Autumn is one of the biggest periods of the year for arts and culture in Belfast, making it a great destination for October half term from East Midlands Airport.
With frequent affordable flights offered by Ryanair and Aer Lingus, the capital of Northern Ireland boasts a packed programme of festivals, theatre, live music, film, family activities and cultural events throughout autumn, while the changing colours make it the perfect time to discover the city’s parks and outdoor spaces.
Belfast was recently named among the top ten UK city breaks by The Times, whose columnist proclaimed: “Titanic Belfast is a world-class museum, City Hall is an unmissable edifice and the Botanic Gardens are a breath of fresh air.”
A major highlight at this time of year is the Belfast International Arts Festival, returning for its 64th edition from 14 October to 8 November 2026 and bringing together artists from Northern Ireland and around the world. More than 200 events are planned across more than 30 Belfast venues, covering theatre, dance, music, literature and visual arts, alongside a new immersive arts strand.
Meanwhile, the 37th Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival runs throughout autumn 2026, with events into November — films, workshops, masterclasses and young filmmaker showcases at venues including Queen’s Film Theatre, Ulster Museum, Crescent Arts Centre and Black Box. Cinemagic also has Halloween screenings scheduled from 26–31 October 2026, while attractions and communities roll out spooky seasonal activities.
The overlapping Belfast Film Festival 2026 makes autumn a serious film season, running 29 October to 7 November, and bringing cinema and special events to venues around Belfast. Independent cinema, local filmmaking and international productions give movie lovers plenty to explore.
There are few better times to explore Belfast on foot. Cave Hill Country Park is hard to beat when you want a proper walk — providing panoramic views across Belfast, woodland, heath and moorland. For something gentler, try Botanic Gardens (home of the free Ulster Museum), the grounds around Stormont Estate, Victoria Park or Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park.
A visit to Belfast wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the pub, to escape the rain and enjoy a pint in front of roaring fires, along with traditional music. If live music is the priority, Kelly’s Cellars, Madden’s, The Dirty Onion, The Second Fiddle and The Points are all worth a visit.
Flights from East Midlands Airport to Belfast can be booked here: https://www.eastmidlandsairport.com/flights-and-hotels/book-flights/
Posted on 06 October 2026
