If you’re into culture, books, fashion or theatre, you’re going to be absolutely spoiled for choice this autumn.
Running September through October there will be something for everyone during Dublin Festival Season.
Here’s the best of what’s going on in the city:
Mountains to Sea Book Festival (September 3rd – 8th)
Meet some of the world’s top authors at the Mountains to Sea Book Festival, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council’s annual celebration of all things literary.
It’s not just a day out for adults though – Margaret Atwood will be chatting about books and Charlie Higson – of TV’s The Fast Show – will be telling youngsters all they need to know about zombies.
You can also bring the kids to hear their favourite writers including Derek Landy, Niamh Sharkey and Judi Curtin. Not only that, but there will be poetry recitals, creative writing workshops and a Picture Book Picnic in the park. Sounds like a great day out!
Dublin Fashion Festival (September 5th – 8th)
The Dublin Fashion Festival is a showcase for the best in Irish design and a guaranteed treat for those who savour all things sartorial.
The festival promises to bring style to the city with street fashion shows, workshops, industry demos and insider talks. The fun continues into the small hours with guerrilla fashion shows in bars and restaurants around the city.
Even better, no tickets are required for the more than 40 events city wide. With more than 250 city centre businesses involved, many hosting free in-store events, customer specials and discounts, dedicated followers of fashion will be in heaven.
Dublin Fringe Festival (September 5th – 22nd)
Showcasing the best of Irish and international arts, this year up to 1000 participants will be making a show of themselves in over 600 events spanning theatre, dance, music, circus, opera and visual arts at the Dublin Fringe Festival.
A highlight this year is ANU’s “THIRTEEN”, a series of 13 interconnecting works combining performance, installation and digital technology marking the 1913 lockout.
With 30 venues to choose from there’s no excuse to miss out on a fantastic creative outpouring that puts the arts at the heart of the city for 18 invigorating days.
Dublin Theatre Festival (September 26th – October 13th)
Don’t miss your seat as the curtain rises once more on the mighty Dublin Theatre Festival 2013, an 18-day celebration of the best of Irish and international theatre.
This year features a new play by Frank McGuinness, a fresh translation of The Threepenny Opera, and a new production of Waiting for Godot.
Alongside a packed programme of theatrical productions there’s a full house of ancillary fun too including theatre talks, critics events, actors salons, work in progress showcases, panel discussions and exhibition tours, with most of the public events free.
Oktoberfest (September 19th – October 6th)
Dust down your lederhosen for the annual Oktoberfestin Dublin’s Docklands. Savour the sauerkraut, break out the bratwurst and wash it all down with classic Bavarian beer – both traditional and non alcoholic – served by 24 authentic Oktoberfest barmaids.
Browse the German markets, relax in the marquee and listen to music from traditional Bavarian musicians. Take the opportunity to learn how to yodel and dance a polka – maybe at the same time!
Culture Night (September 20th)
Stay up late for Culture Nighta magical opportunity to visit the city’s museums, galleries, churches, historic houses, artists’ studies and cultural centres – for free.
There’ll be so much nocturnal goings on, from talks and tours to performances and events. Your problem won’t be staying awake, it will be fitting it all in – Let the kids stay up late and bring them too!
Arthur’s Day (September 26th)
Raise a glass to toast Guinness founder Arthur on Arthur’s Day.
There are plans to bring great musical acts to the city streets. Last year’s event included Mumford and Sons, Professor Green, Fatboy Slim and Texas and. This year’s line-up is still to be announced.
Hard Working Class Heroes 2013 (October 3rd – 5th)
Keep ahead of the posse and find out for yourself which up and coming young band is going to be next to make it big at Hard Working Class Heroes 2013.
With 100 bands strutting their stuff in six venues over three days, it’s going to rock the city like nothing else.
Check out the country’s hottest new music talent while it’s still hot, in super hip spaces such as Meeting House Square, The Button Factory, The Workmans Club, The Mercantile, Twisted Pepper and The Grand Social.
Open House Dublin (October 4th – 6th)
Autumn is open season for Open House Dublin, the biggest celebration of architecture in Ireland.
Almost 100 buildings of all shapes, sizes and periods will open to the curious public.
Find out what goes on behind normally closed doors in some of the most historic and interesting buildings in the city. Enjoy special guided tours led by professionals and enthusiasts and it’s all for free.
Bram Stoker Festival (October 25th – 27th)
Get up close and personal with the creator of Dracula at the Bram Stoker– just in time for Halloween.
Over 30 fiendishly fun events including film shows and theatre performances, street animation and literary events are planned with something for all the family.
Take a walking tour through the backs streets of Victorian Dublin, explore the grisly mechanics of horror writing at a workshop or join in a discussion of all things vampire.
So go on, if you’re looking for a jam-packed few months full of culture and craic, don’t miss Dublin’s Festival Season
