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Belfast Learning Festival - Saturday

Date: Saturday 12 April 2025

Venue: Various locations in Belfast

Category: Belfast Learning Festival


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Saturday is the fourth day of the Belfast Learning Festival 2025. There’s lots to learn in Belfast today; take part in an interactive science workshop, learn how to spot local wildlife, or discover a flair for highland dancing.

Whether you’re passionate about a particular subject or keen to discover a new skill, learn by sharing, doing, and experimenting. There are events for everyone, whatever your age, interest or ability. Held in venues across the city, including community centres, museums and parks near you.

All events are free to attend but you may need to book a ticket

Event details Description

Riddel's Warehouse tour

  • Time: 10am to 11am
  • Location: Riddel’s Warehouse, 87-91 Ann Street

Uncover the history and architectural significance of this old warehouse. Meet people interested in heritage preservation.

This is a free event. To book, email [email protected].

Hosted by Hearth Historic Buildings Trust.

A brush with technology

  • Time: 10am to 2pm
  • Location: Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens

Discover how art and technology combine in this innovative workshop. Learn digital techniques, explore creative tools and connect with people from the world of art and technology.

This is a free, drop-in event.

Hosted by Young at Art. 

Learning Day

  • Time: 10am to 2pm
  • Location: Belfast Zoo, Antrim Road

Discover a day of talks on conservation and the role of modern-day zoos. Take part in craft workshops as well as talks and training on sight loss.

This is a free event.To book, email [email protected].

Hosted by Royal National Institute of Blind People and Belfast Zoo.

Northern Ireland Recorders' Day

  • Time: 10am to 2pm
  • Location: The Skainos Centre, 239 Newtownards Road, and online

If you're interested in butterflies, butterfly recording and conservation, learn how to spot and identify local butterflies and moths. Join a butterfly walk and get involved with an artist workshop at this volunteer recorders' day. Recording and monitoring help save threatened species and improve local landscapes. Refreshments provided.

This is a free event. To book, email [email protected] or call 07485 372 169.

Hosted by Butterfly Conservation.

Children’s Community Library Day

  • Time: 10am to 3pm
  • Location: Lower Oldpark Community Association, 9-23 Avoca Street

Turn the page on a world of stories. Share the magic of reading by exploring books, storytelling sessions, and fun activities with the local library community.

This is a free, drop-in event.

Hosted by Lower Oldpark Community Association. 

DNA in a day

  • Time: 10am to 4pm
  • Location: W5, 2 Queen's Quay

Unravel the mysteries of genetics in this interactive science workshop. Learn how DNA shapes life, conduct hands-on experiments and connect with experts in the field.

This is a free event. To book, email [email protected] 

Hosted by W5.

ScriptJam with Colm Keegan and Heather Martin

  • Time: 10am to 4pm
  • Location: The MAC, 10 Exchange Street West

Unleash your creativity in this dynamic scriptwriting workshop. Learn tips from experienced writers, develop your storytelling skills, and connect with others who share a love for words.

This is a free event. To book, visit ScriptJam Playwriting Workshop (link opens in new window).

Hosted by Voicing the Void.

Reaching Out with Radio

  • Time: 10.30am to 4pm
  • Location: 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 1DA

Learn the secrets of morse code and the science behind war time radio. 

This is a free, drop-in event. Hosted by Friends of Littlewoods 

Wildlife on your doorstep

  • Time: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm
  • Location: Belfast YMCA Community Garden and Lagan Meadows, 56-58 Knightsbridge Park

Take a walk on the wild side and explore the natural world around you. Chat to nature experts, learn how to spot local wildlife and discover how small changes can support local biodiversity.

This is a free event. To book, visit Belfast YMCA (link opens in a new window).

Hosted by Belfast YMCA.

Accessible Connections Exhibition

  • Time: 10am to 6pm
  • Location: 2 Royal Avenue

Discover Belfast through the eyes of other people in this creative exhibition exploring accessibility and inclusion. Join guided tours led by people sharing their favourite city spots and highlighting places that foster connection and belonging. 

This is a free, drop-in event.

Hosted by Action Ability. 

Highland dancing for beginners

  • Time: 10.30am to 12.30pm
  • Location: Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Hall, Shankill Road

Discover a flair for traditional Highland dance. Learn the basics of this joyful Scottish art form. Improve co-ordination and connect with others in this fun and lively session.

This is a free event.

Hosted by Duncairn Ulster-Scots Society. To book, email [email protected] or call 07579 016 936.

Urban Biodiversity Workshop 

  • Time: 10.30am to 12 noon and 1.30pm to 3pm
  • Location: 15 Kent Street

Learn about urban ecosystems and connect with people through conservation.

This is a free event. To book, email [email protected].

Hosted by The Conservation Volunteers.

The Great Learning Adventure 

  • Time: 11am to 1pm
  • Location: Ulster University, York Street, Belfast, BT15 1ED

Immerse yourself in a world of knowledge and discovery. Whether you're a seasoned learner or just starting your journey, this event will offer a diverse range activities to spark your curiosity and expand your horizons around learning. Connect and have fun with fellow learners. Open to all ages.

This is a free event. To book, visit the Great Learning Adventure (link opens in new window).

Get the Message

  • Time: 11am and 1pm
  • Location: SS Nomadic, Belfast

Hop on board SS Nomadic for a seafaring session. Learn about signal flags, semaphore and morse code as you discover the historic methods of communication and advances in modern communication technology. The session is part of a range of events on the Maritime Mile.

This is a free event. To book, visit Titanic Belfast (link opens in new window).

Hosted by Titanic Belfast.

Creating Crafts

  • Time: 11am to 3pm
  • Location: Bog Meadows Nature Reserve, Milltown Row, Falls Road

Spend some time in the Bog Meadows community wilding garden. Enjoy nature-inspired art and craft activities as you engage with other people.

This is a free, drop-in event. Visit Bog Meadows (link opens in a new window).

Hosted by Ulster Wildlife.

Draw, colour, explore!

  • Time: 11am to 4pm
  • Location: Naughton Gallery, Queen’s University Belfast, University Road

Help encourage young minds to engage with art. Pick up a free child's guide and pack of crayons from the Naughton Gallery and explore the art collection across the campus.

This is a free, drop-in event.

Hosted by Queen’s University Belfast. 

Ola Hassanain and Aidan Koch Exhibition

  • Time: 11am to 4pm
  • Location: Naughton Gallery, Queen’s University Belfast, University Road

This exhibition delves into urgent global themes like climate change, ecological preservation, and the complex human-nature relationship. Discover the work of two visionary contemporary artists, Ola Hassanain and Aidan Koch, both pushing the boundaries of sustainability and art. 

This is a free, drop-in event.

Hosted by Queen’s University Belfast.

Wartime Welcomes: The Allied Presence in Northern Ireland during the Second World War

  • Time: 12 noon to 4pm
  • Location: NI War Memorial

Learn more about life in Northern Ireland during World War Two. Discover how the American, Canadian, Belgian and other Allied forces befriended local people.

This is a free, drop-in event.

Neighbourhood Meet and Greet

  • Time: 1pm to 3pm
  • Location: Annadale Community Centre, 49 Delhi Parade

Strengthen your local community by connecting with neighbours. Join this community get-together where residents share local projects and ideas.

This is a free, drop-in event.

Hosted by Annadale and Haywood Residents' Association.

Trash Fashion Gala 

  • Time: 1.30pm to 3.30pm
  • Location: City Hall

Learn how we've turned waste into wonder through our creative fashion show. Starring material that deserved a second chance, admire creative collections that create sustainable style.

This is a free event. To book, email [email protected].

Hosted by Community Arts Partnership.

Family Céilí

  • Time: 2pm
  • Location: 2 Royal Avenue

Step into an afternoon of music, dance, and fun for all ages. Learn traditional céilí dances, experience the joy of music, and connect with the community in this lively social setting.

This is a free, drop-in event.

Hosted by 174 Trust. 

Felting with Friends

  • Time: 2pm to 4pm
  • Location: Black Box Belfast, 18-22 Hill Street

An inclusive felting workshop for adults from the learning-disabled community and their friends. Learn basic felting-skills including how to shape and add detail. Follow beginner steps to create your own piece of art. No previous experience required. Places are limited and booking is required. Light refreshments will be provided.

This is a free event. To register, visit Black Box (link opens in new window).

Hosted by Black Box Trust.

Foraging walk

  • Time: 4pm to 6pm
  • Location: Belvoir Forest Park (meet at Belvoir Forest car park)

Walk with Clare from Feasting on Weeds as she guides you through the seasonal plants of Belvoir Forest. Learn to identify edible plants and how to introduce these to your own cookery. 

No prior foraging knowledge required. Participants will get a foraged snack to eat at the end. You should wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear for changeable weather conditions.

This is a free event. To book, go to Foraging Walk in Belvoir (link opens in new window).We are hosting this event with Belfast Hills Partnership.

Discover the full programme

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