Belfast Autumn Fair 2026 returns to Botanic Gardens with free family fun
20 August 2026
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Belfast Autumn Fair 2026 returns to Botanic Gardens with free family fun
The Belfast Autumn Fair 2026 returns to Botanic Gardens on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, with two days of free family entertainment, flowers, food, live music, arts and crafts, heritage activities and more.
The event runs from 12.30pm until 5.30pm on both days, with highlights including the annual Autumn Flower Show, the Northern Ireland Bonsai Society’s 40th anniversary exhibition and special European Heritage Open Days activities.
Belfast Autumn Fair returns to Botanic Gardens this September
The Belfast Autumn Fair 2026 is returning to Botanic Gardens in Belfast this September with a packed programme of free activities and entertainment for all the family.
The popular annual event will take place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026, running from 12.30pm until 5.30pm each day.
Visitors can expect flowers, arts and crafts, food, live music, family entertainment and local stalls across the weekend.
Full programme details and the latest visitor information are available on the official Belfast Autumn Fair page.
Belfast Autumn Fair 2026: key information
- Event: Belfast Autumn Fair 2026
- Dates: Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026
- Times: 12.30pm to 5.30pm both days
- Location: Botanic Gardens, Belfast
- Admission: Free
- Official information: Belfast City Council Autumn Fair
Autumn Flower Show returns for 2026
One of the main highlights of the Belfast Autumn Fair 2026 will be the annual Autumn Flower Show.
The exhibition will feature prize-winning autumnal blooms, giant seasonal vegetables and impressive floral art displays.
It is traditionally one of the most colourful parts of the weekend and gives gardeners, growers and visitors the chance to celebrate the changing season.
Northern Ireland Bonsai Society celebrates 40 years
This year’s fair will also mark the 40th anniversary of the Northern Ireland Bonsai Society.
The special anniversary exhibition will feature bonsai displays alongside advice and demonstrations for visitors interested in learning more about the art.
Calligraphy and a range of other activities are also planned as part of the society’s anniversary celebrations.
Live music and family entertainment
There will be plenty happening away from the flower displays too.
Live music is set to feature acts including The Professionals and The Drifters, while local stalls will showcase talent, products and produce from across Belfast.
Families will also be able to enjoy a range of entertainment and activities throughout both days.
Lord Mayor of Belfast Róis-Máire Donnelly said Belfast takes immense pride in its green spaces and described the Autumn Fair as a perfect opportunity to showcase Botanic Gardens as the seasons change.
She said:
“Belfast takes immense pride in its beautiful green spaces, and the Autumn Fair is the perfect showcase of the changing of the seasons in the stunning Botanic Gardens.”
The Lord Mayor said the event would offer free family entertainment, floral displays, live music and local stalls showcasing some of the talent and produce the city has to offer.
Belfast Autumn Fair 2026
- When: Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026
- Time: 12.30pm to 5.30pm each day
- Where: Botanic Gardens, Belfast
- Cost: Free
- More information: Visit Belfast City Council
European Heritage Open Days coincide with Autumn Fair
This year’s Autumn Fair will take place on the same weekend as European Heritage Open Days 2026.
The annual heritage programme gives people opportunities to visit historic buildings, places and sites across Northern Ireland, with many events free to attend.
More information about the wider programme is available from the Department for Communities European Heritage Open Days page.
As part of the Autumn Fair programme, there will be free, ticketed historical tours of Botanic Gardens and its glasshouses.
Visitors taking part will also be treated to performances from acclaimed local harpist Ursula Burns.
Watercolour workshops at the Tropical Ravine and Palm House
Budding artists will also have the opportunity to take part in special watercolour workshops.
The sessions are planned for two of Botanic Gardens’ best-known attractions — the Tropical Ravine and the Palm House.
Visitors can find more information about the Tropical Ravine on Belfast City Council’s website, while general visitor information for the Palm House and surrounding park is available through the Botanic Gardens visitor page.
Places for the watercolour workshops will need to be booked in advance.
Sustainable Living Emporium
Visitors interested in sustainability will also find plenty to explore at the Sustainable Living Emporium.
Activities are expected to include:
- Cookery demonstrations
- Willow workshops
- Planting activities
- Free books
- Sustainable lifestyle advice
The area will offer practical ideas for people looking to make more environmentally conscious choices at home.
Planning your visit to Belfast Autumn Fair 2026
The Autumn Fair will run from 12.30pm until 5.30pm on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September.
Admission is free.
Visitors travelling into Belfast should consider public transport where possible, particularly as the fair and European Heritage Open Days are taking place on the same weekend.
Further information about the park, facilities and access is available from the Belfast City Council Botanic Gardens page.
You can also find more local news, events and things to do through Northern Ireland Online.
More events across Northern Ireland
Looking for something else to do?
Northern Ireland Online features upcoming festivals, community events, family days out and activities from across the country.
You can browse Northern Ireland Online’s events and listings here or explore the site’s free event listings.
Event organisers can also add an event or other listing to Northern Ireland Online.
Find out more about Belfast Autumn Fair
The Belfast Autumn Fair 2026 takes place at Botanic Gardens from 12.30pm to 5.30pm on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September.
Entry is free.
For the latest programme, activity details and booking information, visit the official Belfast Autumn Fair website.
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