It’s almost that time of year again folks: Culture Night and all of its extravaganza returns next Friday.
Thousands of people will be participating in this year’s evening of culture, creativity and celebration across Dublin and it’s set to be a big hit.
Friday, September 22th will see our fair city’s vibrant arts and creative scene shown off the its best with tonnes of events taking place, and not only in Dublin too!
And best of all, alllllllll of the events are free.
With so much going on in our capital, we’ve got the scoop on some of the quirkiest and unusual events happening for Culture Night that you need to see for yourself.
Here’s six of the best Culture Night events you need to check out:
1. Castle Dracula, Clontarf
If you’re interested in vampires and the weird and wonderful fantasy world, this is the perfect event for you. Castle Dracula in Westwood on Clontarf Road will give you the unique experience of travelling back in time and having a heart-racing experience.
You will meet the strange but wonderful characters from the story of Dracula and learn about the Irish writer, Bram Stoker, the mastermind behind Dracula himself.
Definitely one of Dublin’s most exciting and unique Irish adult attractions that is not for the faint of heart.
It’s running as part of the Culture Night on Friday from 6.45pm – 9pm.
You can book your tickets here.
2. Aerial Cirque, Dublin City Centre
The aerial performance and teaching studio has become a big hit for Dubliners recently, with the trend of swirling high in the air getting huge!
Aerial Cirque will be hosting two 50 minute child and parent cocoon classes from 5 pm- 7pm and are then opening up the viewing area from 7pm- 9pm for the public to watch members practice their aerial skills.
It’s bound to be magical! And Aerial Cirque studio on Exchequer Street has stunning stained glass windows to make the experience of flying high up in the air that extra bit special.
The classes have a limited number of spaces so you should book in advance here.
3. Introduction to Geocaching, Phoenix Park
Geocaching Ireland are giving an introductory class on the wonderful world of geocaching. What is it? It’s a game where players hide and seek containers called ‘geocaches’ at special locations that are marked by co-ordinates all over the world.
They are meeting at the Papal Cross car park in the Phoenix Park on the Culture Night at 6pm and the event will run until 8pm.
Why not try to find some for yourself, you can book it here.
4. The Clockwork Door, Dublin City Centre
This is Ireland’s first and only TimeHouse. What is it exactly?
Well, The Clockwork Door is a brand new concept business on Wellington Quay that is being pioneered here. A TimeHouse is a pay-per-minute venue where guests will have free and unlimited access to everything.
From tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn, games and all live events. There are 6 active rooms which include a video games room with more than 12,000 video games, and even a cozy room filled with bubble wrap and teddy bears.
The non-alcoholic venue is dedicated to providing a friendly place to meet, stay and play. It sounds amazing.
They will be open on Culture Night from 5pm – 10pm.
5. The Constant Knitter, Dublin City Centre
If you ever wanted to learn how to knit, crochet, embroidery or anything this is the perfect event for you on Culture Night.
The Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers will be in The Constant Knitter to show you how to spin fleece into yarn with a drop spindle or a spinning wheel and how to weave yarn on a loom. If you want to join in and learn hands-on, you can bring your needles and hooks along.
It’s time to take up a new hobby!
The event in 88 Francis Street takes place from 5pm- 10pm.
6. Forest Friends Ireland, Drumcondra
If you’re a fan of nature and particularly trees you will want to go to this event. Forest Friends Ireland is hosting an event open to all which involves music and song and even a tree hugging competition.
The objective is to find the best tree huger and there’s even money prizes up to €50 for first place to be won, and you get a certificate if you participate.
The event will run on 40 Lower Drumcondra Road from 8pm – 10pm.
If you fancy travelling outside of Dublin for events these will be worthwhile checking out:
Cultural Collisions, Edenderry, Co.Offaly
Edenderry Town Hall square will be hosting a night full of music, dance, food, pupperty, surreal carnival and theatrics. It sounds unreal.
A chair is to be the central motif of the Culture Night event, standing as a symbol of the stories and identity of the multicultural town.
You can even bring along your own favourite chair to sit on or you can donate a chair or take part in a chair exchange. We are not kidding.
Festival of Fashion & Light, National Design & Craft Gallery, Kilkenny
The renowned gallery is hosting a festival of Fashion & Light, so if you’re creative you should drop by for the music, making and fashion extravaganza where you can participate in workshops such as, Shibori & Indigo Installation, Japanese Lantern Making and Felt Fidget Making. There is even a Knitathon going on as well.
For more information and to see the full programme of events on Culture Night on September 22, you can visit the website here.
Will you be going along to any events?
(featured image: Aerial Cirque/Facebook page)
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