Looking for something to do with your dog over the bank holiday weekend?
We’ve pulled together a handy round up of dog friendly events happening across Northern Ireland this weekend and next, including markets, a community dog walk, a sunny BBQ, a Belfast coffee weekender and a full dog focused day out.
As always, check the event details before you head off. Some dogs love a busy day out. Others would rather be at home judging you from the sofa, and honestly, fair.
You can also browse more upcoming dog friendly events on Best Bark here:
The Rabbit Hotel May Bank Holiday BBQ
When: Sunday 24 May 2026, 12.30pm to 4.30pm
Where: The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, Templepatrick
Price: Free event
The Rabbit Hotel is hosting a May Bank Holiday BBQ, and dogs are welcome to come along too.
Expect live music, face painting, a balloon artist and magician, with entertainment running from 1pm to 5pm. The event is walk in only, with The Garden and Hunter’s running on a first come, first served basis. Best Bark will also be there with Barkley, so keep an eye out for treats and a very important dog shaped guest.
Saintfield Saturday Market
When: Saturday 24 May and Saturday 31 May 2026, 8.30am to 2.30pm
Where: The Courtyard, 66 Main Street, Saintfield
Price: Free event
Saintfield Saturday Market is a lovely one if you want an easy outdoor wander with your dog.
The market runs every Saturday and has fresh produce, with bigger markets on the second and last Saturday of each month. You’ll usually find food, crafts and doggie themed stalls too, all tucked into the courtyard behind 66 Main Street.
Doggy Danders
When: Sunday 24 May and Sunday 31 May 2026, 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Where: Falls Park, West Belfast
Price: Free event
Doggy Danders is a weekly dog walk and social at Falls Park, founded by Jim Deeds.
It’s a friendly community walk designed to bring dog owners together, get people outdoors and make the usual Sunday dander feel a bit more social. If you’ve been meaning to meet more local dog people, this is a good place to start.
The Belfast International Spring Market
When: Thursday 21 May to Monday 25 May 2026
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Thursday – Saturday: 10:00am to 10:00pm
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Sunday: 12:00pm to 6:00pm
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Monday: 10:00am to 6:00pm
Where: Belfast City Hall Gardens, Donegall Square, Belfast
Price: Free event
Belfast City Council and Market Place Europe are bringing the Belfast International Spring Market back to the heart of the city for the late May Bank Holiday weekend, and well-behaved pups on leads are welcome to join the adventure.
Expect over 70 international traders transforming the iconic City Hall lawns into a bustling open-air celebration of global culture. The lawns will be alive with vibrant street food, handcrafted gifts, and artisan treasures from across the world. The event is completely free to enter, making it the perfect spring day out to soak up the city buzz, grab some international bites, and enjoy a lively bank holiday stroll with your four-legged companion.
The Big Native Weekender
When: Friday 29 May to Sunday 31 May 2026, 11am to 4pm
Where: Native Coffee, Queen’s Quay, Belfast
Price: Free event
Native Coffee is hosting The Big Native Weekender, a long weekend event at Queen’s Quay.
The event runs from Friday to Sunday, with workshops and more details to be announced. Native is already a popular dog friendly spot, so this one is worth keeping on your radar if you’re planning a Belfast day out with your pup.
BEEZER Events x Wild River: Big Dog Day Out 2026
When: Saturday 30 May 2026, 10am to 4.45pm
Where: Wild River Dog Park, Ballynahinch
Price: Paid event
This is the big one for dogs who love a proper day out.
The Big Dog Day Out at Wild River Dog Park includes live demos, expert talks, scent work, mantrailing, a local makers market, dog treats, food, coffee and plenty for owners to browse. There will also be dog focused vendors including Stef’s Pet Pantry, Nutriment, Assisi and Frozzy’s.
The event is paid and tickets are available through Ticket Tailor.
East Block Bazaar Monthly Market
When: Sunday 31 May 2026, 12pm to 4pm
Where: Banana Block, East Belfast
Price: Free event
East Block Bazaar is Banana Block’s monthly market, packed with local artisan producers, makers, growers, vintage finds and curios.
It’s free entry and dog friendly, with food, drink and music in the mix too. This is a good shout if you want a Sunday browse in East Belfast without leaving your dog at home.
A Few Quick Tips Before You Go
Busy events can be brilliant, but they are not always right for every dog.
Bring water, keep your dog on lead unless the event says otherwise, and give them space from crowds, food stalls and other dogs. If your dog is nervous, reactive or easily overwhelmed, choose the calmer option or go early before it gets too busy.
Also, check each listing before you travel. Event details can change, and nobody wants to arrive somewhere with a dog, a tote bag and main character energy only to realise they should have booked.
For more places, events and dog friendly days out across Northern Ireland, browse Best Bark’s dog friendly events section.
Amée is the co founder of Best Bark, a Northern Ireland based platform helping dog owners find dog friendly places, local walks, events and verified dog services across NI. She shares practical advice, honest recommendations and local guides shaped by life with her own dog, Vito, alongside her background in digital marketing and community led content.
