Culture Night 2025 returns to the island of Ireland on Friday, September 19.CultureNight.ie

Culture Night 2025 returns on Friday, September 19, with a vibrant and diverse line-up of free cultural events taking place in every region of Ireland.

The 20th edition of the all-island Culture Night celebration invites people of all ages and backgrounds to discover new experiences, embrace creativity, and enjoy the rich cultural energy alive in every corner of the country year-round.

From outdoor screenings to tattoo pop-ups and hands-on craft sessions, the programme for Culture Night 2025 encourages audiences to experience arts and culture in both traditional and exciting new ways.

Adding to the excitement, many events will extend late into the evening as part of the popular ‘Culture Night Late’ strand, supported by Ireland's Department of Culture, Communications and Sport under the Night-Time Economy initiative.

Culture Night is made possible by a vast collective effort, brought to life by local artists, performers, libraries, studios, theatres, sports clubs, and community groups nationwide. Coordinated by the Arts Council in partnership with local authorities, this night brings people together to celebrate the richness of culture in Ireland in all its forms.

There will be a range of activities for Irish-language speakers to enjoy across the country, including extensive Oíche Chultúir offerings supported by Ealaín na Gaeltachta and an tOireachtas.

Whether you’re stepping into a gallery for the first time or returning to a favourite venue, Culture Night offers a welcoming space to connect, create, and enjoy – and every event is completely FREE.

“Culture Night holds a unique and significant place in Ireland’s annual calendar, bringing joy and discovery to towns, villages and cities across the country," Ireland's Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan said.

"It’s a vibrant celebration and showcase of the rich cultural life that is woven into our local communities.

"My Department is proud to support 20 years of Culture Night, a programme that offers such diverse experiences, completely free of charge.

"I hope everyone takes the opportunity to step out and enjoy the incredible energy of the night.”

Maura McGrath, Chair of the Arts Council, added: “The Arts Council is pleased to continue to partner with local authorities as we celebrate 20 years of Culture Night.

"The event has grown considerably going from strength to strength over the past two decades and has enjoyed diverse and inclusive participation.

"The theme for Culture Night 2025 is ‘One Night for All’, reminding us that creativity belongs to everyone, everywhere. We invite you to participate in the celebration of the arts on the 19th of September 2025 to embrace something new and be part of a shared cultural celebration.”

Culture Night 2025 Ambassadors

Culture Night 2025 is proudly represented by two inspiring ambassadors - Helen Steele, the acclaimed award award-winning fashion designer and artist known for blending traditional Irish craft with contemporary style, and Biird, the 11 piece all-female group redefining Irish traditional music.

Together, they bring creativity, heritage, and innovation to the spotlight, helping to share Culture Night’s unique vibe with audiences across Ireland.

Culture Night 2025 highlights

Standout events taking place across the country this year that cater to all ages, interests, and curiosities include:

The Dublin International Film Festival partners with IMMA and the Living Canvas initiative to present a curated programme of short films on the Living Canvas screen. Featuring a mix of Irish and international voices, the selection highlights whimsical, offbeat stories led by child protagonists, with live action and animation from recent DIFF editions.

Black Poppy Tattoo Pop-Up at Sirius Arts Centre brings the bold artistry of The Black Poppy Tattoo Parlour to Cork. This live flash tattoo event blends contemporary tattooing with visual art, as artists create exclusive designs inspired by art and architecture for guests to choose from.

Inch Fairy Fort in Clare offers a magical outdoor experience exploring local folklore, native birds, and heritage, followed by an inch fairy-making workshop led by artist Evelyn Soroha.

Culture Night Comedy in Roscommon promises a night of laughs with a stellar line-up of rising Irish talent. Hosted by Roscommon’s own Cathal Shanagher and headlined by comedy legend Karl Spain, expect sharp wit and big belly laughs.

The Suantrai Female Vocal Ensemble and Harp Ensemble present a moving evening of Irish music and song, focusing on Wexford’s cultural roots. Led by Riverdance alum Sara Clancy, this acclaimed group of 25 individuals delivers soaring harmonies and rich tradition.

In Kildare, Ceiliúradh ar an nGaeilge agus an Cultúr Gaelach – an intergenerational celebration of Irish language and Gaelic Culture, including a performance of Irish language songs by schoolchildren from Naas and the opportunity for people to learn sean-nós dance steps.

Traditional & Jazz Night in Cavan will be hosting a lively evening of trad and jazz in the heart of Cavan Town! Expect great music, good company, and plenty of craic.

In Monaghan, the Belfast Wren Boys present a vibrant evening of Irish culture on Park Street. This special event begins with a street session of music and song, followed by storytelling, poetry, a céilí, and performances – all in Irish.

Culture Night Late 2025 highlights

Culture Night Late is back, bringing a vibrant lineup of events that will keep the cultural energy going well into the evening, and beyond. Supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, through the Night-Time Economy Taskforce, this year’s late-night programme offers even more chances to experience culture after dark.

Highlights include:

In Cork, “Kaught at the Karpark” celebrates the city’s influential late ’70s and early ’80s punk and post-punk scene. Featuring original members of bands like Nun Attax, Microdisney, and Stump, the night pays tribute to a golden era of Irish absurdist music and highlights its pioneers’ current work.

In Louth, NIGHT MOVES ignites the town after dark with a bold program of art, light, and music, curated by Droichead Arts Centre. Experience Vivienne Byrne’s Night Pools, a striking trail of projections and light sculptures transforming shopfronts and landmarks.

Kylemore Abbey, Galway transforms after dark for a journey of soundscapes, choral music, light, and performance. This immersive experience explores the region’s rich ecology and cultural heritage through art, nature, and community.

“The Blind Fiddle Master’s Concert” in Longford’s Connolly Barracks Square reimagines 19th-century musician Thomas ‘Blind’ Fiddler Kernan’s legacy. This late-night outdoor concert blends his rediscovered fiddle tunes with bold reinterpretations by artists including Kíla, M.A.D, and the Yershovy Sisters.

Culture Night 2025's Read Mór

The Arts Council’s popular book-gifting project, Read Mór, returns for its fourth year, following its success in previous years.

This year, the Arts Council is partnering with Jigsaw – The National Centre for Youth Mental Health to gift a curated selection of titles by Irish and Irish-based authors to young people. A number of Jigsaw’s service centres will host special author events on Culture Night.

How to enjoy Culture Night 2025 from home

For those unable to attend in person, Culture Night 2025 will offer opportunities to experience and watch the events from the comfort of their own home.

RTÉ will again be celebrating Culture Night in a rich schedule of programmes across its television, radio and online services. On RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, a live bi-lingual Culture Night special, anchored in Galway city, will spotlight some of the best events and performances from across the country.

RTÉ Radio 1 will present an hour-long Arena special, featuring performances from Tolu Makay, Christine Dwyer Hickey, and more. RTÉ Lyric FM’s Paul Herriott will present a National Symphony Orchestra Ireland concert conducted by David Brophy live from the National Concert Hall. The concert includes the première of Bád ón Alltar, a brand-new work by Irish composer Michael Gallan.

RTÉ 2fm will continue to celebrate the next wave of breakthrough Irish music talent with 2fm Rising x Culture Night, a live gig in the Model in Sligo hosted by Tracy Clifford and broadcast live for RTÉ 2fm’s Beta Da Silva show. The exciting line-up includes Cliffords, Bold Love, F3MIII, 2fm DJ Emma Power, and more.

As always, rte.ie/culture will be spotlighting the best of Culture Night and RTÉ will be supporting Culture Night through a TV, radio, and social media campaign as part of the RTÉ Supporting the Arts scheme.