What's on in County Antrim this weekend: 5 things to do

Brighter evenings and the prospect of better weather mean many of us will be the lookout for some springtime entertainment.

By Helena McManus

Published 9th Apr 2024, 15:21 BST

Updated 9th Apr 2024, 16:34 BST

From arts and crafts to a high-energy skateboarding showcase, here are our top five picks for things to do in County Antrim this weekend.

This informative workshop on Saturday, April 27 will delve into the fascinating world of invertebrates, the largest group of living organisms on the planet. The half-day programme will include an indoor presentation highlighting some of the more common mini beasts to be found in the area, along with other more exotic creatures. This will be followed by a guided mini beast hunt within the gardens. The event runs from 10.30am - 1.30pm and admission is £1.25, with all proceeds going to the Mayor's charities. For more information, visit https://antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/events/2024/april/mini-beasts-workshop-for-the-family/

1. Hunt for mini beasts at Antrim Castle Gardens

This informative workshop on Saturday, April 27 will delve into the fascinating world of invertebrates, the largest group of living organisms on the planet. The half-day programme will include an indoor presentation highlighting some of the more common mini beasts to be found in the area, along with other more exotic creatures. This will be followed by a guided mini beast hunt within the gardens. The event runs from 10.30am - 1.30pm and admission is £1.25, with all proceeds going to the Mayor's charities. For more information, visit https://antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/events/2024/april/mini-beasts-workshop-for-the-family/ Photo: Freddy from Pixabay

Carrickfergus Town Hall will be hosting a chilled evening of new and experienced local performers on Saturday, April 27 from 7:30pm. With cabaret seating and a bring your own bottle feature at the venue, tickets are just £5 and can be purchased at https://positivecarrickfergus.org/events/acoustic-night/ or at the door on the night.

2. Enjoy a night of acoustic music in Carrickfergus

Carrickfergus Town Hall will be hosting a chilled evening of new and experienced local performers on Saturday, April 27 from 7:30pm. With cabaret seating and a bring your own bottle feature at the venue, tickets are just £5 and can be purchased at https://positivecarrickfergus.org/events/acoustic-night/ or at the door on the night. Photo: wal_172619 from Pixabay

Taking place from Friday, April 26 to Monday, April 29, the City Nature Challenge is an international citizen science competition to see which city can observe the most native species. The challenge in the Greater Belfast area is being managed by Belfast City Council along with Buglife, National Museums NI, Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland and Ulster Wildlife. For information on how to take part in the free, family friendly event, visit https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/Events/City-Nature-Challenge-2024

3. Take part in the City Nature Challenge across Greater Belfast

Taking place from Friday, April 26 to Monday, April 29, the City Nature Challenge is an international citizen science competition to see which city can observe the most native species. The challenge in the Greater Belfast area is being managed by Belfast City Council along with Buglife, National Museums NI, Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland and Ulster Wildlife. For information on how to take part in the free, family friendly event, visit https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/Events/City-Nature-Challenge-2024 Photo: Kathy Büscher from Pixabay

Young visitors to Carrickfergus Town Hall can hone their creative skills at this kids' art workshop on Saturday, April 27 from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm. Suitable for kids aged 7-12, participants can learn about the Flower Fairies as they make their own fairy door, magical path and fairy swing; fairy dresses from flowers and a flower garland for their hair. Admission is £8 and children must be accompanied by an adult; for more information, see https://positivecarrickfergus.org/events/magical-day-with-the-flower-fairies/

4. Create fairy themed arts and crafts in Carrick

Young visitors to Carrickfergus Town Hall can hone their creative skills at this kids' art workshop on Saturday, April 27 from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm. Suitable for kids aged 7-12, participants can learn about the Flower Fairies as they make their own fairy door, magical path and fairy swing; fairy dresses from flowers and a flower garland for their hair. Admission is £8 and children must be accompanied by an adult; for more information, see https://positivecarrickfergus.org/events/magical-day-with-the-flower-fairies/ Photo: Thomas G. from Pixabay