Brilliant Corners Jazz, Arctic Monkeys Tribute & Roe at the Empire

This week in Belfast, the city has two festivals running simultaneously - the Brilliant Corners Jazz Festival brings eight days of world-class music across multiple venues, while the Look North Festival celebrates North Belfast's cultural past, present, and future across a weekend of literature, heritage, comedy, and community. Add in a 24-piece trance orchestra at Mandela Hall, Chinese New Year celebrations on Saturday, and a packed calendar at the Empire, Limelight, and Lavery's, and there's really no shortage of reasons to leave the house this week.

Here's what's in store this week:

⚫️ Brilliant Corners Jazz Festival, Look North Festival & Chinese New Year

⚫️ Trance Classics with 24-piece orchestra, Arctic Monkeys tribute & Roe at the Empire

⚫️ Comedy at Limelight, Lavery's & Accidental Theatre all week long

Let's dive in 👇

Brilliant Corners Jazz Festival From Friday, 27 February - eight days Various venues, Belfast

One of Belfast's most acclaimed annual festivals, Brilliant Corners brings eight days of world-class jazz to venues across the city - featuring renowned international and Irish artists in intimate and large-format settings alike. The full programme is available via Belfast City Council's events listing. If you've never caught it before, this is the week to start. Full programme

Look North: The North Belfast Festival Friday 27 February to Sunday 1 March Various venues, North Belfast

The fifth Look North festival celebrates North Belfast's rich cultural identity across a weekend of literature, heritage, music, poetry, comedy, entertainment, and community collaboration. A three-day programme built around and for the community it celebrates. Full programme

Trance Classics - Live with a 24-Piece Orchestra Saturday, 28 February Mandela Hall, 77 University Road, Belfast

Agnelli & Nelson host a night where the anthems of trance - the music that filled a generation of European festival fields - get the full orchestral treatment from a 24-piece live orchestra. It's either the most ridiculous or most brilliant thing on this week, and possibly both. Book tickets

Grandbrothers - Elsewhere Tour Tuesday, 24 February Mandela Hall, Belfast

German experimental duo Grandbrothers bring their Elsewhere Tour to Mandela Hall - prepared piano and electronic production in a live format that's genuinely unlike anything else out there. More info

UFO Wednesday, 25 February Limelight, Belfast

Classic rock veterans UFO play the Limelight on Wednesday. Also playing Thursday 4 March - check which date suits. More info

A Tribute to The Carpenters Wednesday, 25 February Ulster Hall, Belfast

A heartfelt tribute to the Carpenters' timeless catalogue - Karen and Richard's harmonies, the lush arrangements, performed live at Ulster Hall. More info

Scarred Lip & Day Sleeper Thursday, 26 February Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast

Two acts crossing the water for a handful of special Irish shows - Scarred Lip and Day Sleeper at Oh Yeah, one of Belfast's best rooms for catching genuinely good live music. More info

Scouting for Girls + The Dunwells & The Souls Thursday, 26 February The Telegraph Building, Belfast

Scouting for Girls bring their irresistibly catchy pop-rock back to Belfast with The Dunwells and The Souls in support - a full, generous Thursday night at The Telegraph Building. More info

Gifted: Roe Thursday, 26 February The Belfast Empire Music Hall, Botanic Avenue, Belfast

Northern Irish singer-songwriter Roe plays the Empire in an intimate Gifted series show - one of the most distinctive voices in Irish music right now. This format tends to produce her best performances. More info

BABBA - Every Thursday Thursday, 26 February & Thursday, 5 March Limelight, Belfast

ABBA hits every Thursday night at Limelight. Dancing queens mandatory. More info

Ronan Guilfoyle's Bemusement Arcade Friday, 27 February Scott's Jazz Club, Belfast

Ronan Guilfoyle and his quartet bring an innovative jazz programme to Scott's, expanding the rhythmic language of jazz beyond its usual frames. A strong pick for anyone who takes their jazz seriously. More info

Esprit D'Air Friday, 27 February Limelight 2, Belfast

Esprit D'Air play the intimate Limelight 2 stage - Japanese-influenced rock with serious ambition and a devoted following. More info

Willow Avalon + Jack Van Cleaf Friday, 27 February Limelight 1, Belfast

A double bill at Limelight 1 with Willow Avalon and Jack Van Cleaf - two singer-songwriters building good momentum on the live circuit. More info

Jarrod Dickenson Friday, 27 February The Belfast Empire Music Hall, Belfast

Texas singer-songwriter Jarrod Dickenson plays the Empire - rich, soulful Americana with a proper storytelling heart. More info

Dakiti - Brazilian Carnival Night Friday, 27 February Sixty6, Belfast

Brazilian funk, Latin, and Reggaeton at Sixty6 - a proper carnival energy to kick off the weekend. More info

BATS WOMB - Goth Club Night Friday, 27 February The Deer's Head, Lower Garfield Street, Belfast

Goth night at the Deer's Head - if you know, you know. More info

M2M Heat 4 Friday, 27 February Voodoo Belfast, Fountain Street, Belfast

The fourth heat of M2M at Voodoo Belfast - live music competition night with a room that wants to be impressed. More info

Scottish Takeover Weekend Friday-Saturday, 27-28 February The Duncairn, Duncairn Avenue, Belfast

A weekend celebrating Scottish culture at The Duncairn - music, food, and the full cultural exchange that Belfast does well. More info

SHINE - X Club with Lorcan Kelly & Sophie Friday, 27 February Limelight 1, Belfast

A club night at Limelight 1 with Lorcan Kelly & Sophie - SHINE is one of Belfast's most reliably good nights out. More info

Arctic Monkeys Tribute - 20 Years of Whatever People Say I Am Saturday, 28 February The Belfast Empire, Botanic Avenue, Belfast

A night celebrating the 20th anniversary of Arctic Monkeys' debut album with a dedicated tribute band performing it in full. "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" in a packed Belfast venue - genuinely worth going to. Book tickets

Belfast Rock 'N' Roll Society All-Dayer Saturday, 28 February The Deer's Head, Lower Garfield Street, Belfast

A full day of rock 'n' roll music at the Deer's Head featuring The Mystery Train Riders and more acts across the day. The Rock 'N' Roll Society All-Dayer is a proper institution - get there early, stay late. More info

Day Fever Saturday, 28 February Ulster Hall, Belfast

A daytime celebration of music and dance at Ulster Hall - check the Ulster Hall website for full details on acts and timing. More info

The Queen Magic Experience Saturday, 28 February The Errigle Inn, Ormeau Road, Belfast

A tribute to Queen at the Errigle Inn - the anthems, the theatrics, and the sheer scale of the catalogue performed live. More info

Rob South - Saturday Night Live Saturday, 28 February The Errigle Inn, Ormeau Road, Belfast

Live music at the Errigle on Saturday night with Rob South - free entry. More info

ABBA Sensations Saturday, 28 February Belvoir Studio Theatre, 94 Belvoir Drive, Belfast

ABBA tribute night at the Belvoir Studio Theatre - an intimate setting that makes the ABBA singalong feel genuinely communal. More info

Lee Hedley Duo - Live at Lavery's Saturday, 28 February Lavery's, Belfast

Live music at Lavery's on Saturday night from the Lee Hedley Duo. More info

David Ford Sunday, 1 March The Deer's Head, Lower Garfield Street, Belfast

David Ford - Belfast's own troubadour, one of the most underrated singer-songwriters this island has produced - plays the Deer's Head. An intimate room for an artist who deserves a bigger one. More info

Soundsystem Sunday Sessions Sunday, 1 March Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast

A daytime celebration of soundsystem culture through custom hand-built speaker boxes at Oh Yeah - family-friendly, free-spirited, and a genuinely different way to spend a Sunday afternoon. More info

Open Trad - Belfast Session Guide Sunday, 1 March Lavery's, Belfast

Open traditional music session at Lavery's on Sunday - all players welcome. More info

Kick Out the Jams Monday, 2 March Lavery's, Belfast

Monday night music at Lavery's - Kick Out the Jams is exactly the kind of name a Monday night music event should have. More info

An Evening with Steve Cradock - Songs of Ocean Colour Scene Tuesday, 3 March Limelight 1, Belfast

Steve Cradock - Ocean Colour Scene's guitarist - performs an evening of OCS songs at Limelight 1. For anyone who had "The Riverboat Song" on a mixtape, this one's for you. More info

Creedence Clearwater Review Thursday, 5 March The Belfast Empire Music Hall, Belfast

Classic CCR hits performed live at the Empire - "Bad Moon Rising," "Proud Mary," the whole glorious catalogue. More info

Handmade Music Thursday, 5 March Accidental Theatre, Shaftesbury Square, Belfast

Monthly experimental music night at Accidental Theatre - short sets in a space designed for listening. A good Thursday for those who like their music to make them think. More info

IWD: Bonded with Huartan Thursday, 5 March Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast

Stephen McCauley hosts a conversation with Huartan about making their debut album - an International Women's Day event that goes behind the scenes of one of the most interesting new Irish acts. More info

Whiskey Club: Jameson Irish Whiskey Wednesday, 4 March The Deer's Head, Lower Garfield Street, Belfast

The Deer's Head Whiskey Club turns its attention to Jameson Irish Whiskey - a tasting session with proper context and good company. More info

Artisan Craft Market at Belfast Castle Ongoing / scheduled dates throughout year Belfast Castle

Quality locally-produced food, art, and craft markets at Belfast Castle, with its views over the city. Check the Belfast Castle schedule for the next available date. More info

Taskmaster LEGO Saturday, 28 February Ulster University, Belfast (Family-friendly)

Timed creative LEGO challenges at Ulster University focused on imagination, problem-solving, and teamwork - Taskmaster format applied to LEGO is exactly as fun as it sounds. More info

Cine of Sanctuary x Chinese New Year: Kung Fu Panda 4 Saturday, 28 February Queen's Film Theatre, Belfast

A family-friendly screening for the Chinese New Year weekend. More info

90s Day Party Saturday, 28 February, from 15:00 The Botanic Inn, Belfast

A full-day disco of 90s anthems at the Botanic Inn - themed dress encouraged. For anyone who wants to explain to their kids what the 90s actually felt like. Book tickets

Belfast Collects Sunday, 1 March Lavery's, Belfast

A showcase of local creative talent and collectables at Lavery's on Sunday. More info

Belfast Record Fair Saturday, 28 February Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast

Thousands of records and CDs at Oh Yeah Music Centre's record fair - vinyl hunters, this is your Saturday morning. More info

Belfast Giants vs Sheffield Steelers Friday, 27 February The SSE Arena, Belfast

The Giants take on the Sheffield Steelers in the Elite Ice Hockey League - always a big Friday night at the SSE Arena. More info

Peace Proms Sunday, 1 March The SSE Arena, Belfast

Young musicians from across Ireland perform Peace Proms at the SSE Arena - a genuinely moving concert that fills a big room and earns every seat. More info

The Addams Family Musical From Friday, 6 March Belvoir Studio Theatre, Belvoir Drive, Belfast

The Addams Family Musical opens at Belvoir Studio Theatre this Friday - the quirky, spooky family in full theatrical form from the Belvoir Players. More info

I Was the Voice of Gerry Adams Wednesday, 25 February, 19:00 Waterfront Hall Studio, Belfast

A brand-new comedy from Grimes & McKee set in early 1990s Northern Ireland - the Waterfront Studio is the right size for this kind of sharp, specific, local theatre. Book tickets

Bank of Ideas Tuesday, 24 February The Black Box, Belfast

A creative gathering to share and develop innovative ideas at the Black Box - the kind of open format that tends to produce something unexpected. More info

New Dawn - Quinn vs Dodd Boxing Friday, 27 February Waterfront Hall, Belfast

A night of professional boxing at the Waterfront Hall - Quinn vs Dodd in what promises to be a compelling main event. More info

Forged in Belfast: The Riddel's Story Saturday, 28 February Riddel's Warehouse, Belfast

A brand-new dramatised tour of Riddel's Warehouse, Belfast's last surviving example of a Georgian merchant's warehouse, in partnership with Bright Umbrella. History delivered with theatrical flair. More info

Chinese New Year 2026 Celebrations Saturday, 28 February Olive Tree House, Fountain Street, Belfast

An afternoon of Chinese culture, creativity, and food at Olive Tree House to mark the Lunar New Year - a welcoming community celebration in the heart of the city. More info

Stop and Think About This Programme Sunday, 1 March Accidental Theatre, Shaftesbury Square, Belfast

A supportive programme at Accidental Theatre for women exploring healthy and unhealthy relationships and self-care - a thoughtful, practical event in a welcoming space. More info

Molly vs The Machines + Virtual Discussion Sunday, 1 March Queen's Film Theatre, Belfast

A film exploring the impact of technology on personal relationships, followed by a virtual discussion - exactly the kind of film-plus-conversation format that QFT does well. More info

St Patrick's Early Celebrations Sunday, 1 March City centre and various locations, Belfast

Belfast's St Patrick's celebrations begin early this year - parades, festivities, and the general collective spirit of the city getting into March with intention. More info

Echoes of Yesterday - Exhibition by Saffron Monks-Smith Ongoing ArtisAnn Gallery, Belfast

Saffron Monks-Smith's atmospheric exhibition continues at ArtisAnn Gallery. A young Belfast artist making an impression. More info

Creative Holywood Festival 2026 From Saturday, 28 February through to 29 March Venues around Holywood, Co. Down

The Creative Holywood Festival launches its 2026 programme this week - talks, music, dance, and more across a month of events in Holywood. More info

Belfast Royal Academy Spring Concert Thursday, 5 March Ulster Hall, Belfast

Spring concert from the Belfast Royal Academy at Ulster Hall - young performers, big venue, always impressive. More info

Safe & Sound: We Were Always Here & Strange New Places Thursday, 5 March The Black Box, Belfast

A thought-provoking double bill at the Black Box exploring themes of belonging and identity. More info

IWD: Women's Work Meet Up Brunch Thursday, 5 March Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast

The Women's Work meet-up brunch at Oh Yeah brings together female-identified and non-binary professionals across the music and arts sectors for an International Women's Day gathering. More info

The Empire Laughs Back Comedy Club Tuesday, 24 February & Tuesday, 3 March The Belfast Empire Music Hall, Belfast

The Empire's regular comedy club runs Tuesday evenings - a reliable night out at one of Belfast's most atmospheric venues. More info

Melanie Bracewell - A Little Treat Tuesday, 24 February Limelight 2, Belfast

Australian comedian Melanie Bracewell brings her show to Limelight 2 - sharp, self-aware comedy with real warmth underneath. More info

Midweek Magic Club Wednesday, 25 February The Green Room, Belfast

An evening of close-up magic and wonder at the Green Room - the kind of night that makes you question your own eyes. More info

Duncairn Workshops Wednesday, 25 February The Duncairn, Duncairn Avenue, Belfast

A full afternoon of creative workshops at The Duncairn on Wednesday - Improvers Crochet with Aroona Murphy, Portraiture with Leah Davis, Beginner/Improvers Sewing with Bernie Carlin, and Introduction to Oil Painting with Hannah O'Hagan. Booking required for each. More info

Shane Daniel Byrne - Who's a Big Boy? Saturday, 28 February Limelight 2, Belfast

Shane Daniel Byrne's stand-up show at Limelight 2 - sardonic, sharp, and very funny. More info

If you enjoy the newsletter or you find it useful here are some ways you can help us:

See you next week 👋

P.S. Not feeling it anymore? No hard feelings. You can unsubscribe from the email footer below