Everything you need to know about Culture Night this Friday
Thousands expected to join city-wide celebrations as Culture Night marks 21 years in the capital
Culture Night Dublin returns for its 21st edition this Friday, 18th September, with thousands set to fill the capital for a night of arts and culture. From the city's landmark heritage sites to its smaller, off-beat venues, every event is free and open to all ages. Activities kick off from 4pm until late and to mark the anniversary, with the support of Dublin City Council, a number of sites across Dublin city centre will host specially commissioned events, concerts and open-air parties.
Neo-soul band Avenue 68 have just been added to the line-up for open-air performances at Dublin's Wood Quay Amphitheatre. They'll be joined by urban breakdancer Leon "Aleon" Dwyer, Mexican ceremonial dance group Calpulli Mictlan, as well as music from the Dublin Gay Men's Choir and St. James's Street Brass and Reed Band.
Irish hip-hop act Celaviedmai joins the line-up at Meeting House Square in Temple Bar as does Dublin-based rapper and Gaeilgeoir Blue Niall. They'll be joined by a host of Irish acts including Burnchurch, Holly Munro, Jessie & The Veil and Culture Night ambassador Asha Ari.
Central Plaza features a performance by dance artist Simone O'Toole, part of BENCH, the award-winning series by CoisCéim Dance Theatre. Later, the plaza becomes an open-air disco as Super Average DJs spin disco, house, and 90s classics from their Mambo Caravan, fresh from Electric Picnic. The Dublin Gospel Choir at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Seán MacDermott Street.
As part of the 21st anniversary, North Earl Street will be activated for the first time with the support of the Dublin City Council Co-ordination office and Welsh artist Mali Hâf has just been added to the line-up. Described as a Welsh witch from Cardiff, Mali performed on the BBC Introducing Stage at last year’s Glastonbury festival. They’ll be joined by performances from alt-pop sister duo Zeztra, Korean drumming group Doo-Dong, traditional Mongolian music from the Khuur Band, jazz group Pomp It Up and local groups including the Rainbow 13+ Arch Club.
For those wishing to extend the celebrations, Dublin's Capel Street offers a night of open-air electronic music selected by curator and DJ Mooncup, and queer party night BIG FAT SLUT takes over Wigwam.
Across the city
Elsewhere across the city, Photo Museum Ireland in Temple Bar opens an exhibition by Robert Ellis that explores growing up queer and closeted in rural Ireland. Theatre lovers can go behind the curtain at The Lir Academy for workshops in set, costume and lighting design. Dublin City Hall will host the 60-strong Stellar Choir in its magnificent Rotunda room. For architecture and hidden interiors, the Office of the Attorney General opens to the public for the very first time.
Singer Liam Ó Maonlaí brings the sean-nós tradition to the Instituto Cervantes with some live performances. A U2 walking tour of Dublin will celebrate the band's 50 years of making music. British artist Helen Pritchard opens her solo exhibition at The Horse, coinciding with the gallery's 5th anniversary, and Ceadogán Rugmakers will present a new exhibition of rugs at the Irish Georgian Society's City Assembly House.
Bolands Mills will offer a curated selection of live music, storytelling and art including performances by AE MAK, Sorcha Richardson and Zaska. Irish Language enthusiasts can take a tour of Trinity College as Gaeilge.
Over 300 events will take place this Culture Night, Friday September 18th. All events are free and open to everyone. For further information see: Culturenight.ie
Culture Night Dublin is powered by Dublin City Council with support from the Arts Council of Ireland, and made possible by the dedication and generosity of arts workers and creatives across the city.
Have you got a story to tell? CultureHead is one of Ireland's leading communications agencies dedicated to arts & entertainment. For help telling your story request our Rate Card
