Outburst Queer Arts Festival – Belfast, Northern Ireland 2025

Background & History

The Outburst Queer Arts Festival, now in its 19th year, is Northern Ireland’s premier queer arts event, running from 14–22 November 2025 across Belfast venues. Launched in 2007 by Outburst Arts, a registered charity, it showcases original queer art, performances, and ideas, fostering intersectional conversations on sexuality, gender, and identity. The festival has featured artists from over 15 countries, supported by funders like the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council.

The 2024 festival included theatre, cabaret, and talks, and 2025 will feature Dublin Jack: In Concert, a new queer opera by Conor Mitchell. Outburst emphasizes fresh, disruptive work, with open calls ensuring diverse voices, making it a vital platform for queer creativity in Belfast’s cultural scene.

Event Highlights

• Dublin Jack: In Concert: The Belfast Ensemble’s queer opera exploring Victorian rent boy Jack Saul’s life, 14 November, Black Box, 7:30 PM, ~$17–$23 USD (18+).
• Brewing Showcase: Work-in-progress performances by queer artists (10–15 minutes each), November 2025, venue TBD, ~$10–$15 USD.
• Theatre & Cabaret: Original performances by local and international queer artists, November 14–22, various venues.
• Film Screenings & Talks: Queer-focused films and panel discussions, including ticketed or free, November 14–22.
• Visual Arts & Workshops: Exhibitions and participatory sessions on queer identity, ~$5–$15 USD, various venues.
• Live Music & Podcasts: Performances and recordings, included in ticket or free, November 14–22.

City

• Belfast, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland: Events across cultural venues like Black Box, The MAC, and Lyric Theatre in Belfast’s vibrant, historic city center.

Main Event Address

• Black Box: 18–22 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LA, Northern Ireland (main venue for Dublin Jack: In Concert).
• Additional Venues (Estimated): The MAC, Lyric Theatre, Belfast LGB, and T Centre for talks, screenings, and workshops.
• Administrative Contact: Outburst Arts, c/o The MAC, 10 Exchange Street West, Belfast, BT1 2NJ, Northern Ireland (inquiries only).
• Note: Venues speculative for 2025, based on past festivals. Check www.outburstarts.com for confirmation.

Date & Duration

• Dates: 14–22 November 2025 (Friday–Saturday).
• Duration: 9 days.
• Opening Times (Estimated):
  • Weekdays: 6:00 PM–10:00 PM (evening events).
  • Weekends: 12:00 PM–10:00 PM.

Venue / Location

• Main address: 18–22 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LA, Northern Ireland
• Other Venues (Speculative): The MAC (theatre, talks), Lyric Theatre (performances), Belfast LGB and T Centre (workshops, exhibitions).
• Note: Full venue list TBD September 2025 at www.outburstarts.com.

Contact Information

• Email: hello@outburstarts.com (general and ticketing inquiries).
• Phone: +44 28 9089 2794 (Outburst Arts, office hours).
• Website: www.outburstarts.com
• Social Media: Follow @OutburstArts on Instagram, Facebook, X.
• Address: Outburst Arts, c/o The MAC, 10 Exchange Street West, Belfast, BT1 2NJ, Northern Ireland (inquiries only).
• Ticketing: Purchase via www.outburstarts.com (Visa, Mastercard). Contact hello@outburstarts.com for group bookings (10+ for discounts) or accessibility needs.

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Buy online at www.outburstarts.com (full box office opens September 2025). Collect tickets at venue box offices from 14 November 2025 (bring confirmation email). In-person purchase at venues (cash/card, full price). Group bookings and sliding scale tickets via hello@outburstarts.com. Cancellations until 31 October 2025 (estimated £5 fee). No refunds after 31 October. Book early for high-demand events like Dublin Jack.
• 2025 Pricing (Estimated, in USD, 1 GBP ≈ 1.31 USD as of August 2025):
  • Single Event (e.g., Dublin Jack): £13–£18 (~$17–$23.58 USD).
  • Day Pass (Weekend): £20 (~$26.20 USD).
  • Festival Pass (9 Days): £50 (~$65.50 USD, non-transferable).
  • Concession/Student Pass: £8 (~$10.48 USD, ID required).
  • Kids (Under 16): Free for select workshops with an adult; supervision required (most events 18+).
  • Free Events: Many talks, screenings, and exhibitions are free (a reservation may be required).
• Additional Notes:
  • Most events are free, supported by funders; paid events offset costs. Prices estimated based on 2024 model and Dublin Jack details.
  • Terms: Non-transferable for resale above face value; revocable for misconduct (e.g., disruptive behavior).

Categories

• Cultural & Traditional: Reflects the festival’s focus on queer identity and cultural discourse.
• Events & Festivals: Aligns with its curated, multi-venue arts program.
• Film, Literature & Book Fairs: Captures its screenings, talks, and literary events.

Cultural Significance

Outburst Queer Arts Festival is a cornerstone of Belfast’s cultural landscape, celebrating queer art and ideas since 2007. It fosters intersectional dialogue on sexuality, gender, and identity, drawing international artists and local talent. The 2024 festival attracted thousands, boosting Belfast’s economy and reinforcing its status as an inclusive, creative hub. Events like Dublin Jack explore historical queer narratives, resonating with Northern Ireland’s evolving social attitudes and global queer movements.

Food & Drinks

• Black Box: Café with snacks, coffee, and drinks (~$5–$15 USD).
• Nearby Dining:
  • The Dirty Onion: 3 Hill Street, Belfast (pub fare, $10–$20 USD, 2-minute walk).
  • Hadskis: 33 Donegall Street, Belfast (modern European, $15–$30 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • The Muddlers Club: 1 Warehouse Lane, Belfast (fine dining, $20–$40 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Coppi: 2 St Anne’s Square, Belfast (Italian, $12–$25 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • MourNE Seafood Bar: 34–36 Bank Street, Belfast (seafood, $15–$30 USD, 5-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at venue cafés and nearby pubs; no outside alcohol permitted.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Select workshops and exhibitions free for kids under 16 with adult; supervision required.
  • Most events (e.g., Dublin Jack) are 18+ due to mature themes.
• Accessibility:
  • Black Box, The MAC, and Lyric Theatre are wheelchair-accessible with ramps and elevators.
  • Contact hello@outburstarts.com for accommodations, ISL-interpreted events, or sliding scale tickets (details September 2025).
  • Free events enhance affordability.

Getting There

• By Air: Belfast International Airport (BFS, 25 km, 25-minute drive); George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD, 5 km, 10-minute drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Translink Metro Routes 1, 2 to Donegall Square (5-minute walk to Black Box).
  • Train: Lanyon Place Station (10-minute walk to Black Box).
• By Car: Paid parking at Victoria Square (~£2/hour, $2.62 USD, 5-minute walk) or Cathedral Quarter (~$2.62 USD/hour, 5-minute walk).
• Rideshare: Uber or Value Cabs from BFS (~$20–$30 USD) or BHD (~$10–$15 USD).

Program Details (Estimated for 2025)

• Confirmed Events:
  • Dublin Jack: In Concert: 14 November, 7:30 PM, Black Box, queer opera, ~$17–$23.58 USD (18+).
• Hypothetical Events:
  • Brewing Showcase: November 2025, The MAC, work-in-progress performances, ~$10–$15 USD.
  • Theatre & Cabaret: November 14–22, Lyric Theatre, original queer performances, ~$15–$25 USD.
  • Film Screenings: November 14–22, Belfast LGB and T Centre, free or ~$5–$10 USD.
  • Talks & Panels: November 14–22, The MAC, discussions on queer identity, free or ~$5–$10 USD.
  • Visual Arts: November 14–22, Black Box, exhibitions, free.
  • Workshops: November 14–22, Belfast LGB and T Centre, ~$5–$15 USD.
• Note: Program speculative except for Dublin Jack; based on 2024 events and open call details. Full programme TBD September 2025 at www.outburstarts.com.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024 Highlights: Theatre, cabaret, and talks with international queer artists at The MAC and Black Box.
• 2023 Highlights: Brewing Showcase with emerging artists; performances supported by the British Council.
• Past Achievements: 18 years as Northern Ireland’s leading queer arts festival, with global artist participation.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Local Partnerships: Supports Belfast venues and artists, boosting the local economy.
• Digital Content: Live podcasts and online resources reduce physical waste.
• Waste Management: Recycling bins at venues; no glass bottles encouraged.
• Note: 2025 sustainability details TBD; check www.outburstarts.com.

Educational Impact

• Talks & Panels: Explore queer history and identity, free or ~$5–$10 USD, November 14–22.
• Workshops: Foster creative skills for queer artists, ~$5–$15 USD.
• Brewing Showcase: Provides feedback for developing artists, November 2025.
• Community Engagement: Free events promote inclusive dialogue, aligning with Belfast’s cultural vibrancy.

Cultural Activities

• Visual Arts: Free exhibitions at Black Box, November 14–22.
• Talks & Panels: Discussions on queer issues, included in ticket or free, November 14–22.
• Cultural Tours: Guided tours of Cathedral Quarter (~$7–$15 USD, book via hello@outburstarts.com).
• Live Podcasts: Recorded sessions, free or ~$5–$10 USD, November 14–22.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets ($10.48–$65.50 USD) for paid events may sell out; book via www.outburstarts.com.
• Weather Prep: November in Belfast (40–50°F) is cold and rainy; pack waterproofs and layers.
• Explore Locally: Visit Ulster Museum (10-minute drive, free) or Titanic Belfast (10-minute drive, $25 USD).
• Public Transport: Use the Translink Smartlink Card (~$10 USD) for buses/trains.
• Festival Info: Check www.outburstarts.com for digital schedules (no app).

Local Attractions

• Ulster Museum: Botanic Gardens, Belfast (10-minute drive, free). Art and history exhibits.
• Titanic Belfast: 1 Olympic Way, Belfast (10-minute drive, $25 USD). Maritime history.
• Cathedral Quarter: Hill Street, Belfast (5-minute walk, free). Cultural hub with street art.
• St George’s Market: 12–20 East Bridge Street, Belfast (10-minute walk, free). Weekend market.
• Botanic Gardens: College Park, Belfast (10-minute drive, free). Scenic park.

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • The Merchant Hotel: 16 Skipper Street, Belfast ($150–$300 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
  • Maldron Hotel Belfast City: 20 Brunswick Street, Belfast ($100–$200 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
• B&Bs: The Warren Belfast, 7 University Road, Belfast ($80–$150 USD/night, 10-minute drive).
• Hostels: Belfast International Youth Hostel, 22–32 Donegall Road, Belfast ($20–$50 USD/night, 10-minute drive).
• Airbnb: Cathedral Quarter apartments ($60–$150 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 3–6 months in advance for the November peak.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at venues; nearest hospital is Royal Victoria Hospital (10-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks at venues; PSNI presence; ticket revocation for violations.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks for indoor areas.
• Weather Preparedness: Venues are indoor; bring umbrellas for transitions.