March in Belfast is always a busy time for those looking to take part in a number of exciting St Patrick's Day celebrations.
From the annual parade to musical celebrations to culture and heritage events, the city is alive with things to do for the whole family.
Celebrations will build up to the annual Beat Carnival parade on March 17 which will transform the city centre for St Patrick's Day.
Watch: Preparations underway for Belfast's St Patrick's Day parade
Here are some of the events taking place in Belfast for St Patrick's Day:
Féile Trad Trail
Féile’s Trad Trail will take place from March 10-19 in venues across Belfast’s Gaeltacht Quarter and city centre.
Kevin Gamble, Director at Féile an Phobail said: "Féile an Phobail is delighted to once again be involved in supporting the animation of the city in the lead up to and during St Patricks Day.
"The Féile Trad trail will bring an eclectic mix of Irish music sessions to venues and spaces right across the city, showcasing the very best of local Irish traditional musicians and highlighting the rich Irish cultural heritage of traditional music in Belfast."
For more info, see here
Céilí at the Castle
On 11, 12, 18 and 19 March, book a ticket for céilí dancing, live music, food and drinks at Belfast Castle.
You’ll be served a delicious traditional meal, a complimentary drink and soak in performances of popular Irish traditional folk tunes and songs. You can learn to céilí dance and also try your hand at playing the bodhrán or Irish drum.
This is an interactive cultural experience led by professional and award-winning musicians and dancers.
For more information, see here
St Patrick’s Tales of Our City
Visit 2 Royal Avenue from 13 to 19 March, 10am to 6pm.
Experience tales of our city as told by local residents through a sound installation that explores life in Belfast through the decades.
Share your own stories in a facilitated oral history session on 16 March from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.
St Patrick's Tea Dance
Another event happening at 2 Royal Avenue from 2pm to 4pm on 16 March.
Join for an afternoon of music, singing and plenty of jiving.
This is a special St Patrick's Tea Dance featuring The John Trotter Band - you can also enjoy a cup of tea and a bun.
St Patrick's Day Family Art Workshop
2 Royal Avenue from 12 noon to 2pm on 17 March.
Join local artist Trisha McNally to create your own St Patrick-themed art in this workshop.
This workshop is suitable for children aged between four and 10 years old. The workshop is free. You don't need to book to attend.
St Patrick's Eve concert
Custom House Square host a free concert on Thursday, March 16 organised by The Duncairn Arts Centre.
Headlined by award-winning singer/songwriter Lisa Hannigan, the family-friendly, alcohol-free event will also see performances by trad supergroup Jiggy who mix Irish traditional music, world rhythms and cutting-edge dance grooves, ethnic dance group Shamrock Bhangra and internationally acclaimed folk singer David Keenan.
There will be free face painting, circus performers, and balloon artists and buskers to keep little ones entertained, as well as a selection of food vendors on site.
This event is now sold out.
St Patrick's Day Shindig
Shindig perform Irish traditional music.
This local band will get your hands clapping and your feet tapping. You don't need to book to attend.
Find them at 2 Royal Avenue from 3pm to 5pm on 17 March.
Beat Carnival St Patrick's Day parade
The focus in 2023 will be a celebration of local music across various genres, paying tribute to the city’s UNESCO City of Music status.
The parade's theme is ‘Voices of Belfast’ and will celebrate Belfast’s music heritage from pop to punk and traditional to disco.
The parade starts outside Belfast City Hall at 1.30pm before moving through the city centre streets.
For the parade route, see here
St Patrick's celebrations at St George's Market
Running from 12 noon to 1.30pm on March 17, enjoy live traditional music from members of Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ).
These musicians and dancers love to perform to audiences all over the world - they are feet-stompingly brilliant. The event is free.
Ards CCÉ was established in 1976. This non-profit music organisation promotes and fosters the love of Irish traditional music, song and dance to people from all community backgrounds.
The SPAR Craic 10k
St Patrick’s Day 2023 will see thousands of runners ‘back for the Craic’ as the SPAR Craic 10k road race returns in its full green glory to the streets of Belfast.
The St Patrick’s Day race, which will again begin at City Hall and end at Ormeau Park, is part of the wider Belfast City Council efforts to create an all-inclusive celebration of the National Saints’ Day.
Founded in 2015 and shining a light on our common heritage, the SPAR Craic 10k took a time out for the pandemic.
An inclusive, fun event which attracts all levels of runners from across the island and beyond, SPAR Craic 10k is Belfast’s premier urban run.
For more information, see here
READ NEXT:
St Patrick's Day events and celebrations across Belfast announced
Belfast top city for spike in hotel prices this St Patrick’s Day
Stage times, ticket information and more for Belfast's St Patrick's Eve concert
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
