Get ready for the most creative night of the year as Culture Night celebrates its 18th edition on Friday, 22 September. Tomorrow, the city will be buzzing with excitement as over 280 venues showcase an array of specially curated tours, exhibitions, performances and events. From museums and galleries to government buildings and heritage sites, a treasure trove of hidden gems will be unveiled for all to explore. This is your chance to experience Dublin’s cultural delights as doors open from 4pm until late. The best part? All events are completely free to attend, welcoming everyone, of all ages, to join in the festivities.
Flagship Events
This year, with the support of Dublin City Council, a number of flagship events will take place across the city. Get ready to lace up your skates and groove to the music as Dublin's Central Plaza is set to become the ultimate outdoor roller skating disco, with influencer and skater, Gráinne Binns, taking the lead. The Wood Quay Amphitheatre will play host to Culture Night Dublin's first Vogue Ball presented by LGBTQ+ night QueerMania alongside performances from the renowned Discovery Gospel Choir and sensational burlesque performer Bonnie Boux. Barnardo Square will be transformed into an outdoor dance studio, offering social dance classes in both Swing and Forró by the talented instructors from Mind The Step.
At Spencer Dock, visitors can experience CoisCéim Dance Theatre’s specially commissioned dance work Bench, as well as an awe-inspiring aerial show featuring international champion, Lisette Krol, and talented students from Tribe Fitness & Dance Studio. These breathtaking performances will be set against a backdrop of live music, family entertainment, and an interactive sculpture honoring Dublin's dairy heritage by artist Jane Groves, titled Bó Abhainn.
Museums & Heritage Sites
Museums and heritage sites will be open until late tomorrow night with many hosting specially curated events. Don’t miss the Earth Rising festival at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) as they take on the urgent climate crisis or the powerful requiem for Brendan Behan by writer Patrick McCabe at the Museum of Literature (MoLI). Visitors will have a chance to ring the iconic bells at Christ Church Cathedral or journey through the captivating Story of the Earth exhibition at the Trinity Geological Museum. Don't forget to explore the hidden gems of the South Georgian Quarter that would normally be closed to the public, including the prestigious Mansion House, Freemasons' Hall, and Leinster House.
Exhibitions
Culture Night is a great opportunity to take a deep dive into the Dublin visual arts scene with many notable exhibitions taking place on the night. Don’t miss renowned artist John Beattie's stunning exhibition at the National Archives or the captivating Domestic Bliss exhibition by Banbha McCann at Pallas Projects. In Temple Bar, The Icon Factory will present a group exhibition and nearby there will be a chance to explore the artist studios of both Úna Guy and Aga Szot. Other exhibitions include The Refugee's Armour by Miriam McConnon at Olivier Cornet Art Gallery and Eddie Kennedy's breathtaking new series of paintings at Hillsboro Fine Art.
Workshops
Culture Night is the perfect time to discover your new creative passion. This year, visitors can record their own podcast at The Podcast Studios or create a mandala at the Dublin Buddhist Centre on James Joyce Street. Join spoken word artist Hazel Hogan on the prestigious stage of the Gate Theatre for a dynamic spoken word workshop or enjoy the live printmaking demonstrations at Black Church Print Studios. Create your own painting at This Must Be The Place on Wellington Quay or discover the ancient art of silver forging at Silverworks on Drury Street. Children will enjoy an evening at the Chester Beatty where they will have a chance to make their very own puppets inspired by the museum’s collection.
Late Night Events
Kindly supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Meeting House Square in Temple Bar is set to become an open air dancefloor this Culture Night. Between 10pm and 12am, the area will play host to the iconic LGBTQ+ party night Strawberries. Expect to see DJ sets from Soria Reilly, Bull Horris, Tadhg K and Efa O’Neill, alongside performances from GoGo Dancers including The Doll Named Dan, Anziety, Viola Gayvis, Leigh Greally and Nick Nikolaou.
Elsewhere, visitors will have the chance to experience a slice of dance music history with an event celebrating the early Irish electro movement at The Racket in Glasnevin, Dublin 9. Coinciding with a vinyl release on Sunil Sharpe’s Earwiggle label, the line-up features electronic artists Phil Kieran, Decal, Magnetize, John Braine and Eliza.
For those lucky enough to have bagged themselves a complimentary ticket, DJ Annie Mac is bringing her acclaimed Before Midnight club night to the heart of the Liberties with a special performance in the Guinness Storehouse.
Culture Night Dublin will take place tomorrow Friday, 22 September. The event is brought to you by Dublin City Council with support from the Arts Council. For full programme details visit culturenightdublin.ie
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