For every lover of all areas of the arts, today is like Christmas come at once as Culture Night finally arrives. All over the country there are events taking place that people from every walk of life can enjoy.

Last year 1.2 million people took part in over 1,700 free cultural events around the country and this year Culture Night promises to be even more inclusive, accessible and diverse while showcasing the best of both the traditional and evolving arts in Ireland.

This year’s events take place in every county, and in both urban and rural spaces and there are 45 late night offerings too.

Overseen by the Arts Council, Culture Night introducing audiences to new venues and emerging talent and involves artists, performing groups, galleries, museums, sports clubs, libraries, arts centres, craft workers, studios, theatres, community groups, public bodies, transport companies, universities and of course, the audience.

From workshops to gigs to late night events, there’s a long list of fun to be had so we’ve take a look at some of the highlights on offer

DoodleSong, in Clonakilty, Cork

This is an event for three to six year olds and their adults to sing together and take their crayons for a spin. With a paper covered floor as the artistic space there will be singsongs and tales of ancient Ireland, of boats and voyages, of storms and magical waves.

Guido Fanzini’s Thunderous Entertainment Spectacular, Killarney House & Gardens

Gather round to witness the jaw-dropping antics of this devilishly handsome Italian Kerryman, Guido Fanzini.

 Is he stupid or brave beyond belief? It really doesn’t matter as he presents 40 mins of fantastic comedy and pure fun in his spoof danger/comedy circus show. The language of death-defying stunts is used at every turn, giving a comic edge to all of his carry-on.

Here We Are Now! By Sparkcatchers, Outside The Tuam Town Hall, Galway

Here We Are Now! is a pop up socially engaged game show by Sparkcatchers! The Square in Tuam will be transformed to ignite creative imagination and engage audiences through quiz-style conversations. The game show hosts will be Tuam teenagers, who will create an unexpected happening designed to slow the general public down while opening a space for connection.

Faerie Dances, Claregalway Castle, Galway

 Join the enchanting fairy folk, pixies and goblins as the wonderful young dancers of Youth Ballet West enchant and entertain the crowds at Claregalway Castle. Catch a performance and then mingle with the dancers in the castle grounds as they surprise and delight children of all ages.

Dublin Ink Tattoo Culture Experience, Temple Bar and Creative Quarter, Dublin City

Experience the art of tattooing in a unique and fun way as the talented artists at Dublin Ink share their skills and show visitors how to tattoo — using bananas! This hands-on activity lets you explore your creativity, gives you a chance to ask all the questions and offers some good laughs with the wonderful team.

A great event for the whole family, as there will also be a temporary tattoo station set up for the little ones – and also for those wanting a quick hit of that fresh Dublin Ink tattoo feeling. A fun-filled night with good music, great vibes and a chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of tattoo art.

The Enchanted, Aran Islands, Galway

Within this playful, immersive experience, the merfolk sip seaweed tea inside eerie underwater buildings, Seagull-John cooks white birds over trash fires, and dreams from the future explore loss, rainbows, and sorrow in a liminal space gone awry with climate chaos. The magician (Ali Keohane) brings the audiences onto Hy-Brasil, the mythical disappearing island, while they walk around listening to stories told by actors Mikel Murfi, Jenni Nikinmaa and Tonya Lenhart.

Irish National Opera Presents: Out Of The Ordinary/As An NGnách, Trinity and the Docklands, Dublin City

Experience Irish National Opera’s Out of the Ordinary/As an nGnách, the world’s first virtual reality community opera at The Dock, Accenture’s global R&D and innovation centre. As part of this totally unique experience, attendees will get to travel to an imagined, animated world, with the ability to move around and interact with the environment.

Out of the Ordinary/As an nGnách tells the tale of a community, forced to flee their barren homeland, which, due to their own actions, can no longer sustain them. Nalva, the main character, builds a boat to take her people on an epic journey to find a new home.

Dead Interesting Tour Of Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin

Join an expert tour guide on a fascinating journey through the hidden depths of Glasnevin Cemetery on the Dead Interesting Tour. The stories of a nation are held within the walls of Glasnevin Cemetery. Established in 1832 as a burial place for all people, this unique garden cemetery grew from humble origins to become Ireland’s largest cemetery.

Lava Land: The Awesome World Of Volcanoes, Trinity and the Docklands, Dublin City

The Dublin Magmatism Group, a team of expert volcanologists, invites budding scientists of all ages to Trinity College Dublin’s historic Museum Building to explore the fascinating world of volcanoes. Those in attendance can discover the wonders of lava, magma, and volcanoes through engaging hands-on activities! All ages are invited to come along for an evening of discovery, where you can touch, experiment, and learn all about the incredible forces that shape our planet.

Critters’ – A Sculpture And Performance Trail, Letterkenny, Donegal

Inishowen Carnival presents a sculpture and performance trail through Letterkenny Town Park. Celebrating the wonders of life on planet earth and of the world of insects in particular, CRITTERS tries to imagine what life would look like if evolution had taken a slightly different direction, if insects had looked a little more human, if humans had looked a little more insect-like?

A Stitch in Time – Upcycling Workshop, Rathangan Kildare

 A great workshop which will provide tips and skills to get the best out of clothes and household fabric items.

Attendees can bring along three to five items of pre-loved clothes or textiles (all other materials will be supplied) to be repaired, upcycled or recreated into something new. No sewing experience is necessary; from repairing a loose stitch to adding lace sleeves or cutting down a neckline, it’s all possible with a little guidance.

Reels on the Bus, Longford

An interactive traditional music workshop and live trad music session open to secondary school students in Longford. Reels on the Bus aims to introduce young people to Irish traditional music with a one-hour workshop in bodhrán playing. This immersive workshop is open to complete beginners and experienced musicians who will learn how to accompany live traditional music in a fun, collaborative environment.

Myths and Monstrosities Workshop at Luan Gallery, Athlone

This workshop will have you creating your own figurine of a monster or mythical creature using craft materials. Responding to the themes of “the monstrous other” and mythology present in Kevin Mooney’s exhibition Tuberculosis, participants will engage in a discussion with the facilitator about the concept of monstrosity and the use of myth in our everyday.

Westport FRC Multicultural Evening, Westport, Mayo

Taking place at Sacred Heart School in Westport, this family-friendly event celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures in the community with an engaging array of activities. Attendees can explore tables representing various countries, enjoy traditional foods, crafts, and cultural displays. A world map will be set up for guests to mark their places of origin, and many participants will showcase their beautiful traditional attire.

Polish Potato Festival at ABC EduLibrary, Cork City

September is traditionally a time for Polish digging. Both nations, the Irish and the Poles, like potatoes in various forms. This event will highlight the history and traditions associated with potatoes. You will be invited to sample Polish cuisine, where potato pancakes will be prepared for you to taste. The potatoes will also be used for some artistic activities. The event is drop in.

Multinational Food Event, St Joseph’s Community Centre, Galway City

This event will offer authentic Food from a minimum of 10 nationalities who have made Ireland their home. The ideas is that sharing food shares both culture and brings people together. Migrants bring Nations Together. Connect and celebrate! a . Food will be provided to suit all tastes.

Wild & Fired Indian BBQ Feast With Rooh Vodka, Derry

Join Lo & Slo for Culture Night 2024 at the stunning Walled Garden of Brook Hall Estate for an unforgettable gastronomic barbecue fusion event. Lo & Slo teams up with local entrepreneur Lee Jagota, creator of Rooh Vodka, to bring you a unique blend of Indian heritage and American fire cooking. Guests will enjoy exclusive cocktails crafted by the renowned mixologist Dee Coll. Each cocktail is a masterful blend of bold flavours, capturing the essence of the event’s unique culinary experience. Enjoy a delicious three-course fire-cooked feast that marries the bold spices of Lee’s Punjabi roots with the smoky allure of Emily’s American barbecue using the finest of local ingredients.

Tales By Moonlight Cooking Up A Delicious Storm Session, Athy Kildare

This is the tenth year this session has been held and it’s continuing the team adventure approach to ‘Cooking Up A Delicious Storm’ by introducing ‘Tales by Moonlight’. It provides the opportunity to showcase varied specialties whether that’s food or drink from across the world with tales to match. It’s free to take up the challenge and to take part in other cultural activities of the night.

The English Market, Cork City

For one night of the year only the renowned city centre cultural landmark, the historic English Market, will open its doors to celebrate Culture Night from 6pm to 9pm. A selection of English Market traders will be open exclusively, serving traditional tastes and local treats, ranging from handmade sushi rolls to local cheese and charcuterie, wine tasting and samples of traditional Cork favourites.

Local musicians will enhance the already vibrant atmosphere of the market for the occasion.

LATE NIGHT

Lumina, in Tuam, Galway,

This breathtaking nighttime event will captivate audiences as the facade of the Tuam Cathedral is transformed into a canvas of light and sound through projections and live choral performances.

Meeting House Square: JyellowL, Temple Bar and Creative Quarter, Dublin City

Music for all as JyellowL and others bring something for every mood to the stage at Meeting House Square. Giving a high energy performance with impactful lyricism, his dynamic songs are both personal and urgent, and are sure to have people dancing . Other performances at Meeting House Square include BPM Collective, Culchie Goth among others.

OTHERWORLD, Galway City

 Outset Gallery in collaboration with producer Emmet Kerrigan proudly present this ambitious multidisciplinary arts event that promises to guide audiences through an expansive landscape, spanning multiple areas, stages and showcasing stellar music acts from Galway and beyond.

You don’t even have to leave home to enjoy Culture Night as RTÉ will broadcast some of the fun across radio, television and online from multiple regional venues from 7pm.

The big one will be RTE Celebrates Culture Night broadcasting on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player from 8pm. Denise Chaila will present exclusive performances from some of our best loved artists.

The evening includes a highlight that has been years in the making with musician David Gray embarking on a dream voyage to Skellig Michael, accompanied by his longtime friend Colm Mac Con Iomaíre. This journey, inspired both the title and cover art of his latest album and is described by Gray as being “nothing short of magical.”

There’s a dynamic performance from Leitrim’s Edwina Guckian, along with Mohammad Syfkhan and Ultan O’Brien, punk energy is celebrated from Derry with performances from Spider and Cherym, and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, conducted by David Brophy, delivers a series of orchestral explorations with special guest vocalists Villagers, Niamh Regan, New Jackson, and Joe Chester with Gemma Hayes.

For full details on all events see culturenight.ie