BEFORE you start to panic at the thought that summer 2016 is fast coming to an end, don't forget there's still one final bank holiday to enjoy before the little ones head back to school in their shiny new uniforms.
If you're stuck for ideas on what to do to pass the time over the next few days, check out our guide to the top 10 events and attractions for all ages and interests in and around the Belfast area.
Belfast Mela Festival
Fast becoming one of the city's most popular and enticing calendar events, Belfast Mela Festival, which runs from August 26 to 28 in Botanic Gardens, is a must-see for anyone interested in culture, colour and cuisine. This year sees the return of the hugely successful Little Bollywood, while international chefs combine their talents and culinary heritage with local produce to create a paradise of global gastronomy.
Now in its tenth year, Belfast Mela even offers visitors the chance to enjoy a night in Rajasthan with a mouthwatering tandoori barbeque experience, a world food market, live cookery theatre performances and an artisan market. Details of all events, as well as times and admission prices, can be found at www.belfastmela.org.uk
Titanic Belfast Bank Holiday Weekend
For a family day out with a difference, why not treat your budding sea farers with a trip to Titanic Belfast, which has lined up a range of actitivies for kids of all ages.
As well as challenging the little ones with an exciting explorer trail throughout the Titanic Experience, you can meet the Titanic mascots and try out their new family interactive guide, before stopping off for a bite to eat with their kids eat free meal deals.
Belsonic Belfast 2016
Due to overwhelming demand for tickets in recent years, Belsonic has relocated to a brand new, bigger location at the iconic Titanic Belfast building, with DJ Fatboy Slim hitting the decks on Saturday August 27.
Rudridge Ultimate Strongman Giant Weekend
Held across three different venues - Belfast City Hall, Titanic and Crumlin Road Gaol - the Ultimate Strongman Giant Weekend is sure to provide plenty of entertainment as a band of muscle men battle it out for the titles of the UK's Strongest Man and the World's Strongest Man.
Competitors will take part in challenges such as the Caveman Lift, the Tyre Flip and the back-breaking Truck Push. The events run from August 25th to 27th and you can find out more at www.visitbelfast.com
Gruffalo Hunt at Colin Glen Forest Park
If you have any tiny fans of the Julia Donaldson bedtime favourite at home, you won't want to miss the fascinating Gruffalo hunt through one of Belfast's most beautiful forest parks.
Youngsters can enjoy a storytelling session, before meandering through the forest on a guided walk, where they have the opportunity to meet the silly old fox, owl and snake on the way to an amazing eight foot tall Gruffalo, complete with knobbly knees, turned out toes and a poisonous wart on the end of his nose.
Places on the Gruffalo Hunt can be booked until Saturday August 27.
Sailor Puppets Family Craft Activity
To keep little hands and minds busy this bank holiday weekend, why not pay a visit to HMS Caroline, where they can join in with an artist-led workshop on board the ship, and create their own sailor puppet, complete with sailor-style outfit, using recycled materials and mixed media.
This event takes place on Monday August 29.
David Hockney: I draw, I do, the MAC, until October 16
If you haven't managed to catch Hockney's eagerly anticipated exhibition, there is still time, as the event runs until October 16tat The Mac.
Marking his 80th year, David Hockney: I draw, I do focuses on the artist's early work including the famous Paper Pool series, alongside work from the current decade, all of which celebrates Hockney's interest in drawing.
Féile An Droichead
Now in its eighth year and taking place over four days, the festival will feature an array of diverse cultural and community events including language classes, family events, and signature top-class traditional music concerts with some of the best international musical talent from August 25 to 28.
Concerts include a unique performance from Oscar winning musician Glen Hansard of The Frames and trad legend Brendan Begley in the beautiful surroundings of the Ulster Museum; a festival hooley with the legendary Altan and a performance of The Pipes, The Pipes, a live music and art performance celebrating the magic of the Uilleann pipes devised by Dónal Dineen.
Find out more at www.androichead.com
Bounce! Disability and Deaf Arts Festival
Running from August 25 to 28 at various locations throughout the city, this annual festival boasts a packed programme of theatre, contemporary dance, live music, performance poetry, visual arts and street circus from leading disabled artists from Britain, Ireland and beyond.
Bounce! goes where most arts festivals fear to tread, confronting prejudice, celebrating achievement and recognising artistic talent and excellence. More details at www.adf.ie
Build It, W5
For children old and young alike, W5 never fails to impress, and this summer, their hugely popular Build It event invites budding architects, builders and engineers to put their skills to use and let their creativity run wild.
Youngsters can build bridges, towers, animals and abstract structures using a wide range of natural wood blocks, bricks, logs and shapes. Whatever your age, whatever your experience, whatever inspires you - just build it!
Build It at W5 runs until August 31.
