There is a wealth of theaters and cinemas located through the city, but most are concentrated in the south. However, with the opening of Waterfront Hall in 1998, there has been a renaissance of culture and the performing arts spreading throughout the city centre district.  Perhaps Belfast's most famous venue is the Lyric Theatre (currently being rebuilt), which has staged Irish plays and international performances.  If drama or traditional concerts is more to your taste, visit the Grand Opera House , which features a range of performances from panto to opera, or Ulster Hall that showcases everything musical from rock to organ recitals. Superstar concerts take place at the magnificent King’s Hall, The Oddysey Arena , ampitheatre sized venues, and also The Waterfront Hall , which is a smaller, versatile venue that hosts classical music, opera and large scale plays.

A visit to Belfast is not complete without a visit to any of its many local pubs.  Share a hearty brew with friends while listening to local musicians playing everything from traditional and folk to jazz and rock. Some popular musical pubs located in the city centre include Duke of York, which features traditional local groups on the weekends, and The Empire, known for its eclectic crowd and lively music hall upstairs.

Belfast also has a touring company based at the University of Ulster at Coleraine, as well as a symphony orchestra and youth orchestra. The city sponsors a number of music festivals throughout the year ranging from traditional folk to classical to pop music. There always seems to be a festival or special event going on somewhere in Belfast. The annual springtime Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival , described as “Belfast’s Classiest Arts Festival,” features local and international artists performing in a variety of events featuring music, comedy, theatre, literature, film, circus and street theatre. Another favorite is the annual Belfest that showcases a wide variety of live music throughout the city, from folk to roots to traditional. 

No matter what your taste in music and entertainment, Belfast is sure to please. 

Every May, on the first Saturday the Lord Mayor show comes to Belfast. Its full of colour and spectacle. Its a parade of floats and dancers, performers and children. It makes its way through the streets of Belfast towards the Cathedral Quater. There are plenty of stalls, childrens face painting a nd a fun fair. Its free and a great day out for all the family.

The Belfast Nightlife article within Tripadvisor includes all of the major venues all over the city for performing arts, from Queen's Quarter to Cathedral Quarter, and is a good source for finding nearby places to eat and drink when going to events.