What’s on in Dublin this May bank holiday weekend: Events, festivals, gigs and more

The May bank holiday means it's nearly summer at last.

Another bank holiday approaches, and we've got a ton of events you may be interested in checking out over your three-day weekend.

Dublin will be teeming with events and activities, from gigs to comedy festivals and even dumpling-making classes.

So, if you're lacking some bank holiday weekend plans, or just trying to organise ahead of time, we have created a one-stop shop so you won't miss a thing.

Friday, 1 May

While most of us will be working during the day, the BH festivities ought to start the minute you close your laptop on Friday evening.

If you're looking for something different, a spectacular, world-renowned drone show is taking place at Leopardstown Racecourse, set to light up the sky. On show is dazzling aerial choreography, transforming the night sky into a canvas of stars, flowers and more. Tickets start at €20 and are on sale now.

Those more interested in gigs, fret not - from folk to grunge, there's a plethora to choose from. Dublin born 90s infused heavy alt-grunge band Bleech 9:3 will play Whelan's main venue on Friday night, with a handful of resale tickets still available on Ticketmaster.

If you can't get your hands on those, or if something softer is on your radar, the stunning Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo will perform the last of its two shows at the Bord Gáis.

For those looking for a belter of a night out, head to Index, one of Dublin’s staple electronic music venues, which was ranked 18 on DJ Mag’s 100 Best Clubs in the World list. Following its 2025 move to The Academy (after stints on the Quays and Wexford Street) the club was praised by DJ Mag for its immersive, theatre-style main room and high-calibre sound experience.⁠ Kicking off at 11pm on Friday, it's sure to be a good one.

Saturday, 2 May

Saturday is absolutely jam-packed with events in Dublin. From cooking classes and yoga to boozy brunches, we couldn't possibly get through them all.

Is it really a BH weekend without a boozy brunch? Drag Brunch at the Bernard Shaw is back on Saturday, with a 3pm or 5pm show. Tickets start at €5 per person, and it's always a wicked time. Wanting to stay closer to town? No problem, Ariana Grindr is hosting High School Boozical Brunch at NoLita. For your €33 ticket, you'll receive a delicious main course, a complimentary Absolut Cocktail, a star-studded performance by Ariana Grindr, and be treated to all the classic 2000s Disney hits by the event DJ.

If brunch isn't your thing, fear not, fill your afternoon with a unique event like this Dumpling Rolling Masterclass at Lucky Tortoise in Temple Bar. From 2-4pm, take part in the €68 class which includes a welcome drink, a guided lesson in dumpling-making from our skilled chefs, a full meal featuring your own handmade dumplings and other Asian-inspired dishes, as well as a chance to win exciting prizes and create unforgettable memories.

Also taking place on Saturday is a Lady Gaga Special yoga class, a true crime walking tour, and Brown Thomas' summer showcase.

In the evening time, Alternative Dublin is hosting one of its amazing drink and draw events at This Must Be The Place in Smithfield. Tickets are priced at €27.79 and include your canvas, all necessary painting materials, an instructor to help guide you, inspirational patterns and designs, prizes, and a custom playlist with feel-good tunes.

A 35+ nostalgic dance party is kicking off at Soho Venue from 5.30pm. Over four hours of legendary Dublin DJs, MCs and special guests, all hosting infectious, throwback dance floor beats from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Better again, your ticket includes a glass of bubbly on arrival. Say less.

If it’s a joke and a laugh you’re after, then look no further than Craic Den Comedy Club's superstar line-up. Showcasing three of the best comedy acts on the market, as seen on the telly, a night full of laughter and unforgettable comedy is guaranteed.

On the gig front, Saturday is absolutely booming. Queen Orchestral is taking over the 3Arena, while Nathan Carter will play his hits in the 3Olympia.

Gavin James is putting on a special show at the Bord Gáis, Colin Graham is taking over upstairs at Whelan's, and Chris McCausland is cracking up the crowd at Vicar Street.

Sunday, 3 May

On a Bank Holiday weekend, that Sunday feeling of dread for the coming week turns into joy as you remember you've got an extra weekend day, so do something to celebrate!

For the fitness gurus out there, or those of you inspired by the recent surge of marathon culture, why not head to BMO's free runn club in St Clare’s Park, Harold’s Cross, from 10am.

Speaking of, the Dublin City Half Marathon will take place on Sunday. Starting on O’Connell Street at 8.30am and finishing on Guild Street in the north-east inner city, sideline support is always appreciated.

Families, we've not forgotten you. Dublin Pottery School in Smithfield is hosting a children's pottery class from 10am-12pm for just €5 (children must be supervised). All the needed gear and expertise is included.

Gigs are still a plenty on Sunday as American rapper Goldlink is playing The Workman's Club main room, with tickets from €44. In case you missed last year's epic reunion tour, or you just wanting to scream Wonderwall at the top of your lungs once again, Europe’s top Oasis tribute act, Supersonic, will be lighting up Whelan's main stage. If a cackle and bitta craic is what you're after, Kildare woman Aisling Bea is the answer. The BAFTA winner brings her Older Than Jesus Tour to Vicar Street with limited tickets still available.

For those of you looking to go all out on the last non-work night of the BH, Mother is back in LoSt LaNe with their incredible club nights. A queer space and a safe place for LGBTQ+ folk and our friends, you can expect disco, house, pop, and that signature Mother energy from start to finish.

Across the weekend

That is not all, as there are plenty of activities and events available right across the weekend.

Swords Comedy Festival

Kicking off on 29 April and running until 3 May, the Swords Comedy Festival has has put together a stellar programme featuring some of Ireland's most beloved stand-up comedians, as well as showcasing emerging talent. Dylan Moran, Al Porter, and Barbara Scully are just a few of the names on the list. Tickets are available now on the festival website.

See the sights

Seems pretty simple, but sometimes we tend to miss out on things for the simple fact that they’re on our doorstep. But what makes for a better family day out then sightseeing. Kilmainham Gaol, Viking Splash Tours, Dublin Zoo, Guinness Storehouse, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Phoenix Park, National Gallery of Ireland, 14 Henrietta Street, National Botanic Gardens - these are just some of the things the city has to offer, so explore what's in plain sight!

@lovindublin Have you done the Viking Splash Tour? Needing little introduction, the now iconic tour has been causing havoc on the streets of Dublin since the year 2000. It had a brief hiatus during the covid years, and we have to admit that we did miss being roared at by tourists and Dubs alike. If you've been personally victimised by the Viking Splash, take this as your sign to get your own back, hop aboard, and start shouting at folks on the streets of Dublin - it's almost therapeutic. We had an absolute ball on this tour, and even learned something along the way. Getting to wear a viking helmet was the cherry on top🍒 📛 @vikingsplash ⭐️ @massivenotmassive ♬ original sound - Lovin Dublin

Dublin Dance Festival

Dublin Dance Festival returns from April 30 - May 16 with a jam-packed list of performances. From world premieres and performances from Irish and international artists, to free outdoor events, club nights, workshops and screenings, there is so much going on across the festival. Find out more on the festival's website.

Total Ninja Course

We're not ones to be pessimistic, but in Ireland, we need to plan for some rainy-day activities no matter the time of year. Luckily, this unreal ninja course is no compromise at all. Just last month LeisureBox opened in Swords and their Total Ninja course, which includes a spider wall, ring sliders, warped wall, jumper tower, giant airbags, foam pits, and lots more, is out of this world. You can book online to be safe, but if you're feeling spontaneous, walk-ins are also welcome!

Wilde Stages Festival (Formerly International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival)

This BH weekend sees the return of Wilde Stages Festival, formerly known as the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival. The annual event showcases the LGBTQIA+ theatre community, past and present. Theatre groups from across five continents will perform across the city, delivering comedy, drama, dance, film, music and more. See the full line-up and ticket information on their website.

That’s as much as we have for you, and if you’ve made it here, all that’s left to say is have a great weekend, and hope you’ve found a thing or two to tickle your fancy!