Here are the upcoming festivals and events in Dublin (city and county) from 20 March to 1 May 2026, featuring a dynamic mix of literary celebrations, music, circus arts, cultural heritage, comedy, and community gatherings. This spring period builds on post-St. Patrick’s vibes with immersive cultural experiences across venues like Dublin Castle, UCD, libraries, and historic sites.
Major Festivals
- One Dublin, One Book (throughout April): Dublin’s flagship city-wide reading initiative, encouraging residents and visitors to read the same book-Christine Falls by John Banville (celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026). It includes literary discussions, talks, walks, exhibitions, and themed events in libraries, bookshops, and cultural spots across the city.
- Five Lamps Arts Festival (11-19 April): A vibrant community-driven festival in Dublin’s North Inner City, showcasing literature, dance, music, visual art, and theatre. Highlights include the Battle of Zen (street dance battles with international competitors) on 11 April at the International Centre for the Image, plus walking tours, workshops, and events celebrating local culture and social inclusion.
- Dublin HandelFest (10-12 April): A historical music festival at Dublin Castle (George’s Hall) commemorating George Frideric Handel’s 1742 visit and the premiere of Messiah. Features evening concerts including Handel’s Messiah (10 April) by the Irish Baroque Orchestra & Choir, Bierfiedlers and Rogues (11 April), and ‘Folia, Fire & Fantasia’ (12 April) with young artists exploring 17th-18th century music. Fringe events include exclusive tours like Marsh’s Library connected to Handel’s era.
- Dublin Circus Festival (10-12 April): Held at UCD Astra Hall (Belfield Campus), this celebration of circus arts offers training sessions, workshops, a Fire Gala, and public performances showcasing juggling, acrobatics, and contemporary circus talent.
- Bealtaine Festival (kicking off around 1 May, events throughout May): Ireland’s national festival celebrating creativity and the arts as we age, with music, theatre, visual arts, workshops, and performances in libraries, galleries, and community venues across Dublin (and nationwide).
Cultural & Community Events
- Shivjayanti & Ireland Maharashtra Mahotsav (IMM 2026) (29 March): Ireland’s largest Marathi festival at the Church of Scientology & Community Centre, featuring authentic Indian food stalls, traditional Maharashtrian dance, music, and cultural celebrations.
- Whiskey and Living History Nights (repeating Fridays through 24 April): At Dublinia, combining immersive medieval history experiences with tastings of local Irish whiskeys for a unique blend of heritage and spirits.
- In Conversation: Oisín Tozer & Mark Garry (20 March): A thoughtful discussion on contemporary art practices between artists and educators at The LAB.
Music & Nightlife
- I Love Reggaeton: Bad Bunny Tribute (20 March): A high-energy Latin club night at the Button Factory, dedicated to Bad Bunny anthems with podium dancers and reggaeton vibes.
- In The Pit Festival (21 March): The third edition at The Grand Social, showcasing emerging Irish heavy metal talent with six live bands.
- God Is an Astronaut (3 April): Atmospheric post-rock performance by the acclaimed Irish duo at The Academy.
- Easter Uprising (5 April): An all-day ska, reggae, and punk celebration at Lost Lane, featuring Irish acts like The Rebel Souls, plus an official afterparty at Doyle’s.
Comedy & Entertainment
- The International Comedy Club (recurring Fridays through 24 April): Stand-up comedy nights at the International Bar, mixing established and up-and-coming Irish comedians.
- Craic Den Comedy Club (daily shows through 11 April): Revolving “superstar lineup” of TV and social media comedians at The Workman’s Club.
Annual & recurring festivals
Dublin is the festival capital of Ireland, hosting everything from massive national celebrations to niche neighborhood arts events. Here are the recurring and annual festivals in County Dublin:
- Tradfest Temple Bar (January): Ireland’s largest festival of traditional and folk music, featuring concerts in historic venues like St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin City Hall.
- Dublin International Film Festival (February): A world-class cinematic event showcasing over 100 features and shorts from across the globe, often featuring appearances by major Hollywood stars.
- St. Patrick’s Festival (March): A multi-day national celebration centered on the massive carnival parade through the city center, featuring street theatre, concerts, and “greening” of landmarks.
- Dublin Comic Con (March & August): A biannual pop-culture extravaganza at the Convention Centre featuring celebrity guests, cosplay, and gaming.
- Music Town (April): A city-wide festival celebrating all genres of music through unique collaborations and performances in unusual spaces.
- Dublin Dance Festival (May): The island’s premier contemporary dance event, bringing international choreographers and performers to the capital’s stages.
- International Literature Festival Dublin (May): A gathering of the world’s finest writers and poets for readings, debates, and workshops in Merrion Square.
- Bloom in the Park (May/June): Ireland’s largest gardening and food festival, held over five days in the Phoenix Park.
- Forbidden Fruit Festival (June): A popular music and arts festival held on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, blending electronic, indie, and hip-hop.
- Dublin Pride (June): A massive celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, culminating in a colorful parade and festival in the city center.
- Longitude (July): A major outdoor music festival in Marlay Park focusing on contemporary pop, hip-hop, and electronic artists.
- Photo Ireland Festival (July): A month-long celebration of photography featuring exhibitions, talks, and workshops across various galleries.
- Dublin Horse Show (August): A world-famous equestrian event at the RDS featuring international show jumping, style awards, and family entertainment.
- Dublin Fringe Festival (September): A curated multi-disciplinary festival and “creative playground” for new and emerging artists across the city.
- Dublin Theatre Festival (September/October): Europe’s oldest specialized theatre festival, showcasing new Irish plays alongside international productions.
- Bram Stoker Festival (October): A “Gothic” celebration held over the Halloween weekend, inspired by the Dublin-born author of Dracula.
- Dublin Book Festival (November): A celebration of Irish writers and publishing, held primarily in the historic surroundings of Dublin Castle.
- Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo (November–January): A spectacular night-time silk lantern trail through the zoo, featuring giant illuminated sculptures and light shows.
Festivals
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary– Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Dublin:
Introduction – 1837 – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells –Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers
