- Open House Festival (1 to 31 August): A month-long celebration in Bangor featuring music, comedy, film, local food events, and performances in unique venues such as the Walled Garden at Bangor Castle, the Court House on the seafront, and Ward Park, with many free events.
- Wake the Giant Festival (1 to 2 August): An annual event in Warrenpoint with music, entertainment, and community activities perfect for the August bank holiday weekend. Portaferry Sails & Sounds Maritime Heritage,
- Shanty and Ulster-Scots Festival (31 July to 3 August): A festival on the shores of Strangford Lough celebrating maritime heritage with shanty singing, Ulster-Scots culture, sailing, and family-friendly events.
- Dragonfly Festival (throughout August, main activities until 30 August): Family-focused events at Castle Espie Wetland Centre with interactive trails, pond dipping, craft workshops, circus performers, and live music to learn about dragonflies and wetlands. .
Annual & recurring festivals
- County Down features a diverse range of festivals, from maritime celebrations on Strangford Lough to prestigious musical and agricultural events. Here are the recurring and annual festivals in County Down:
- Festival of Flight (June): A massive seaside air show in Newcastle featuring vintage and modern aircraft displays, including the Red Arrows, over Dundrum Bay.
- Comber Earlies Food Festival (June): A celebration of the famous PGI-status Comber Early potato, featuring cookery demos, vintage tractors, and local food stalls.
- Belfast City Blues Festival (June): While centered in the city, many events spill into North Down venues, featuring local and international blues artists.
- Donaghadee Summer Festival (July): A community-led festival in the seaside town featuring the “Lifeboat Festival,” raft races, and family fun days.
- Soma Festival (July): An eclectic festival in Castlewellan focused on traditional music, wellness, local food, and craft beverages.
- Fiddlers Green Festival (July): An internationally renowned traditional music festival in Rostrevor, featuring hundreds of events, hill walks, and world-class folk concerts.
- Castleward Opera / Arts Festival (July/August): A season of high-quality vocal performances and arts workshops held in the historic surroundings of the Castle Ward estate.
- Hilden Beer & Music Festival (August): Ireland’s oldest independent brewery festival in Lisburn, showcasing local craft ales alongside a diverse lineup of live music.
- Wake the Giant (August): A spectacular family festival in Warrenpoint based on the legend of the giant Finn McCool, featuring a massive marionette and street theatre.
- Clandeboye Festival (August): A prestigious classical music festival curated by Barry Douglas, held in the historic chapel and courtyard of Clandeboye Estate.
- Ards Blair Mayne International Festival (September): A heritage and sports festival in Newtownards celebrating the life of the SAS co-founder with historical reenactments and community events.
- Hans Sloane Chocolate & Fine Food Festival (September): A biennial (sometimes annual) food festival in Killyleagh honoring the local physician who brought the milk chocolate recipe to Europe.
- Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride (December): A unique festive tradition where hundreds of Santas on horseback parade through the streets of Saintfield to raise money for charity.
- Festival of Light (December): An annual winter illumination event at Mount Stewart gardens, featuring spectacular light installations and festive trails.
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