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Belfast Live
Entertainment
Peter McGoran

Things to do in Belfast this weekend, October 8-10

We're well into October at the moment, which means that there's absolutely loads to do in Belfast for those looking for an entertaining day or night out.

October in Belfast brings the long-awaited return of Oktoberfest.

It also marks the return of the jam-packed Belfast International Arts Festival and plenty of Halloween activities for kids and adults alike.

Take a look at what's happening in the city this weekend:

Oktoberfest, October 8-10

Raise your steins in the air and get set for the return of Oktoberfest to Belfast! Expect food, music and - of course - beer at this year's Oktoberfest, which will be held in Custom House Square.

The event will take place on three weekends throughout October, with the second weekend running from October 8-10. See oktoberfestbelfast.com for more details.

Distortion, The MAC, October 8-10

A new stage show produced by the MAC Belfast is set to showcase the slippery world of politics and PR in Northern Ireland in a unique way.

Distortion, which was written by Amanda Verlaque and directed by Rhiann Jeffrey, marks the newest show for the theatre, which has returned to the forefront of arts and culture in Belfast following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Distortion centres around the resignation of a homophobic minister and the political games played by his opponents to try to win his seat.

Belfast International Arts Festival, Various Venues throughout October

Conductor and composer Eimear Noone (Isabel Thomas)

The 59th edition of Northern Ireland’s largest contemporary arts festival officially kicked off this week with a programme of compelling drama and dance, topical talks with the authors behind the latest literary releases, classical music, toe-tapping folk and roots, affecting independent film and contemporary visual arts.

Whether it’s live and in-person or from the comfort of your own home with the Digital Pass, the festival programme boasts over 200 captivating events for audiences everywhere. To book, visit BelfastInternationalArtsFestival.com or call the Box Office on 028 9024 6609.

Cinemagic International Film & Television Festival for Young People, October 1-31

Actress and Cinemagic patron, Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Derry Girls), pictured with (l-r) Cinemagic CEO, Joan Burney Keatings, David McConnell, Northern Ireland Screen, The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman Frank McCoubrey, and young film fan, Savanna Burney Keatings, ahead of the 2020 Virtual Cinemagic Film Festival, taking place from 1st-31st October. (William Cherry/Presseye)

Cinemagic is back, with a fantastic events programme for film lovers aged 4-25. The festival brings together talent labs and creativity masterclasses with film industry professionals. The festival will run throughout the month of October.

Northern Ireland Open - World Snooker Home Nations, Waterfront Hall, October 9-10

The Waterfront Hall stage is set for the hotly anticipated return of the World Snooker Home Nations - Northern Irish Open.

Snooker's brightest stars, including reigning champion Jude Trump, Ronnie O Sullivan, Mark Allen and more will battle it out for the Alex Higgins Trophy.

Scarecrow Parade, Hillsborough Walled Garden, October 8-10

Visit the Walled Garden at Hillsborough Castle during October to see a gathering of scarecrows made by local schools and community groups in partnership with local artists. The perfect family activity for those looking to embrace autumn and embrace the Halloween festivities.

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