Northern Ireland’s Weekend – This week’s events, exhibitions and essential buys

LIN LI is a contemporary painter working in abstract expressionism. Originally from Henan, China, they are exhibiting at room2 Belfast. Across Eurasia, Encountering Ulster explores how an artist from China reinterprets NI’s landscape through a Eurasian lens — merging memory, geography, and philosophical reflection to propose a new visual language for Ulster. Their approach includes several key elements including traditional Chinese textural stroke methods. room2.com/art-gallery/

New exhibition

You do something to me…

Paul Weller will play Belfast’s Custom House Square on June 24. Over the course of a career that extends back five decades, the former Jam frontman’s songs are woven into the tapestry of British music. His body of work stands comparison with formative heroes such as John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ray Davies. Tickets via ticketmaster.ie

Wheely good event

The Livingstone Family Christmas Tractor Run is back and will take place on December 27 in Armagh. It has raised almost £1.2m since its inception and up to 800 tractors expected to take part. Supporters travel from near and far to witness one of the country’s biggest tractor runs, sponsored by Ben Sergeant Tractors of Portadown. Tractors can register on the day from 10am at Armagh Business Park with the run commencing at noon. facebook.com/LivingstoneChristmasTractorRun

Season’s eatings

Belfast steakhouse Bar + Block’s Christmas menu is full of festive flavour with menus starting from £31.95 and a kids’ three-course feast for £12. Keep the party rolling with two-for-one cocktails available all day and limited-edition serves like the Bublétini, Fairytale of New York and Mariah Spritz — each inspired by Christmas number one hits. For a little extra fun, jingle all the way to brunch with Bar + Block’s Christmas brunch offer. Served from 12-7pm Sunday to Friday and 12-5pm on Saturday (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day). www.barandblock.co.uk/en-gb/christmas

Fitting the Bill

Having debuted the show to great success in New Zealand in the autumn, Bill Bailey is delighted to announce a new UK arena tour for winter 2026. With his trademark musical stylings and characteristic wit, Bill returns to the live stage in Vaudevillean. He’ll be performing at Belfast’s SSE Arena on December 12. Full information and tickets available from billbailey.co.uk

For Peat’s sake

Thin Place: The Folklore of Peatlands by Bob Speers is running at The Braid, Ballymena, until January 16. The term “thin place” refers to a location where the veil between the physical and the transcendental appears permeable or “thin”. Peatlands (bogs) are considered to have this special characteristic where there is a connection between the material and the numinous. Bob’s work not only includes material taken from bogs across Ireland, but incorporates commercial paints and household fabrics. midandeastantrim.gov.uk/things-to-do/museums-arts/the-braid-arts-centre/

Feeling WellFest

WellFest, Europe’s largest outdoor fitness and wellness festival, has announced its first wave of acts as it expands to Belfast. Leading the line-up in September 2026 is Newry’s Maeve Madden and Olympic gold medallist Rhys McClenaghan from Newtownards. They will be joined by Owen O’Kane, Belfast-born therapist to Lewis Capaldi, offering inspiring talks on mental health and resilience, and Dr Rebekah Jade, yoga and breathwork expert. For more information, see wellfestni.com

Three-oh and ready to go

The 30+ Club is thrilled to announce the return of The 30+ Club Festival to Custom House Square on Saturday, June 20, as part of the new Summer Series. The 2026 edition features a powerhouse line-up including the return of Gok Wan with a DJ set of club classics, and Alice DJ, performing their greatest hits such as Better Off Alone and Back in My Life. Strictly overs 30s, ID required. Tickets via ticketmaster.ie

To market, to market

Festive cheer is set to take over Royal Hillsborough as the Christmas market returns to the Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort for two days this year — December 12 from 3-9pm and December 13 from 12 noon to 6pm. Hosted by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, the annual Christmas market is not to be missed. It creates a magical atmosphere for shoppers keen to get into the festive spirit while supporting local businesses. www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com.