On The Belfast Radar

Updated 16 October 2026

19–25 October 2026 | Belfast Times

Five things worth knowing about in Belfast this week, from intimate live music and Victorian storytelling to theatre, Radiohead connections and the ancient traditions of Samhain.

🎹 1. Niall Breslin at The Harrison

20–22 October | 8pm | The Harrison Chambers of Distinction

Following two sold-out dates, Niall Breslin’s intimate Belfast residency concludes on Thursday 22 October. Expect an evening combining piano, storytelling, spoken word and contemporary classical music, following the release of his album and book The Place That Has Never Been Wounded.

Tuesday and Wednesday are sold out. Thursday tickets are listed from £29.96.

🕯️ 2. The Secrets of 101: Victorian Tales from Belfast

Sunday 25 October | 4.30pm–6.30pm | 101 Donegall Street

Step inside one of Belfast’s historic buildings for an evening of Victorian folklore, traditions, superstitions and darker seasonal tales. Two live storytellers bring stories of the city’s past to life in an atmospheric setting.

Free, ticketed event, part of Shared Roots.

🎸 3. Ed O’Brien: An Evening With… Blue Morpho

Monday 19 October | 7.30pm | Ulster Hall

Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien comes to Belfast International Arts Festival with Blue Morpho, his second solo album. Joined by a collective of musicians, including musical director Dave Okumu, the performance blends atmospheric guitars, psychedelic folk and trip-hop in a live experience designed to evolve on stage.

🎭 4. The Glass Menagerie

20–27 October | The MAC

Tennessee Williams’ celebrated play returns in a new production by Tinderbox Theatre Company as part of Belfast International Arts Festival. A story of family relationships, memory and the difficulty of escaping the past, the production reimagines the play through the atmosphere of classic cinema, with Tom’s memories unfolding like scenes from an old film.

👻 5. Samhain at Friar’s Bush Graveyard

Sunday 25 October | Friar’s Bush Graveyard

An atmospheric evening exploring the ancient traditions of Samhain in one of Belfast’s oldest burial grounds. The experience combines folklore, storytelling, music and history in a setting closely associated with Belfast’s past.

Tickets have been advertised at £20.

BELFAST | ALWAYS.