Family-friendly craft events not to be missed this August!
August Craft Month, a celebration of the vibrant craft scene across the island of Ireland, is the perfect opportunity to introduce kids to local craft.
Everyone, even complete beginners and children, can get involved. It is your chance to learn, make, explore and connect through creativity.
With the back-to-school countdown underway, if you’re running out of ideas to keep your little ones entertained, or are simply looking for a family day out, Northern Ireland is full of opportunities to make, see and do this August!
August Craft Month offers ways for families to slow down, learn together and connect with skilled makers.
More than 600 events, featuring over 3,000 talented designer makers across 20+ craft disciplines, will support centuries-old traditions while showcasing the innovation of today’s designers.
Here are just a few family-friendly events that will inspire, teach and entertain:
Kitsch Sisters Craft Club
Location: Kitsch Sisters Studio, Olive Tree House, 23 Fountain Street, Belfast, BT1 5EA
Maker: Gráinne Mullan
Price: £5pp (+booking fee)
Date & Time: Thursday 27 August, 6:30pm-8.30pm.
· Hey craft lovers! Join the Kitsch Sisters Craft Club for an evening filled with creativity and good vibes. This is the perfect chance to meet fellow crafters, share ideas, and collab on some cool projects together or work solo in the company of others. Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, everyone’s welcome. This monthly craft club is BYOC (Bring Your Own Craft), however there will be some tools for people to use such as needles, hooks, hoops. Suitable for all ages.
Creative Peninsula – ‘This Beautiful Place…This Beautiful Place…’ Exhibition
Location: The Discovery Hub, Ards Visitor Information Centre, 31 Regent St, Newtownards, BT23 4AD
Maker: Creative Peninsula
Price: Free
Date & Time: Running until Sunday 30 August at 5pm.
· This exhibition features ceramics, jewellery, painting, and textile prints by Creative Peninsula artists; Anna Smyth, Joel Smyth, Lauren Ciara McCullough, and Ruth Osborne. Creative Peninsula, now in its 25th year, is a thriving annual festival of creativity taking place in the picturesque Borough of Ards and North Down. Suitable for all ages.
Fiona Shannon Ceramics Open Studio and Pottery Sale
Location: Studio at 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU
Maker: Fiona Shannon
Price: Free
Date & Time: Saturday 29 August, 10am-4pm.
· Come along to Fiona’s studio at Flowerfield Arts Centre for a behind-the-scenes look at how her ceramics are made! Fiona is opening the doors for an open studio day, featuring live pottery wheel demonstrations throughout the day and a big studio sale. Alongside her signature collections, Fiona will have a dedicated ‘seconds’ table filled with slightly imperfect but completely functional pieces at heavily discounted prices – perfect for grabbing a bargain. Whether you want to see the making process up close, chat about clay, or find a unique piece of the North Coast to take home, Fiona would love to see you there! Suitable for all ages.
Annita & Samantha McKee Present ‘Worry Worlds’
Location: Millennium Court, 4 William St, Portadown, Craigavon, BT62 3NX
Makers: Annita & Samantha McKee
Price: Free
Date & Time: Running until Monday 31 August at 4pm
· Worry Worlds, a multimedia installation by sisters Samantha and Annita McKee, expresses environmental awareness to honour the current interest and drive for change. Ceramic world sculptures respond to the impact of climate change and human activity. Worry Worlds reflects on the state of our planet - past, present, and future. The exhibition calls for a reconsideration of ‘how we do life’, while reminding audiences of the awe-inspiring beauty that remains on earth. Suitable for all ages.
For the full island-wide programme and to sign up for events, visit www.augustcraftmonth.org.
Share your own craft adventures by tagging @augustcraftmonth26 and use the hashtags #AugustCraftMonth2026 #MakeSeeBuy