Féile an Earraigh
Thur 4 - Sun 7 Feb
Gaeltacht Quarter, West Belfast (various venues)
Now in its 7th year, highlights of this music and arts event include the renowned Celtic Connections: Transatlantic Sessions at the Waterfront Hall on opening night, the Penguin Café Orchestra at Clonard Monastery on Fri 5 Feb and Sun 7 Feb Family Fun Day at the Festival Marquee, Bank Square (off Royal Ave). For the full line-up visit www.feilebelfast.com.

Belfast Nashville Songwriter's Festival
Wed 24 - Sun 28 Feb
Various Venues, Queen's Quarter and Belfast City Centre
Over one hundred songwriters will play thirty concerts in citywide venues, and take part in talks and workshops, at this annual songwriting celebration. Local singer-songwriters Iain Archer and Andy White will be joined by international artists including Midge Ure, Ralph McTell, Holly Williams and headline act and Festival regular Nanci Griffith. Belfast and Nashville are Sister Cities, so this hugely popular event couldn't be more appropriate. Get the lowdown at www.belfastnashville.com.

Belfast Fashion Week
Mon 8 - Fri 12 March
We may not be Paris, London or New York, but in just six years this glamour-fused showcase has become a firm favourite with the city's stylistas (who would have thought?). Expect achingly cool models, the latest local retail and design finds, funky sounds and catwalks a go-go. In a first for the city, a selection of bus shelters will be given a unique makeover by local designer Una Rodden. Click www.belfastfashionweek.com and bag your ticket for the best dressed shows in town.

And one for the diary:
Titanic: Made in Belfast Festival
Sat 3 - Sun  11 April
Celebrate the ship and the artisan skills of the people who created her in the city where she was built with a series of tours, talks and exhibitions. W5 will also be holding its Titanic: Designed and Built in Belfast exhibition from Fri 12 March - Sun 11 April. Find out more at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/titanic and www.w5online.co.uk.