Categories: Summer, Events, Things to do

Looking for fun ways to enjoy the summer without spending? From lively markets and food fairs to outdoor performances and family-friendly festivals, we’ve rounded up the best free events happening this summer that offer great entertainment, local culture, and plenty of opportunities to make lasting memories. Get ready to plan your perfect budget-friendly day out!

Explore the Magic of Hillsborough Forest

Hillsborough Forest, Park Street, BT26 6AL

Set in the picturesque village of Royal Hillsborough, Hillsborough Forest is a perfect summer day out for families, with scenic trails, a peaceful lake, and a fun play park.

Take your adventure further with the Digital Sculpture Trail, an interactive AR experience featuring 10 unique sculptures, each inspired by themes like play, nature, heritage, and hope. The app brings each piece to life and reveals the story behind its creation.

You can also explore the Royal Hillsborough Village Trail through the app, uncovering the area's rich history and hidden gems.

Download the app here and let the forest come alive!

Summer Movie Magic

Market Square, Lisburn BT28 1AG

Looking for a fun, free way to entertain the kids this summer? Look no further than Market Square, Lisburn, where every Thursday throughout July and August at 1pm, families are invited to enjoy a free family-friendly movie screening. From heartwarming adventures like Up and Brave to animated favourites such as Inside Out and Big Hero 6, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The fun begins with free face painting from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, making it the perfect afternoon out for families with young children. With no tickets or bookings required, just bring a blanket or a few chairs and settle in for a magical summer movie experience under the open sky!

Park Life

Various locations, check out www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com for details

The Lisburn and Castlereagh Park Life programme offers lots of fun activities for kids at Wallace Park, Moira Demesne, Moat Park, Castle Gardens, and Lough Moss Leisure Centre from July 1st until 31st August.   With a variety of music and entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, making it a great day out for the whole family.

Inns Cross Market

Saintfield Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT8 7HN

Looking for a delightful way to spend a Saturday morning? Head to Inns Cross Market, held on the first Saturday of every month in the rear car park of Inns Cross Shops on Saintfield Road, just a short drive from Forestside Shopping Centre.

Discover a fantastic selection of farm-to-market produce and small-batch artisan goods, from fresh local fruits and vegetables to handmade organic skincare, botanical soaps and shampoos, and beautifully crafted candles. You’ll also find a wonderful range of sustainable living products and unique creations from non-food makers.

Every stallholder takes pride in their craft. Many grow their own ingredients or carefully source from trusted local producers - making this market a true celebration of quality, authenticity, and community.

Best of all? It’s open to everyone who loves to browse and support local artisans.

Lisburn Museum

Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum, Market Square, Lisburn, Co Antrim, BT28 1AG

Discover ‘In Their Own Words’ – A Powerful LGBTQIA+ Heritage Exhibition

Proud to host ‘In Their Own Words’, an inspiring exhibition brought to you by the LGBTQIA+ Heritage Project. This display shines a light on activists and community members who have shaped LGBTQIA+ history in Northern Ireland.

Explore a fascinating collection of artifacts, including badges, flags, quilts, and the iconic Cara-Friend telephone - a vital lifeline for many during the turbulent times of ‘The Troubles’. While you browse, scan QR codes to hear personal stories and sound clips from those who lived these experiences, making the history truly come alive.

Art on the Rails – A Monthly Outdoor Art Gallery

Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum, Market Square, Lisburn, Co Antrim, BT28 1AG

Looking for something unique and inspiring to do this weekend? Head to Art on the Rails, taking place on the last Saturday of every month outside the Irish Linen Museum.

This open-air gallery is the perfect way to support local artists while enjoying a relaxed stroll through creativity. From striking paintings to original prints and handmade crafts, each piece is a one-of-a-kind creation waiting to be discovered, and maybe even taken home!

Whether you’re an art lover or just browsing, admission is free, and it’s a brilliant way to spend a Saturday soaking up culture and local talent.

Sounds Like Summer

Market Square, Lisburn, Co Antrim, BT28 1AG

Looking to add some rhythm to your weekends this August? Head to Market Square in Lisburn for Sounds Like Summer – a series of free live music performances showcasing talented local artists, running from 12pm – 2pm, 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th August.

Whether you're out shopping, catching up over coffee, or enjoying lunch in the sunshine, enjoy the perfect summer soundtrack right in the heart of the city. With a new line-up each week, there’s always something fresh to enjoy.

Telling Our Stories – A Free Creative Writing Workshop

Chat and Chill Cafe, Antrim Street, Lisburn, Antrim, BT28 1AU

Celebrate self-expression and queer storytelling at Telling Our Stories, a free creative writing workshop led by poet Niamh McNally. This inclusive session invites participants to explore and share their unique queer experiences through writing. Niamh will guide the group using examples of queer prose and poetry, encouraging discussion and reflection as a springboard for your own creative work. Whether you're an experienced writer or trying creative writing for the first time, this workshop offers a welcoming space to connect, reflect, and express yourself. Free tickets are available – click here to book:

Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market Returns – A Midsummer Celebration of Local Food and Craft

Hillsborough Fort, The Dark Walk, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6AG

The much-loved Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market returns on Saturday 26th July, bringing a vibrant celebration of mid-summer to the heart of this historic village. Set against the picturesque backdrop of The Dark Walk and extending into the grounds of Hillsborough Fort, the market offers a perfect day out, especially when paired with a visit to the village’s independent shops and charming eateries.

With over 50 stalls showcasing the very best of seasonal, farm-to-market produce and artisan food from across Northern Ireland, visitors can expect a feast for the senses. From regeneratively farmed heritage meats, fresh local fruit and vegetables, artisan breads, Irish cheeses, jams and chutneys, to fresh fish, charcuterie, handmade chocolates, and street food, there’s something to delight every palate.

In addition to food and drink, the market also features a carefully curated selection of designer crafts, organic skincare, and sustainable living products. Local musicians and family-friendly activities will add to the welcoming, community atmosphere. Come along to browse, taste, shop, and soak up the unique setting of Royal Hillsborough.

Tea Dance

Market Square, Lisburn, Co Antrim, BT28 1AG

Enjoy the charm of our Tea Dances in Market Square this August 26th, from 2pm -4pm.  Dance to the lively tunes of Housty, our fabulous local musician.  No booking required.

Moira Speciality Food Fair

Moira Demesne, 110 Main Street, Moira, County Down, BT67 0LQ

The Moira Speciality Food Fair returns this summer to the beautiful setting of Moira Demesne, bringing together the best of Northern Ireland’s rich food heritage and forward-thinking producers. Visitors can meet passionate farmers, seasonal growers, and award-winning artisan makers who are using local, sustainable ingredients to create exceptional food and drink. From heritage meats and seasonal vegetables to globally inspired flavours in the Speciality Food Hall, the event highlights both tradition and innovation in today’s local food scene.

This family-friendly, day-long festival goes beyond just tasting, with expert chef talks, live demos, and interactive workshops offering hands-on experiences and plenty of opportunities to sample delicious creations. The atmosphere is brought to life with top food trucks, an outdoor bar, picnic areas, live music, and entertainment throughout the day.

Tumble Circus Performance

Market Square, Lisburn, Co Antrim, BT28 1AG

On Saturday 5th July, Lisburn’s Market Square will come alive with the vibrant energy of the Tumble Circus Performance. From 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, families and visitors of all ages can enjoy an entertaining show packed with comedy, juggling, acrobatics, and plenty of playful fun. This lively performance promises to captivate audiences with its unique blend of skill and humour. Perfect for a summer afternoon outing, the event is completely free to attend and requires no booking, simply show up ready to be amazed!  Whether you’re looking for a fun family day out or a memorable way to experience live performance art in the heart of Lisburn, the Tumble Circus offers something for everyone.