As the countdown to Culture Night 2024 draws closer, Dublin is gearing up for a widespread transformation of its streets into open-air dance floors for this Friday's festivities.

The 19th edition of Dublin Culture Night is shaping up to be an unforgettable one, with an endless amount of festivities, performances and activities to partake in. Thousands of people are expected to take part in the annual celebration of arts and culture, featuring a wide range of activities from theatre, music, and dance to podcasting, painting and poetry.

From the capital's iconic heritage sites to its quirky off-beat arts venues, all events are completely free to attend, inviting everyone of all ages to join the celebrations.

Open-air Dance Floors

From 9pm on Friday, a new initiative called "City Sounds" will highlight Ireland's fast-emerging soundsystem culture, transforming a number of Dublin's streets into outdoor dance floors.

Essex Street will showcase the iconic Bang Bike mobile sound system, playing old-school classics. Capel Street, will host a lineup of Techno DJs curated by Interruption and Central Plaza will feature the Cork-based collective Rise Up Soundsystem.

Speaking at the announcement of the City Sounds programme Conor “Jonezy” Jones, of Rise Up Soundsystem, encouraged members of the public to come join the celebrations. “Visitors to Dublin city this Culture Night are in for a fantastic experience!" says Jones. "We will be hosting an open-air party at Central Plaza on Dame Street, celebrating electronic music and soundsystem culture.

Earlier in the evening, a Brazilian edition of City Sounds will see Central Plaza transform into a “Brazilian paradise” with introductory classes in Brazilian Forró dance, along with performances by Dublin’s renowned samba group, 353 Samba Club, celebrated for their electrifying rhythms and engaging stage presence.

"A variety of DJs will be performing genres including bass-heavy tracks, reggae, dancehall, garage, and jungle. This event promises to be a unique occasion and first for Dublin city. I encourage people of all ages to come by, you won’t be disappointed.”

Iconic Irish Voices

At the historic GPO, An Post will be hosting a special instrumental performance of 4 world-famous songs, celebrating the work of Séamus Begley, Christy Dignam, Shane MacGowan and Sinéad O'Connor.

The performances follow the recent unveiling of a brand new set of stamps honouring the late artists, showcasing how they've played a unique role in transforming the musical landscape of Ireland, and indeed the world, over the years.

Iconic Irish Voices stamps launch. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Live Performance

This year’s programme also includes a series of live spectacles you don't want to miss. Meeting House Square will be a hive of activity with everything from a neurodivergent-friendly circus show and “Queer Set Dancing” to live performances from the likes of Culchie Goth, Roo Honeychild, JyellowL and a host of electronic DJs.

At Wood Quay Amphitheatre, a unique Culture Night event will honour Mongolian culture, featuring traditional Mongolian throat singing, dance, and music that is distinctive to Mongolia. Additionally, a unique bi-lingual cabaret show will showcase several spectacular divas celebrating the beauty of the Irish language.

If you're one for late-night celebrations, look no further than the Nocturnal Beats Late Night Venue Trail, which will showcase electronic music and DJ culture across a host of nightclubs, late-night bars, and cultural spaces across the city.

Museums & Heritage Sites

In keeping with tradition, a number of museums and landmarks will be open until late on Friday with many hosting special one-off events. The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) will present Earth Rising, a festival of free events aimed at addressing the climate crisis. Over at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral there will be choral performance by the Cathedral Choristers and the Abbey Presbyterian Church will feature an event showcasing music, art, and a tasting of African cuisine. Elsewhere, younger visitors will enjoy the 3-D making workshops at Chester Beatty on the grounds of Dublin Castle.

Ireland-Palestine Events

The Wood Quay Amphitheatre will host "Seisiún Palaistíneach," a concert blending traditional music from Ireland and Palestine, featuring artists including Dr. Abdullah Al Bayyari and members of the Irish Trad music group Faró. There will also be opportunities to learn the Dabkeh, the traditional dance of Palestine. Elsewhere, a pop-up project titled “Dancing With Strangers: From Palestine to Ireland,” will invite public participation through remotely guided dance routines by Palestinian dancers affected by the ongoing conflict.

Exhibitions

The visual arts scene will also be on full display throughout the Culture Night festivities, inviting visitors to take a deep dive into many notable exhibitions all across the city. Flux Studio on Chatham Row is set to launch its new artist studios with a group show from its members. Graphic Studio Gallery will host a solo exhibition featuring Ailbhe Barrett, along with an opportunity to explore printmaking. Pallas Projects and Studios will conduct tours of their latest exhibition by artist Neva Elliott and The Hungarian Embassy will present a captivating exhibition highlighting the Weeping Virgin Mother of Győr, known as the Irish Madonna.

Credit: Julien Behal Photography.

For more information and a full list of events for Culture Night Dublin 2024, please see here.