Mandela Hall

Right in the heart of campus, Mandela Hall inside One Elmwood showcases a range of local and international comedic talent. Upcoming shows include:

• David O'Doherty: Highway to the David Zone
• Scummy Mummies present Hot Mess

Right across the road from Mandela Hall is the Whitla Hall, where English comedian James Acaster will be performing four shows in July 2026. Find out more here.

The Empire

Only a few minutes from the main Queen's campus, The Empire hosts its weekly comedy club 'The Empire Laughs Back' every Tuesday evening. Doors open at 7.30pm - make sure to arrive early as the first 50 audience members receive a free pint of Harp!

Buy tickets here.

The Empire Laughs Back

Lavery's Comedy Club

A Belfast comedy staple, Lavery's Comedy Club is curated by popular NI comedian Colin Geddis. Regular shows throughout the month means that you have plenty of opportunities to pop in for a pint and a few laughs.

Find out more here.

The Black Box

Located in the buzzing Cathedral Quarter, The Black Box is a popular venue for live music, film and nightlife. Regular comedy nights include Best of 3 Saturday Comedy (where each act is given only 3 minutes to entertain the audience); and open mic nights.

Check out the full list of upcoming events here.

Inside The Black Box

Cabaret Supper Club

Launched in 2025, the Comedy Club at Cabaret Belfast promises a night of laughter and entertainment in a luxurious setting.

Find out more.

The Watson

Another new addition to the comedy scene in Belfast, The Watson hosts Smoothiron Comedy every Tuesday evening - pop in for some open-mic fun (and also try the loaded fries from the Poke Club!)

Food and fun at The Watson

The Pavilion

Located only a 20 minute walk from campus is The Pavilion Bar on the Ormeau Road. Their 'Big Laughs at The Big House' comedy night takes place every Monday - tickets are only £5 and there's chances to win some drinks on the night!

Find out more here.

Upcoming shows

As well as regular comedy nights across the city, Belfast will be playing host to several comedic guests from the UK and Ireland in 2026. Here are a selection of upcoming tour dates:

SSE Arena

• Neil Delamere: Reinventing The Neil
• Shane Todd: Hold Me Back
• Serena Terry: Therapy
• Peter Kay Comedy Tour
• Bill Bailey: Vaudevillean 

The Waterfront Hall

Waterfront Hall

• Joanne McNally Pinotphile
• Jarlath Regan: Gas Man
• Russell Howard: Don't Tell the Algorithm
• Kate Butch: Choose Your Own Cabaret (Waterfront Studio)

Ulster Hall

• Jason Manford: A Manford All Seasons
• Emma Doran: Emmaculate
• Deirdre O'Kane: O'Kaning It

Find out more

Student life in Belfast

Unmissable Events in Northern Ireland

How to Enjoy Your Spare Time at Queen's and in Belfast

Hannah Reilly Staff Writer | Queen's Global Hi, I’m Hannah, a two-time graduate of Queen’s University Belfast and now a current staff member of Queen’s Global! As well as helping with general content management for the main Queen’s website, I also collaborate with current students to create relatable and useful content for the student blog.  I studied BA English and MA English Literary Studies at Queen’s and have since worked in various editorial positions in Belfast, including previous roles as Editorial Assistant and Assistant Commissioning Editor for local and international magazine publications. In my spare time, I enjoy reading novels (and attending various book clubs), studying Korean at the Queen’s Language Centre and attending Belfast Giants ice hockey games!