Sea Bangor returns to Bangor’s seafront on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May 2026, 12noon – 6pm, delivering a packed weekend of maritime heritage, on‑the‑water adventure and free family fun for all ages. The much‑loved event will once again celebrate Bangor’s proud seafaring roots with an exciting programme of activities, displays and entertainment to celebrate life by the sea.
Stroll along Quay Street and the Seacliff Road to enjoy a lively festival atmosphere, with a wide selection of hot food trucks, outdoor bar operated by The Rabbit Rooms. Look out for local artisan producers too, offering unique handmade goods and treats throughout the weekend.
New for 2026, a quiet hour will be introduced from 11am–12 noon each day, welcoming people with a disability, neurodiverse conditions, carers and parents/guardians. This houroffers a calmer environment with reduced noise and gentler activity levels. This new feature aims to make the event more inclusive and comfortable for those who prefer a slower pace. To support this, capacity during Quiet Hour will be reduced and entry will operate on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
After this quiet hour, the event will officially open at 12 noon with a fun-filled programme running through to 6pm. A host of maritime‑themed activities will run across both days, including:
- Urban Beach, funfair rides, pedal boats, rowing competitions and displays by the Seahorse Model Boat Club
- Family-friendly street theatre, with roaming characters delivering surprises, circus skills and nautical mischief throughout the festival
- Demo Kitchen, where chefs from SERC will prepare inspiring dishes using fresh local produce, giving visitors ideas they can try again at home
- On‑the‑water activities and Roller Disco (tickets coming soon)
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said:
“I am delighted to welcome the return of Sea Bangor in 2026, an event that continues to celebrate our city’s rich maritime heritage, with engaging activities, displays, local produce and entertainment for all ages, the weekend has something for everyone. I also commend the introduction of a quiet hour, which reflects our commitment to ensuring that large‑scale events are inclusive and considerate of all who wish to attend.”
With so much to see and do, visitors are encouraged to make a weekend of it. The area offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotels to cosy guest houses and self‑catering stays, along with excellent food, drink and attractions to explore.
For everything you need to plan your visit, please see www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/seabangor.