Roller discos, exhibitions, the inaugural Vogue ball, and late night happenings… Our round-up of (almost!) everything you need to know about Culture Night in Dublin.
Get ready for one of the most creative nights of the year! Culture Night is always a great opportunity to experience many of the city’s cultural delights for free as museums, galleries, government buildings and heritage sites throw open their doors from 4pm until late. Here’s a quick, city-wide dash through some of this year’s proceedings…
Roller Skating, Dancing and A Vogue Ball…
Get ready to lace up your skates and groove to the music as Dublin’s Central Plaza is transformed into the ultimate outdoor roller skating disco, with influencer and skater, Gráinne Binns, taking the lead.
The Wood Quay Amphitheatre plays host to Culture Night Dublin’s first Vogue Ball presented by LGBTQ+ night QueerMania alongside performances from the Discovery Gospel Choir and sensational burlesque performer Bonnie Boux.
Meanwhile, in Dublin 8, Barnardo Square becomes an outdoor dance studio, offering social dance classes in both Swing and Forró by the talented instructors from Mind The Step.
Down by the river at Spencer Dock, visitors can enjoy 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.
There’s also poetry, food and good times to look forward to as A Playful City join forces with Swan Youth Service to showcase a magical early evening celebration with some delicious food prepped by the young people of the area.
Museums and 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) 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. There’s also an opportunity to have a mosey around places that are normally closed to the public, including the Mansion House, Freemasons’ Hall, and Leinster House.
Visual Art Exhibitions…
Culture Night also offers great opportunities 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 presents 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.
Interactive Workshops…
Record your 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.
Visitors are invited to create their own painting at This Must Be The Place on Wellington Quay or discover the ancient art of silver forging at Silverworks on Drury Street.
Younger folk can look forward to an enjoyable evening at the Chester Beatty where they will have a chance to make their very own puppets inspired by the museum’s collection.
Late Late Night Parties and Events…
Meeting House Square in Temple Bar is set to become an open air dancefloor this Culture Night as the area hosts 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.
Finally, for those lucky enough to have bagged themselves a complimentary ticket, legendary 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 takes place on Friday, 22 September, with all events free to attend, and welcoming of everyone. The event is brought to you by Dublin City Council with support from the Arts Council. For full programme details visit culturenightdublin.ie
Feature Image: Roller skaters Gráinne Binns, Cliodhna Ní Mheadhra and Alba Cabello Hurtado pictured at Central Plaza off Dublin’s Dame Street which is set to host an outdoor roller disco for Culture Night. Credit – Julien Behal
