Here are some events and activities that are happening from Friday to Sunday.
1. A Guided Tour of Antrim Castle Gardens will take place on Saturday, May 28 from 2-3pm. This Ranger led Guided Tour of Antrim Castle Gardens takes approx. 1hr and involves an easy walk over flat ground. The tour focusses on the general history of the 350-year-old bardens alongside the remnants of the Massereene family dynasty, dating back to 1573. You will hear many interesting facts, stories and tales of the colourful characters making up the family history. All this while walking through the beautiful and historically significant site, where the original Garden features have remained intact since the mid-late 1600’s. Free to attend, but prior booking is essential - https://oldcourthouse.ticketsolve.com/shows/873633453 . Meeting Point: Wolfhound Statue, Clotworthy Courtyard, Antrim Castle Gardens
2. A May Fair Baby Disco will be held on Saturday, May 28, from 11.30am-3pm in Ballyclare Town Hall, admission free. Come along and get down to the beats with a fun-filled disco designed especially for the under 4’s. Dance with your baby or toddler to non-stop uplifting dance music, enjoy colourful visual projections and explore a range of sensory toys. The duration of each disco is 45 minutes. All adults and children attending must have a ticket book at https://theatreatthemill.ticketsolve.com/shows/873634567
3. Why not go on a harbour hopping seaford adventure by going on one of the recently launched Northern Ireland Seafood Trails which include some County Antrim coastal spots such as Ballintoy, Ballycastle, Cushendall and Cushendun. The NI Seafood Trails provide a great platform to celebrate the variety of seafood that Northern Ireland has to offer. By exploring the bustling fishing port and harbour towns that feature on these trails, and learning about Northern Ireland’s rich fishing heritage along the way. More information can be found on the trails website: www.niseafoodtrails.co.uk.
4. Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival is back this year from Friday, May 27
This hugely popular celebration, with a packed programme of activities on both dry-land and at sea, is inspired by the Rathlin Sound – the body of water connecting Rathlin Island to the mainland in Ballycastle. Visitors can look forward to live music performances, ‘have a go’ activities, crafts, walks, talks and lots of artisan produce which celebrate the area’s rich local history, culture, music, and food. There’ll also be a special visit from tall ship ‘The Leader’, a traditionally rigged sailing vessel, which will moor in Ballycastle throughout the festival. Get on board for a tour, enjoy a sail around the bay or simply admire the beauty of this majestic boat from the harbour. In other programme highlights, look out for the blessing of the boats, an appearance by the Vikings, a colourful kite display and an exciting demonstration from Red Bay RNLI to mark its 50th anniversary. *Note, details are subject to change due to tides and weather conditions, so visitors are advised to follow the Festival’s Facebook (@RathlinSoundMaritimeFestival) and Twitter (@RathlinSoundMF) channels for the most up-to-date announcements.
5.Why not head to St George’s Market which is open Friday to Sunday, with its live music and an electric atmosphere, it’s a good weekend destination. Located on Belfast’s May Street it is known to be the last surviving Victorian covered market in Belfast

1. See some cinema classics in Ballycastle
Yarn, Ballycastle's new creative events space transforms into an indie cinema with a weekend-long Summer Season of Film organised by Ballycastle Film Club. This weekend includes 'Dogman' and Spike Lee's 'Do The Right Thing' on Saturday, July 26, with Hitchcock's 'Rear Window' on Sunday, July 27. For more information, see https://www.yarnballycastle.com/whats-on Photo: Devon Breen from Pixabay

2. Enjoy a cuppa at the Old Church Centre, Cushendun
Visitors can enjoy a selection of delicious home-baked treats served in the cosy surroundings of the Old Church Centre at its Pop Up Tea Room, running on Sunday, July 27 from 11am-4pm. Photo: dungthuyvunguyen from Pixabay

3. Have fun at the seaside in Whitehead
Taking place over two weeks from July 26 – August 9, Whitehead Summer Festival kicks off with 'Waterfest' at County Antrim Yacht Club on Saturday July 26 including stand up paddle boards, a kayak race, a barbecue and refreshments. There's also Whitehead History Day from 2pm - 5pm at the Community Centre Main Hall; Islandmagee Camera Club's competition launch, and the Teddy Bears’ Picnic, 11.30am - 12.30pm in Whitehead Library. Activities on Sunday, July 27 at the Promenade include the Coastal Rowers Regatta, the CWA Brass Silver Band concert and a guided walking tour with Steve Diamond. For full details on the festival programme, visit https://whitehead-ni.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-Summer-Festival-Programme-Updated-2-1.pdf Photo: Helena McManus

4. Learn more about Carrickfergus before the Castle
Carrickfergus Museum launches its new summer exhibition, Carrickfergus Before the Castle: Early Medieval Ireland (c. 400–1169 AD) on Thursday, July 24 at 7pm. This stunning new display invites visitors to travel back in time and discover life in Carrickfergus long before the iconic castle stood by the lough. The exhibition also launches a summer events programme running until September 27 with the chance to try everything from Irish calligraphy to Early Medieval food and drink. Photo: Mid and East Antrim Borough Council