Latest Events in Ards and North Down(June Updated)

An evening of Taiko, Bon Odori and dance! With community taiko, Hannari dance and the amazing San Jose Taiko! Foyle Obon presents - An Evening with San Jose Taiko! Join us for a special evening concert event as part of the Foyle Obon programme -an evening of live performance celebrating Japanese arts and culture. Headlining the night is internationally acclaimed taiko ensemble San Jose Taiko, returning to Derry~Londonderry following their powerful 2019 visit. They are joined by our own Ibuki Taiko, alongside community taiko performers who have been developing their skills through Foyle Obon’s year-round programmes. The programme also features traditional Japanese dance from Hannari Dance, as well as Bon Odori group dances, a fun opportunity for shared participation within the concert setting. Please note: this is a seated/ticketed evening performance rather than the daytime family festival format of previous years. With refreshments available and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, this is a unique opportunity to experience world-class performance alongside local talent in an intimate setting. Tickets £10 (under 3s free) Information Source: Foyle Obon | eventbrite

Talented young organist Jan Liebermann joins us at Portico to play on our spectacular organ. Jan Liebermann (b. 2005) is currently studying at the University of Music and Theatre Munich with Prof. Martin Sander. Previously, he was studying with Prof. Gerhard Gnann in Mainz and Prof. Carsten Wiebusch in Frankfurt. His concert appearances have taken him to renowned venues such as the Berlin Philharmonie, the Essen Philharmonie and Müpa Budapest, as well as to major churches and concert venues in Germany and abroad, including Pisa Cathedral, Freiberg Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, King’s College Cambridge and York Minster. In 2024, he performed all six Trio Sonatas by Johann Sebastian Bach from memory in several public concerts; he has also presented Marcel Dupré’s Trois Préludes et Fugues from memory several times. In autumn 2025, Jan Liebermann received the Deutschlandfunk Förderpreis, becoming the first organist to be awarded the prize since its introduction in 1998, presented at the Musikfest Bremen. In the same year, he appeared several times at the Berlin Philharmonie, including his acclaimed solo debut in celebration of the 60th anniversary of its Schuke organ, as well as concerts with Emmanuel Pahud and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Andris Nelsons. Programme: Johann Sebastian Bach Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV 565 An Wasserflüssen Babylon BWV 653 Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major BWV 1068, II. Air  (arr. Sigfrid Karg-Elert) Passacaglia in C minor BWV 582 - Intermission - Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme BWV 645 “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme“ BWV 645 - Orchestration C.M. Widor: Bach‘s Memento  Marche du Veilleur de Nuit Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam BWV 684 Cantata »Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir« BWV 29: Sinfonia (arr. Marcel Dupré) Violin Partita No. 2 in D minor BWV 1004: Chaconne (arr. Arno Landmann) Information Source: Portico | eventbrite

Join us at Ards RFC Girls Give It A Try Morning for fun rugby, new friends, and loads of laughs! Ards RFC Girls Give It A Try Morning! Ready to have some fun and try something new? Join us at Ards RFC for a fantastic free in-person event with qualified coaches where you can give rugby a go in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere. Whether you're a complete beginner or just curious, this morning is open to all abilities from p6-yr10! Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity to get active and discover the thrill of rugby! Information Source: Gillian Carson | eventbrite

Information Source: Portico | eventbrite

Get ready for a night of craic and good vibes at the ultimate Portaferry bash you won’t want to miss! 🎶 MONDAY 20TH JULY – PURE BLARNEY 🎶 Portaferry Gala Week 2026 is delighted to welcome PURE BLARNEY for a special night of live music and dancing this July. Pure Blarney are a talented six-piece electro-acoustic folk & rock band from Northern Ireland, bringing together traditional Irish sounds with modern classics and high-energy live performance. 📍 Portaferry 📅 Monday 20th July 2026 🚪 Doors Open: 7:00PM 🎵 Dancing: 8:00PM – 10:00PM 🎟 Tickets: £15 via Eventbrite 🍻 Full bar facilities available on the night Expect a fantastic atmosphere, big singalongs, traditional favourites and modern hits with a Pure Blarney twist. #PortaferryGalaFest #PureBlarney #LiveMusic #GalaWeek2026 Information Source: Portaferry GalaFest | eventbrite

Information Source: Lore | eventbrite

Experience an evening of uproarious laughter at the highly acclaimed Bad Otter Comedy Club. Located in the heart of Newtownards at The Ivy Bar on 14 Castle Street, this event promises to be a night filled with side-splitting comedy and endless amusement. Mark your calendar for February 3, 2024, for an unforgettable comedic experience. The ticket price for this extraordinary event is a mere £8.83, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a night of top-notch entertainment without breaking the bank. Whether you're a comedy enthusiast or simply in need of a good laugh, Bad Otter Comedy Club guarantees to deliver an evening of non-stop fun and entertainment. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to revel in the art of comedy. Join us at Bad Otter Comedy Club and prepare to unleash your laughter!"

Pavel Kolesnikov, a highly acclaimed young pianist, is set to captivate audiences worldwide with his exceptional talent. Don't miss out on this unforgettable event at the prestigious Portico Arts & Heritage Centre in Portaferry. Pavel Kolesnikov's performance promises to be a truly mesmerizing experience, showcasing his brilliance and artistry on the piano. Known for his remarkable skills, Kolesnikov has gained international recognition for his captivating performances and profound musical interpretations. The event will take place on February 4, 2024, at the Portico Arts & Heritage Centre, located at Steel Dickson Avenue in Portaferry. This remarkable venue provides the perfect setting for an evening of enchanting music. Tickets for this extraordinary concert range from £5.48 to £21.92, offering a range of options to suit every budget. Don't miss your chance to witness the extraordinary talent of Pavel Kolesnikov as he takes the stage in Portaferry. Secure your tickets now and prepare to be transported by the spellbinding music of this esteemed pianist.

Experience a moment of tranquility at the Feel Good Festival: Piano Peace with Ruth McGinley. Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of renowned concert pianist Ruth McGinley as she performs a selection of beautiful piano pieces by Einaudi and Sakamoto. Set within the breathtaking architecture of the Portico Arts & Heritage Centre in Portaferry, the concert hall's grade A listed status provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening. Bathed in the gentle glow of candlelight, these carefully chosen compositions create a soothing and serene atmosphere. Delight in the familiarity of Sakamoto's 'Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence' and Einaudi's 'Le Onde' (The Waves), as they transport you to a place of calm and bliss. Join us on March 1, 2024, and let the piano's harmonies wash over you, offering a respite from the chaos of everyday life. Tickets for this extraordinary event are available for £21.92. Discover your inner peace at the Feel Good Festival: Piano Peace with Ruth McGinley.

Join us at the Feel Good Festival: Choral Sanctuary with Christian Forshaw, a captivating candlelit concert featuring beautiful choral voices. This enchanting event commemorates the 20 year anniversary of Christian Forshaw's acclaimed album 'Sanctuary'. Renowned for its exquisite blend of saxophone, organ, and voice, this classical masterpiece has garnered widespread praise and is frequently played on national radio. Taking place at the Portico Arts & Heritage Centre in Portaferry, this stunning venue boasts exceptional acoustics and a meticulously restored organ, providing the perfect backdrop for this momentous occasion. We are honored to have Christian Forshaw himself present, alongside his handpicked selection of talented choral voices. Immerse yourself in the sublime melodies and rich harmonies of this timeless composition, as the candlelight creates a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of 'Sanctuary' and celebrate its enduring legacy. Secure your tickets now for the Feel Good Festival: Choral Sanctuary with Christian Forshaw, taking place on March 2, 2024. Tickets are priced at £21.92.