What’s On in Belfast This Weekend (Friday 16 – Sunday 18 October)
The nights are drawing in, the Arts Festival is in full swing and Halloween is creeping up on us – so there’s no excuse to stay in. From fire, pyro and power chords at The O2 to ice hockey, arena pop and some cracking theatre, here’s our pick of the weekend in Belfast.
FRIDAY 16 OCTOBER
🔥 The Rock Orchestra: Arena of Fire – The O2 Belfast
Friday 16 October | Doors 6.30pm, show 8pm sharp
The The Rock Orchestra brings its new arena show to Queen’s Quay, reworking rock and metal anthems by the likes of Metallica, AC/DC, Linkin Park and Guns N’ Roses with orchestra, singers and choir. Add pyro and fire performers The Fuel Girls and you’ve got a two-hour spectacle that’s built to be loud. Under-14s must be with an adult (18+).
Tickets: The Rock Orchestra – The O2 Belfast
Barnum – Grand Opera House
Friday 16 October, 7.30pm (also Saturday 17 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm – final performances)
Matt Rawle walks the tightrope as P.T. Barnum in this colourful circus musical, packed with actor-musicians, acrobats and Cy Coleman’s show tunes. It’s the last weekend of the run, so don’t leave it too late. Recommended for ages 8+; Saturday’s matinee is audio described.
Tickets: Barnum – Grand Opera House
Read our review: Barnum at Grand Opera House
Faith Healer – Lyric Theatre
Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October (Sat 7.30pm has limited availability; other weekend performances listed as sold out at time of writing)
Conleth Hill, Lisa Dwyer Hogg and Chris McCurry star in Brian Friel’s haunting play about a travelling healer, his wife and his manager, told through four conflicting monologues. Part of the Lyric’s 75th anniversary season and Belfast International Arts Festival; runs until 14 November. Suitable for 14+.
Tickets: Faith Healer – Lyric Theatre
Read our review: Faith Healer at the Lyric Theatre
St George’s Market
Friday 8am–2pm, Saturday 9am–3pm, Sunday 10am–3pm
The Victorian market hall is open all weekend – ideal for a lazy brunch, a browse of local crafts and food producers, and a bit of people-watching.
Info: St George’s Market
SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER
🏒 Belfast Giants v Glasgow Clan – The O2 Belfast (HOME)
Saturday 17 October | Doors 6pm, face-off 7pm
The Giants are back on home ice to take on Glasgow Clan – a fixture that rarely lacks a bit of needle. A great night out for families, with child tickets for 16s and under.
Tickets: Belfast Giants v Glasgow Clan – The O2 Belfast
Fixtures: Belfast Giants game centre
Parade – The Giant Wheel – CS Lewis Square (free)
Saturday 17 October, 1pm and 3.30pm
A free outdoor performance from Belfast International Arts Festival, mixing dance, physical theatre and a procession built around a 12-foot wheel, with Beat Carnival and BEATnDRUM. No booking needed – just turn up in east Belfast.
Info: Parade – The Giant Wheel
🎃 Halloween at W5 – W5, Odyssey (starts Saturday)
From Saturday 17 October to 1 November | Sat 10am–4pm, Sun 10am–6pm (also open Fri 10am–6pm)
W5‘s Halloween season kicks off this weekend, with a Halloween House and Spooky Square trail, the Pumpkins and Potions science show, spooky dress-up and a haunted Climbit. Included with general admission; pre-booking essential.
Tickets: Halloween at W5
⚽ Glentoran v Limavady United – BetMcLean Oval
Saturday 17 October, 3pm
Fancy some Irish League? The Glens are at home in the Premiership on Saturday afternoon.
Info: Glentoran v Limavady United
SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER
🎤 Duran Duran – The O2 Belfast
Sunday 18 October | Doors 6.30pm
The pop-rock legends bring their arena tour to Belfast, with British band Pigeon in support. Expect a big night of hits.
Tickets: Duran Duran – The O2 Belfast
🎱 BetVictor Northern Ireland Open – Waterfront Hall
Sunday 18 – Sunday 25 October
World-ranking snooker returns to the Waterfront for the week, kicking off on Sunday. A chance to see the top players up close in the city centre.
Tickets: BetVictor Northern Ireland Open – Waterfront Hall
Looking further ahead? Check out our full October guide for more.
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