The Imagine! festival takes place in Belfast every March and presents a unique way of imagining the future of this great city — and the wider world. We present high-quality showcases for the discussion of contemporary political and societal issues including new ideas on politics, culture and activism from some of the world’s leading contemporary thinkers. But it’s not all brain-melting policy discussions: there’s something for everyone in the form of exhibitions, humour, family events, music, theatre, tours, workshops and film and whatever else we can find to fire your imagination.
Outside of the main festival every March we also organise special events throughout the year — so keep checking back, or better still, join our mailing list!
The full listings for our 2026 event programme.
more waffle than a belgian waffle
Rarewitch’s show ‘Sensory Overload’ was on Friday 27th March – here’s his take on Imagine!
If you’re travelling to Belfast for this year’s festival, we’re pleased to announce that this year we have a preferred accommodation partner. At The Harrison, you can use code IMAGINE15 on their website for 15% off room rates and, during the festival, you can get a cheese board / glass of wine deal for £15 by showing your Imagine! event ticket.
WIN! This year we’re giving away some free event tickets – simply fill in this entry form with your details and your choice of event for a chance to win. And, just to remind us why we do this to ourselves every year, explain in a sentence why you think Imagine! is such a great festival.
The full listings for our 2026 event programme.
Rarewitch’s show ‘Sensory Overload’ was on Friday 27th March – here’s his take on Imagine!
If you’re travelling to Belfast for this year’s festival, we’re pleased to announce that this year we have a preferred accommodation partner. At The Harrison, you can use code IMAGINE15 on their website for 15% off room rates and, during the festival, you can get a cheese board / glass of wine deal for £15 by showing your Imagine! event ticket.
WIN! This year we’re giving away some free event tickets – simply fill in this entry form with your details and your choice of event for a chance to win. And, just to remind us why we do this to ourselves every year, explain in a sentence why you think Imagine! is such a great festival.
how to contribute to the festival
festival funders & partners
