Summer festivals, shows and other things to do
On a summer day in Dublin city, there’s no danger of being bored. Indeed, for a relatively small city, there’s always something to do – and this is remarked on by most visitors to the city.
Yes, there are tourist attractions worth checking out. The Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum and Christchurch Cathedral are all worth a look, but Dublin really comes alive through its people and its culture.
Between theatre, live music, art exhibitions and installations, talks and workshops, comedy and family-friendly events happening Monday to Sunday, right through the year – and mostly organised and led by the citizens of the capital themselves – there are plenty of options in this seaside city built on the river Liffey and the canals.
We’ve put together some of the big highlights to check out in the summer of 2026.
Bloom, May 28th – June 1st
This hugely popular garden festival, set in the Phoenix Park – the largest public park in any European capital – has gone from strength to strength. As well as gardens, horticulture and design, there’s also a chance to try new foods from some of Ireland’s top food producers at the food village. It’s a family-friendly day with science labs, book clinics and gardening activities for the kids.
Forbidden Fruit, May 30th – 31st
Sunny days are officially on the horizon as Dublin’s longest-running city-centre festival returns to the iconic grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Forbidden Fruit 2026 lands on Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st May for its 14th edition, bringing world-class electronic, hip hop and alternative artists across five stages.
Bloomsday Festival, June 11th – 16th
James Joyce immortalised and popularised Dublin with his magnum opus, Ulysses, and Bloomsday is marked on June 16th every year when many Dubliners dress in the style of 1904. The week-long festival also includes readings, performances and visits to places marked in the book.
Dublin Tech Summit, May 27th – 28th
This conference sits at the heart of the international tech scene and is a special event for Dublin’s tech-lovers. Over two days, it will welcome over 200 speakers to Dublin’s RDS. It will also feature lots of tech demos and workshops.
Dalkey Book Festival, June 18th – 21st
Pulling from the strong literary heritage and natural beauty of Dalkey the annual festival runs across the third weekend in June. Over the years the event has welcomed internationally renowned writers, world leaders, Oscar winners and Nobel Laureates.
Street Feast, May 23rd – 24th
Street Feast brings communities together for local lunches on the street or in the park. It’s a particularly good chance for newcomers to get to know their neighbours.
Dublin Pride Festival, June 24th – 28th
This celebration of LGBTQI history and culture in the city features open mic nights, a full-day festival in Merrion Square and the main event – the Pride Parade, which takes place on June 27th.
