ALL DAYTIME SHOWS ARE FREE
BELFAST CITY CENTRE
AMAZING FEATS ON
THE CITY STREETS
FOOLS AHOY!
Belfast Maritime presents Fools by the Sea
A smorgasbord of fantastic, exciting and laugh out loud funny circus and street entertainment from celebrated local and international artists.
From suitably maritime and seaside themed shows, to acrobats, jugglers, clowns and bubbling mermaids,
Fools by the Sea will delight audiences young and old alike.
Look out for incredible acrobatic sailors from Argentina with their act Salt and Love, bumbling clowns
armed with water pistols in Beach Barrage, a parasol turned trapeze rig in Life is a Beach and a
musical beach bar actually Serving Sounds instead of drink.
Other highlights include the strongest grannies around – Doris and Mabel hosting their aerial book club, international super star juggler Grant Goldie aka That Man, local legends Jitterbug Jackson,
Frankie Magilligan and Gee-Gee with S(h)tick.
Last but not least you are sure to fall in love with Italian clown Gaia Matulli in Hit My Heart.
This non-stop line-up will be complemented by a program of interactive walkabouts, circus workshops open to all and performances by local groups, emerging artists and young people.
To find out more info check out the Visit Belfast website
STROLL UP!
STROLL UP!
Festival of Fools celebrated 20 years of silliness during the May Bank Holiday weekend!
It was a brilliant weekend full laughter, fun and incredible acts from local, national and international performers!
Check out the 2025 Festival Highlights video...
18,000 people flocked to the streets of Belfast to enjoy the festival and here is what some of them had to say...
"This is one of Belfast’s most amazing and distinctive festivals - something to be so proud of. Makes me proud of Belfast."
Audience member, 2025
"World class performances. The Atmosphere is so positive. Amazing sense of community and coming together. Really inspiring for young people."
Audience member, 2025
"Love festival of fools - it brings such light to Belfast"
Audience member, 2025
Festival of Fools is the largest festival of free-to-access circus and outdoor performance in Northern Ireland. Artists from around the world feature alongside the best of locally based talent.
All daytime shows are free to attend. Evening show tickets can be booked via foolsfestival.com.
If it rains (it won’t, of course), keep your eye on our socials and we’ll update you on where you can see shows inside.