September Guide: 16 great events happening this month
Dublin Fringe Festival, Sounds From a Safe Harbour and Culture Night are among some of the most exciting cultural events happening around Ireland this month. Here are our top picks of the best of what’s on this September.
Armagh Food and Cider Weekend
4-7 September, Armagh, more info here
A weekend of mouth-watering events, artisan experiences, and crisp orchard pours, this food festival has everything from artisan bites and pop-up dining experiences, to farm-to-fork feasts, immersive culinary trails, and behind-the-scenes orchard tours. There’s something to tempt every palate.
Sculpture in Context
4 September-10 October, National Botanic Gardens, Dublin, more info here
Sculpture in Context is the largest dedicated sculpture exhibition in Ireland. This unique exhibition will show a diverse range of sculptures by renowned and emerging contemporary artists, each bringing a fresh perspective and innovative approach to their work. Set against the backdrop of vibrant plant life and breathtaking natural scenery, Sculpture in Context will offer an immersive experience for visitors in the historic surroundings of the National Botanic Gardens.
Waterford Harvest Festival
5-7 September, Waterford, more info here
Now in its 16th year Waterford Harvest Festival celebrates great food and the people who produce it. Taking place in venues across Waterford city, this will be a treat for the senses with food demos and talks, honey making, storytelling, fine dining experiences, fantastic food offerings from local restaurants, live music and lots of free family entertainment taking place across the city.
Dublin Fringe Festival
6-21 September, Dublin city, more info here
Bringing contemporary, playful and provocative new work made by Irish and international artists to the city, expect everything from form-busting theatre productions, electric dance performance, immersive installations to epic party nights out, every event will ignite your mind and leave a mark on your soul. Our top pick has to be Octopus Children, written by FELISPEAKS and brought to you by THISISPOPBABY.
ReRuns Pup-up Sale
7&8 September, David Marshall Hair Salon, Dublin, more info here
Hosted by celebrity stylist Rosalind Lipsett, ReRuns, Ireland’s premier designer pop up for sustainable luxury fashion are having an exclusive event giving fashion enthusiasts the chance to shop preloved designer pieces from iconic brands such as Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Diane von Furstenberg, and Chloé, all while championing sustainability.
Boots Night Walk
9 September, Phoenix Park, Dublin, more info here
Heading into its fourteenth year on Tuesday, September 9, the Boots Night Walk raises vital funds for the Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing Service, which provides end-of-life care for cancer patients in their own home. You can opt to join the public walk in Dublin, walk at your own location across Ireland, or just donate what you can if you can’t lace up your trainers.
Sounds From a Safe Harbour
11-14 September, Cork city, more info here
A vibrant forest of music, language, art, and ritual, Sounds from a Safe Harbour returns for its landmark 10th anniversary this year with perhaps its best programme yet. Curated by Festival Director Mary Hickson, alongside actor Cillian Murphy, composer Bryce Dessner (The National), author Max Porter, and folklorist Billy MagFhloinn, highlights include the Irish premiere of Steve; haunting music performances from RÓIS; and This-Topia by Meltybrains? at The Granary Theatre.
Culture Night
19 September, across Ireland, more info here
The 20th edition of Culture Night will take place on Friday, September 19 across cities, towns, villages and rural locations around Ireland. It’s a national moment, celebrating culture, creativity and the arts and seeks to actively promote the belief that this rich and varied culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people’s lives, today and every day.
Marty in the Evening with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra
20 September, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin, more info here
For one night only, join the RTÉ Lyric FM presenter for entertaining anecdotes and chats, plus the finest music from his popular morning radio show, with everything from Puccini to Morricone to Bacharach.
Hen’s Teeth Art Mart Weekender
20 & 21 September, Blackpitts, Dublin, more info here
Hen’s Teeth is hosting its first Art Mart weekender, with 17 of their favourite artists from across Ireland and the world setting up shop in their Blackpitts, Dublin 8 space. The line-up features very special guest and renowned illustrator Mr Bingo, who will be holding a ticketed talk on the Saturday evening; much loved Canadian doodler Gangster Doodles; Accidentally Ireland; Fuschia Macaree; Ruan van Vliet; Hephee; Bebhinn Eilish; Way Bad Press; live portraits on the day from Johnny Cigarettes and lots more.
HERE & NOW: The STEPS Musical
23 September, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin, more info here
Based on the songs of pop phenomenon STEPS, HERE & NOW is a hilarious and heart-warming new musical that’s been described as a sparkling celebration of love and friendship. Welcome to seaside superstore Better Best Bargains, where it’s Friday night, the vibe is right, and everyone’s dancing in the aisles. But when Caz discovers the shelves are stocked with lies and betrayal, the summer of love she and her friends dreamed of suddenly feels like a tragedy. Have they all lost their chance of a ‘happy ever after’? Or does love have other plans in store…
Warm Regards
24-27 September, The Everyman Theatre, Cork, more info here
Alison Teahan and Sinead Crowley present Warm Regards, the story of two best friends, one charming stranger, and a birthday that changes everything. Set in Cork with Cork voices, this play speaks directly to modern Irish women, tackling themes of beauty standards, aging, sexual agency and the emotional labour of being “the good friend.” The emotional intimacy and real-life dialogue offer a mirror for audiences to see themselves: their friendships, their disappointments, their laughter and their contradictions.
Dublin Theatre Festival
25 Sept-12 October, Dublin city, more info here
Known for its commitment to showcasing world-class Irish theatre, the 2025 programme for Dublin Theatre Festival is utterly jam packed. Highlights include the cinematic stage play, Pieces of a Women by Kata Wéber, which provides an intimate look into a fracturing family dynamic in the wake of a young woman’s personal tragedy; an adaption of Chekhov’s Three Sisters starring Saoirse-Monica Jackson; and the world premiere of POOR by Katriona O’Sullivan, adapted by Sonya Kelly from O’Sullivan’s bestselling memoir.
Éire to Everywhere: Stories Without Border with Patrick Holloway
25 September, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Custom House Quay, Dublin, more info here
Acclaimed writer Patrick Holloway delves into his poignant debut novel, The Language of Remembering, in this intimate event, exploring the emotional landscapes of memory, grief, fatherhood, and identity. Attendees will have the chance to hear about Patrick’s personal journey as a writer, the real-life moments that inspired his work, and how his experiences abroad inform his reflections on loss and resilience.
Write by the Sea
26-28 September, Kilmore Quay, Wexford, more info here
Write By the Sea is a boutique literary festival that has welcomed some of Ireland’s finest writers and introduced exciting new voices over the past nine years, and its 10th anniversary celebrations include conversations with Claire Keegan, Wendy Erskine, Marian Keyes and Mike McCormack.
Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival
26-28 September, Galway, more info here
Deemed one of Europe’s longest-running food extravaganzas, the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival was launched in 1954 and has been evolving and expanding ever since. With a full programme of events yet to be announced, expect good food and drinks, great entertainment and top class craic.
Three sisters image by Nir Arieli, SFSH image by Bríd O’Donovan
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