Event Highlights

Discover Ards and North Down through our lively events and experiences programme throughout the year.

2025 event details coming soon!

Annual events are a highlight in our calendar here in Ards and North Down; flagship days out for locals and visitors who travel afar for our renowned programme, which offer free admission and can incur little to no cost.

Please keep an eye on this page as more event information for 2025 becomes available.

And there's even more happening in between...

Find out what else the year has in store for you should you visit our part of the Isle, there is something for everyone!

What's on listings

Please note

This serves as a guide to a typical year of events highlights in Ards and North Down, however, details and events subject to change.

There will be a small charge for some activities at events.

Photography and videography may take place at some or all of the above events. Please be sure to inform a member of staff on site if you wish not to feature in stock imagery collected for the promotion of the borough and it's events.

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Merry May Day

Always a popular family day out, the Merry May Day celebrations have become a long tradition in the bustling gateway town of Holywood. The town will be transformed into a pedestrianised hub of activity.
Pipe Bands and Drum Major Championships

Enjoy this fierce competition of talent, and impressive display of sight and sound, as pipe bands and drum major groups come together.
Sea Bangor

An annual treat in the calendar, the event celebrates the City of Bangor’s rich maritime heritage with family fun activities, entertainment for all, delicious food, live music and more!
Taste Summer in Ards and North Down

Enjoy local food and drink experiences celebrating the PGI status of the famous Comber Earlies Potato from 19 – 30 June, culminating in the popular Comber Earlies Food Festival on Saturday 22 June. The programme includes free and ticketed events.
Comber Earlies Food Festival

The annual Comber Earlies Food Festival is a wonderful day out filled with family fun, cookery demos in the Festival Kitchen and activities that celebrate the Comber Earlies potato which holds PGI Status.
Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down

Events showcasing and celebrating our local food and drink, from food tours to family events, including the popular Tide and Turf, Portavogie event in September - there is something for everyone.
Tide and Turf Portavogie Food Festival

Running as part of our Taste Autumn programme of event in August/September, this free to attend family event showcases the food produced around the harbour and surrounding farmland with a focus on seafood and beef and features chef cookery demonstration, with celebrity chefs.
Shorelife Celebration

After a successful event last year, it's first time running, we are pleased to announce the return of the Shorelife Celebration this October, with events in Castle Espie and Mount Stewart. Enjoy free entry to explore both stunning locations and activities for families and nature lovers alike!
City of Bangor Christmas Switch On

Please join us on the rescheduled date of Wednesday 4 December, from 6pm to 7.15pm at the front of the City Hall for a night of festive cheer!
Newtownards Christmas Switch On

Join in the festivities in Newtownards, as the specialty Christmas market returns to the town centre, soak up the seasonal atmosphere and enjoy some Christmas shopping and mini funfair rides, as well as a Community Programme running throughout the day in Conway Square. Follow the Christmas Passport Trail around the town for lots of festive fun, with the Lights Switch On taking place in Conway Square.