Culture Night Belfast – Northern Ireland 2025

Background & History

Culture Night Belfast, part of the all-island Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir initiative, is an annual celebration of Ireland’s diverse cultural landscape. Launched in 2006 in Dublin’s Temple Bar, it expanded to Belfast by 2009 and has since grown into a major event, with 3,000 events across 40 regions in 2024. On 19 September 2025, Belfast’s 16th edition adopts a venue-based format, moving away from street-wide events, to enhance inclusivity and accessibility. Supported by Belfast City Council and the Arts Council, it offers free access to arts, heritage, and cultural activities across venues like museums, galleries, and theatres, welcoming all communities.

Event Highlights

• Visual Arts Exhibitions: Open galleries (e.g., Ulster Museum, The MAC), 19 September, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM, free.
• Live Performances: Music, dance, and theatre at Lyric Theatre and Crescent Arts Centre, 19 September, 6:00 PM–11:00 PM, free.
• Literary Talks: Readings and discussions with local authors, 19 September, Belfast Central Library, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM, free.
• Workshops: Creative sessions (e.g., painting, storytelling), 19 September, Oh Yeah Music Centre, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM, free.
• Cultural Tours: Guided walks exploring Belfast’s history, 19 September, Belfast City Hall, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM, free.
• Community Events: Family-friendly activities and intercultural showcases, 19 September, CS Lewis Square, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM, free.

City

• Belfast, Northern Ireland: A UNESCO City of Music known for its vibrant Cathedral Quarter, historic landmarks like Belfast City Hall, and an inclusive cultural scene.

Main Event Address

• Primary Venues:
  • Ulster Museum: Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB (visual arts).
  • The MAC: 10 Exchange Street West, Belfast, BT1 2NJ (performances).
  • Lyric Theatre: 55 Ridgeway Street, Belfast, BT9 5FB (theatre).
  • Belfast Central Library: Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 1EA (literary events).
  • Oh Yeah Music Centre: 15-21 Gordon Street, Belfast, BT1 2LG (workshops).
• Administrative Contact: Culture Night Belfast, c/o Belfast City Council, City Hall, Donegall Square, Belfast, BT1 5GS (inquiries only).
• Note: Additional venues (e.g., CS Lewis Square, Belfast City Hall) TBD August 2025 at www.culturenight.ie.

Date & Duration

• Date: Friday, 19 September 2025.
• Duration: 1 evening.
• Opening Times (Estimated):
  • 5:00 PM–11:00 PM (most venues).
  • Tours and workshops: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM.
• Note: Times speculative; full schedule TBD August 2025 at www.culturenight.ie.

Venue / Location

• Ulster Museum: Free exhibitions, wheelchair-accessible.
• The MAC: Modern venue for performances, ~350 seats, accessible.
• Lyric Theatre: Intimate theatre, ~400 seats, accessible.
• Belfast Central Library: A Historic venue for talks, accessible.
• Oh Yeah Music Centre: Community music hub, ~200 capacity, accessible.
• Additional Venues: CS Lewis Square (community events), Belfast City Hall (tours), Black Box (fringe performances, speculative).
• Note: Full venue list TBD August 2025 at www.culturenight.ie.

Contact Information

• Email: info@culturenight.ie (general inquiries); giveusabuzz@thehiveagency.ie (press inquiries).
• Phone: +353 91 394 396 (national coordinator, office hours).
• Website: www.culturenight.ie
• Social Media: Follow @CultureNight on Facebook, Instagram, X.
• Ticketing: No tickets required; all events free. Contact info@culturenight.ie for group participation or accessibility inquiries.

Ticket Information

• How to Attend: No tickets or pre-registration required; all events are free and open to the public. Some venues may require on-site registration for workshops due to capacity. Check www.culturenight.ie for updates (August 2025). Contact info@culturenight.ie for accessibility needs.
• 2025 Pricing:
  • All Events: Free (no entry fees, per web results and Arts Council policy).
  • Donations: Optional at some venues, but access is not dependent on contributions.
  • Concession/Student/Kids: Not applicable, as all events are free.
• Additional Notes:
  • Free access aligns with Culture Night’s inclusivity mission, per the provided data and web results.
  • Full programme TBD August 2025 at www.culturenight.ie.

Categories

• Cultural & Traditional: Celebrates Belfast’s diverse arts and heritage.
• Events & Festivals: One-night cultural celebration across multiple venues.
• Film, Literature & Book Fairs: Includes literary talks and film screenings.

Cultural Significance

Since joining Culture Night in 2009, Belfast has embraced this all-island initiative to promote cultural diversity and accessibility. The 2025 venue-based format enhances inclusivity, welcoming marginalised groups like asylum seekers and Irish Travellers, per the Arts Council’s Equality, Human Rights & Diversity Policy. With thousands attending in 2024, it fosters community engagement, boosts local venues, and strengthens Belfast’s UNESCO City of Music status.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Venues: Snacks and drinks at select venues (e.g., The MAC, Oh Yeah Music Centre, ~$5–$15 USD).
• Nearby Dining:
  • The Dirty Onion: 3 Hill Street, Belfast (Irish pub fare, $10–$20 USD, 5-minute walk from The MAC).
  • Coppi: St Anne’s Square, Belfast (Italian, $15–$30 USD, 5-minute walk from The MAC).
  • Hadskis: 33 Donegall Street, Belfast (modern European, $15–$35 USD, 5-minute walk from Belfast Central Library).
  • The Cloth Ear: 35-39 Waring Street, Belfast (pub fare, $10–$25 USD, 5-minute walk from Oh Yeah Music Centre).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at select venues and nearby bars; no outside alcohol permitted.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • All events are free and suitable for all ages with supervision, including workshops and community showcases.
  • Some performances may have age restrictions due to content (e.g., late-night theatre).
• Accessibility:
  • Ulster Museum, The MAC, Lyric Theatre, Belfast Central Library, and Oh Yeah Music Centre are wheelchair-accessible with ramps.
  • Contact info@culturenight.ie for accommodations or ISL events (details August 2025).
  • Free access ensures inclusivity for all communities.

Getting There

• By Air: Belfast International Airport (BFS, 25 km, 30-minute drive) or George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD, 5 km, 10-minute drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Translink Metro to Belfast City Centre (5-minute walk to The MAC).
  • Train: Translink to Belfast Lanyon Place (10-minute walk to Ulster Museum).
• By Car: Paid parking at Donegall Square North (~$1.25 USD/hour, 5-minute walk to Belfast Central Library).
• Rideshare: Uber or Value Cabs from BFS (~$30–$50 USD).

Program Details (Estimated for 2025)

• Confirmed Events:
  • Culture Night Belfast: 19 September, 5:00 PM–11:00 PM, various venues, free.
• Hypothetical Events:
  • Visual Arts Exhibitions: 19 September, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM, Ulster Museum, The MAC, free.
  • Live Performances: 19 September, 6:00 PM–11:00 PM, Lyric Theatre, Crescent Arts Centre, free.
  • Literary Talks: 19 September, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM, Belfast Central Library, free.
  • Workshops: 19 September, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM, Oh Yeah Music Centre, free.
  • Cultural Tours: 19 September, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM, Belfast City Hall, free.
• Note: Programme speculative except for confirmed date; full details TBD August 2025 at www.culturenight.ie.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024 Highlights: Pop-up performances at The MAC, open studios at QSS Belfast, and literary readings at Belfast Central Library.
• Past Achievements: Grew from 87 venues in 2007 to 3,000 events across Ireland in 2016, with Belfast hosting international acts in 2019.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Local Partnerships: Collaborates with Belfast venues (e.g., Ulster Museum, Lyric Theatre).
• Waste Management: Recycling bins at venues; digital programmes encouraged, per 2025 webinar on Sustainability & Climate.
• Note: 2025 sustainability details TBD; check www.culturenight.ie.

Educational Impact

• Workshops: Free creative sessions (e.g., painting, storytelling), 19 September, Oh Yeah Music Centre.
• Literary Talks: Educational discussions on Belfast’s cultural heritage, Belfast Central Library.
• Community Engagement: Free events promote diversity and inclusion, per the Arts Council’s policy.

Cultural Activities

• Visual Arts: Free exhibitions, 19 September, Ulster Museum, The MAC.
• Live Performances: Free music, dance, theatre, 19 September, Lyric Theatre, Crescent Arts Centre.
• Workshops: Free creative sessions, 19 September, Oh Yeah Music Centre.
• Cultural Tours: Free guided walks, 19 September, Belfast City Hall.

Travel Tips

• Plan Ahead: Check www.culturenight.ie for programme updates (August 2025); some workshops may require on-site registration.
• Weather Prep: September in Belfast (50–60°F) is mild but rainy; pack waterproofs and layers.
• Explore Locally: Visit Titanic Belfast (15-minute drive, $25 USD) or St George’s Market (5-minute walk, free).
• Public Transport: Use the Translink Smartlink Card (~$10 USD).
• Festival Info: Digital schedules at www.culturenight.ie (no app).

Local Attractions

• Titanic Belfast: Donegall Quay (15-minute drive, $25 USD). Maritime museum.
• St George’s Market: May Street (5-minute walk, free). Historic market.
• Belfast Cathedral: Donegall Street (5-minute walk, $7 USD). Historic site.
• Botanic Gardens: College Park East (10-minute walk, free). Scenic park.
• Crumlin Road Gaol: Crumlin Road (10-minute walk, $15 USD). Historic prison tours.

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • The Merchant Hotel: Skipper Street, Belfast ($150–$300 USD/night, 5-minute walk to The MAC).
  • Europa Hotel: Great Victoria Street, Belfast ($100–$200 USD/night, 5-minute walk to Lyric Theatre).
• B&Bs: Tara Lodge, Cromwell Road ($70–$150 USD/night, 10-minute walk to Ulster Museum).
• Hostels: Belfast International Youth Hostel, Donegall Road ($20–$50 USD/night, 10-minute walk to Crescent Arts Centre).
• Airbnb: Belfast apartments ($50–$120 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 2–3 months in advance for September.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at major venues; nearest hospital is Royal Victoria Hospital (10-minute drive).
• Security: PSNI presence at high-traffic venues like The MAC.
• Health Protocols: Sanitiser stations; optional masks indoors, per 2025 webinar on EDI & Accessibility.
• Weather Preparedness: Indoor venues; umbrellas for outdoor tours.