrim Coast Half Marathon

The Antrim Coast Half Marathon returns to Larne on 25th August and with it your chance to see (or race against if you’re lucky enough!) some of the greatest racing talent on the planet on the picturesque Coast Road course.

Not only is the Antrim Coast Half Marathon considered one of the most beautiful races in the world, but it is also serious business for elite runners. The race is Northern Ireland’s only World Athletics Elite Road Race and last year was the fastest half marathon ever ran across the U.K. and Ireland and the second fastest in the world! In 2023 the race welcomed elite runners from 19 different countries across 6 continents with Kenyan Daniel Mateiko storming home in an astounding 58 minutes 36 seconds to claim victory in the men’s section, the fastest half marathon in the world in 2023 at the time.