Dublin Fringe Festival commences today

David Francis Moore Director of Dublin Fringe Festival

Dublin Fringe Festival, running from 6 to 21 September, will transform Dublin into a hub of contemporary arts, showcasing theatre, dance, music, visual arts, and live art across the city. Now in its 30th year, this multidisciplinary festival offers a platform for emerging and established artists, presenting innovative performances in venues ranging from traditional theatres to unconventional spaces like public parks, galleries, and buses. Visitors can expect a thought-provoking mix of performances that challenge conventions, engage with current themes, and reflect Dublin’s cultural diversity.

This year’s curatorial theme encourages artists to “step off-road” and explore “urgent pleasure” and “radical care,” promising performances that address contemporary issues like identity, inclusivity, and mental health. Family-friendly events will be available, though some shows may include mature themes, so checking the programme at fringefest com is advised.. In 2024, the festival hosted 586 performances across 27 venues, with over half of the 430 artists presenting for the first time.

Tickets, ranging from free to €20–€25, will be available online or at box offices near venues, with day passes and late-ticket options offered. Venues are accessible via Dublin’s public transport, including Luas and Dublin Bus, and many provide wheelchair access and audio-described performances.

Visitors can anticipate a dynamic experience, with shows in spaces like the Project Arts Centre, Smock Alley Theatre, and IMMA, alongside pop-up performances in unexpected locations. The festival’s FRINGE LAB, a year-round artist support hub, fosters workshops and mentorship, ensuring fresh perspectives. Highlights from previous years, such as meditative night walks, interactive installations, and genre-blending theatre, indicate a 2025 programme that will invite audiences to engage with art in new ways. Post-show discussions in nearby pubs and restaurants, particularly around Temple Bar, add to the communal atmosphere.

The Dublin Fringe Festival began in 1980 as a small, independent event during a recession, initially spanning a single weekend. Founded by a group of artists seeking to provide an alternative to the established Dublin Theatre Festival, it gained momentum in 1995 when Bedrock Productions, with support from the Dublin Theatre Festival and the Arts Office of Dublin Corporation, formalised its structure. The festival has since grown into one of Ireland’s largest cultural events, second only to the Edinburgh Fringe globally in scale. It has launched careers of notable figures like Rowan Atkinson and Stephen Fry, with productions like Beyond the Fringe in 1960 shaping modern satire. Now a registered charity, the festival is governed by a voluntary board, currently chaired by Lara Hickey, and operates from its base in Temple Bar.

David Francis Moore, the festival’s director since at least 2023, continues to guide its vision, emphasising new voices and boundary-pushing art. In 2024, Moore highlighted the festival’s 30th anniversary as a “vivid snapshot of our times,” a focus likely to carry into 2025. The festival’s commitment to equity and inclusion, supported by policies and bursaries like the Break New Ground Bursary, ensures opportunities for diverse artists. Its history reflects a dedication to nurturing talent, with FRINGE LAB providing year-round resources for thousands of creatives.

The Dublin Fringe Festival remains a vital part of Dublin’s cultural landscape, offering audiences a chance to discover innovative art in a city known for its storytelling tradition. Visitors, whether locals or tourists, can expect a welcoming environment that encourages curiosity and conversation, with performances that resonate long after the curtain falls. For the latest programme and accessibility details, fringefest.com is the primary resource.