Belfast Maritime Festival Returns with a packed weekend of FREE family fun

(L-R) John McGrillen, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Northern Ireland, Jenni Barkley (Communications and Community Engagement Manager, Belfast Harbour, Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Tracy Kelly, Neal McClelland, Bauer Media and Kerrie Sweeney MBE, Chief Executive Officer, Maritime Belfast Trust, are pictured with Louise Glendinning, Festival of Fools.

Belfast’s iconic waterfront is set to come alive this September as the Belfast Maritime Festival returns for a weekend packed with free entertainment and family fun.

Running from 11am–6pm on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, the festival will stretch along the Maritime Mile, from Donegall Quay to HMS Caroline, offering a lively celebration of Belfast’s proud maritime past and ambitious future.

Organised by Belfast City Council in partnership with Maritime Belfast Trust, the event is supported by Belfast Harbour, Titanic Quarter Limited, Titanic Belfast, the Department for Communities, Tourism NI and the Odyssey Trust. Cool FM/Downtown are this year’s media partners, bringing games, giveaways and live broadcasts throughout the weekend.

Sea shanties, ships and street food

Ollie Walker (9) and Emily Walker (6) are pictured with Louise Glendinning, Festival of Fools.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, said the festival continues to be a much-loved highlight in the city’s calendar:

“Belfast Maritime Festival is undoubtedly one of the city’s most popular family-friendly events, attracting residents from right across the city and drawing visitors from far and wide to enjoy entertainment inspired by our proud maritime heritage and traditions.

“We’ve got sea shanties a plenty, with a music programme curated by Belfast TradFest, and no shortage of silly fun thanks to the Festival of Fools at The Arc. Visitors are in for a treat with some special musical performances on the Saturday evening, giving a taste of what to expect next August when we host the Fleadh, the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture.”

New for 2025 is the ‘Slipways Street Food & Sounds’ experience, supported by DAERA through the NI Regional Food Programme, bringing together some of Northern Ireland’s finest local food producers in a vibrant market setting.

On Saturday evening, Hothouse Flowers will headline a magical open-air concert on the Titanic Slipways, with special guests Ríoghnach Connolly and Honeyfeet. Tickets (£20) are available now at visitbelfast.com.

Ships to explore and family fun galore

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly and Louise Glendinning, Festival of Fools, launch this year’s Belfast Maritime Festival - a weekend of free fun along the Maritime Mile

Festivalgoers will be able to step aboard a fleet of docked ships, including the spectacular Spanish galleon replica Andalucía, meet the crews, and discover what life at sea is really like.

For younger visitors, the Kids’ Cove at Queen’s Quay offers pirate-themed play, arts and crafts, circus acts and dance, while Island Adventure Park beside the Slipways features family-friendly funfair rides.

Live music will set the tone at the Maritime Mile Music Stage, alongside international circus performers at Fools by the Sea at The Arc.

At Hamilton Dock Maritime Village, visitors can dive into the past and future of seafaring through immersive technology, boat-building demos and interactive exhibits. Meanwhile, Science Street returns with a host of engaging activities exploring marine biology, biodiversity, climate change, and more.

A festival for everyone

Kerrie Sweeney MBE of Maritime Belfast Trust praised the collaborative effort behind the event:

“The Belfast Maritime Festival is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through true collaboration.

“It offers something truly unique from tall ships and live music to maritime heritage and hands-on experiences for all ages.

“Together, we’re animating the Maritime Mile, telling our maritime stories, and strengthening Belfast’s reputation as a vibrant, inclusive and connected waterfront city for everyone.”

For a more relaxed experience, visitors can explore ‘Drift’, a floating installation, or enjoy ‘City Sensations’ – a series of accessible and inclusive events at City Quays Gardens, hosted by Belfast Harbour.

Getting there

Organisers are encouraging the public to walk, cycle, or take public transport to the festival. The Glider from the city centre stops directly at Titanic Quarter, and Titanic Quarter Halt is just a short walk away.

Cycle parking is available near Titanic Belfast and Belfast Bike docks at the SSE Arena and SS Nomadic.

For full event information and updates, visit: belfastcity.gov.uk/maritime