August Craft Month in Mid & East Antrim

Celebrating Creativity: August Craft Month in Mid & East Antrim

Welcome to Mid & East Antrim’s dedicated showcase for August Craft Month, a vibrant, month-long celebration of making that brings the finest traditions of contemporary and heritage crafts straight to your doorstep. Across the borough, our towns and villages are bursting into life with a curated calendar of exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and live artisan demonstrations designed to inspire creative minds of all ages. From the historic streets of Carrickfergus to the bustling heart of Ballymena and the dramatic coastal gateway of Larne, this August is your invitation to explore, learn, and appreciate the incredible skill of our local makers.

Craft is woven deeply into the fabric of our regional identity. Throughout Mid & East Antrim, a passionate community of artists, weavers, potters, blacksmiths, and designers continue to use centuries-old techniques to shape beautiful, modern creations. August Craft Month provides a unique, behind-the-scenes pass to this fascinating world. It offers a rare opportunity to step inside local studios, hear the personal stories behind the artwork, and feel the tactile joy of creation yourself. Whether you are an experienced collector looking to acquire a bespoke piece of authentic Northern Irish craft, or a family seeking a wholesome, creative day out, our local events are tailored to give you a truly immersive cultural experience.

We have gathered an exceptional line-up of local events and interactive sessions running throughout the month. In Ballymena, delve into traditional textile work and rural heritage arts; in Carrickfergus, explore stunning curated gallery exhibitions and interactive crafting days at the museum; and along the Larne coastline, discover how our raw landscapes inspire spectacular glasswork, woodwork, and ceramics. Navigating the celebrations is simple, our tailored event listings below make it easier than ever to build your perfect creative itinerary.

Do not just admire the artistry from afar this summer - get involved, try a new skill, and support the exceptional makers who shape the character of our borough. Dive into our full programme below and start planning your creative journey through Mid & East Antrim today!

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Victorian Blooms & Felted Treasures Floriography Workshop

Carrickfergus

Address

Andrew Jackson Cottage & US Rangers Museum, 2 Boneybefore, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7EQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8262

visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Workshop

Victorian Blooms & Felted Treasures Floriography Workshop

Dates

From:
8 Aug 2026Open 12:00 - 15:00

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August Craft Month: Showcase of Traditional Crafts

Ballymena

Address

Midtown Makers Gift Shop, 51 - 53 Church Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 6DD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2568 9430

aine.mcguckin@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Exhibition

As Ballymena town marks its 400th anniversary, the community is invited to join in a spectacular celebration of its rich history and cultural heritage through the art of traditional craftsmanship at Midtown Makers Gift Shop. On Thursday 20 August,…

Dates

From:
20 Aug 2026Open 18:00 - 20:30

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Screen Print Ceramic Bunting- August Craft Month

Ballymena

Address

Midtown Makers Gift Shop, 51 - 53 Church Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 6DD

Telephone
02825689430

aine.mcguckin@gmail.com

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Saturday 29th August
10.30am-12.30pm
£28
Midtown Makers Gift Shop
Tutor Áine McGuckin Ceramics:
A screen printing on clay taster event, making your own colourful bunting.
This 2 hour session will see you make colourful clay bunting,…

Dates

From:
29 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket

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From Cushendall to Islandmagee’: A Craft Trail through County Antrim

Address

Various locations in County Antrim, County Antrim

info@countyantrimopenstudios.co.uk

Type

Type:

Craft

Celebrate August Craft Month with the County Antrim Open Studios Craft Trail on 1 August, exploring studios from Cushendall to Islandmagee. Meet talented makers, discover unique handmade crafts, and enjoy a creative day out.

Dates

From:
1 Aug 2026

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Weaving Demonstration

Larne

Address

Larne Museum & Arts Centre, 2 Victoria Road, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1RN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2826 2443

marian.kelso@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

History

Everyone is welcome to watch as a tapestry comes together, and even take part in hand weaving with the simplest of looms – cardboard looms!

Dates

From:
15 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00

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Lampshade Workshop

Whitehead

Address

Whitehead Centre, 19 Kings Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9PT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 2888

lighthouseyarns@yahoo.com

Price
Price £45.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Craft

Craft your contemporary 30cm drum Lampshade in this fun, hands-on workshop.

Dates

From:
6 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 13:00

Price
Price £45.00 Per Ticket

More Info