Belfast Maritime Festival

Stretching across the Maritime Mile, the festival invites locals and visitors alike to dive into a weekend of discovery. Belfast's heritage waterfront will be alive with activity, from tall ships docked along the quayside to street theatre, music, food, and interactive family zones.

This year’s programme brings together heritage, innovation and imagination across multiple themed zones. Explore Hamilton Dock’s Maritime Village with hands-on exhibits, boat-building demos and a chance to see one of the last remaining SS Nomadic Lifeboats. Science Street will spark curiosity in kids and adults alike with exciting experiments and STEM activities.

Get ready to feast at the Slipways Street Food Market, a delicious celebration of Northern Ireland’s finest local flavours, bringing together food vendors and an Artisan Farmers Market where regional producers will be showcasing and selling their goods. Enjoy a jam-packed line up of local and international music artists daily, culminating in a special Saturday evening ticketed concert under the stars, headlined by Hot House Flowers.

Families will love the Kids Zone outside the SSE Arena, while new features like the Accessible & Inclusive Zone offer quieter, welcoming spaces with sensory programming and inclusive performances.

Street entertainers and roving musicians will animate the entire festival route, adding surprise and spontaneity as you explore. And of course, the stars of the show—historic vessels including La Malouine, Leader, and Vilma—await visitors keen to step aboard and experience life at sea.

Brought to you by Belfast City Council in partnership with Maritime Belfast Trust, supported by Belfast Harbour, Titanic Quarter Limited, Titanic Belfast, Odyssey Trust, Department for Communities and Tourism NI. The Belfast Maritime Festival is a joyful celebration of the city’s unique maritime spirit—where history meets creativity and where every corner invites you to explore something new.