There aren’t too many long weekends left in 2024, so you’re going to want to make them count. Festival shenanigans, tequila tomfoolery, film frolics — here’s the best of what’s happening over the next few days…
All Together Now
1-4 August, Curraghmore Estate, Waterford, more info here
The biggest and best weekend of the year for many, All Together Now 2024 is Ireland’s largest independent festival, endeavouring to take us on a weekend of exploration, escapism, and togetherness. This year’s line-up features headliners like Jorja Smith, The Prodigy, Natasha Bedingfield and Slowdive, Irish talent like Kojaque, NewDad, Soda Blonde and The Sprints, and many, many more homegrown and international music and comedy acts.
GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival
1-5 August, Dublin, more info here
For the 2024 instalment of GAZE film festival, you can expect 25 international features and 10 eclectic shorts, including Irish, European, and world premieres. There will be masterclass conversations with filmmakers, actors, musicians and gamers taking place over five days, with highlights including a genre-busting documentary exploring the diversity of contemporary trans masc experiences in the form of TOPS, a screening of Corey Sherman’s Big Boys, and a first look at Close To You, starring Elliot Page.
Tequila Town Festival
2-4 August, Wigwam, Dublin, more info here
Once again, the folks at Wigwam are dedicating the August bank holiday weekend to celebrating their love of Tequila. There’ll be two for 1 margs and taco specials from Friday to Sunday, drag brunch, cocktail-making competitions, tiki bingo, and ‘hot slice’ challenges to look forward to, as well as music from some of your favourite local DJs.
Spraoi International Street Arts Festival
2-4 August, Waterford, more info here
Madam Cavalcade has travelled the globe collecting and curating the most unique creatures imaginable for her infamous travelling show. From mythological beasts to strange hybrids, the audience will gaze in wonder at this legendary collection. This year’s Spraoi parade features a cast of nearly 200 performers and a collection of beautifully crafted puppets and floats.
Jony Easterby’s Garden of Shadows
2-5 August, Skibbereen, West Cork, more info here
As part of Skibbereen Arts Festival, Liss Ard Estate will host a series of immersive sound and light installations set along a stunning 1km trail through the grounds. Created by UK artist Jony Easterby, this exclusive nighttime adventure brings you on a profound sensory journey through the mysteries of the night. An unforgettable experience as you navigate this intriguing woodland, where nature is seen on the edge of darkness and light.
Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival
2-10 August, Offaly, more info here
Featuring professional, national and international artists bringing visual arts, theatre, music, street theatre, pop-up performers, workshops, exhibitions and lots more to Offaly, Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival’s 2024 line-up includes a parade, a food market, a fireworks display, and a historical walking tour.
Bray Air Display
3 August, Bray, more info here
The 17th annual Bray Air Display event takes place this weekend, inviting you to marvel at the breathtaking flying skills of talented pilots as they paint the skies with mesmerising aerobatics. There’s vintage aviation style from the Mustang ‘Miss Helen’ to picture-perfect formation display from Team Raven, so prepare to be amazed as these talented pilots defy gravity and push the limits of precision and skill.
Cork Pride
Until 4 August, Cork, more info here
This year’s theme is ‘Unity in Community’, and the line-up is nothing short of stunning, rounding off with a performance from local Eurovision hopeful, Bambie Thug. In addition to the parade—which kicks off at 1pm on Sunday—there’s also the Big Queer Debs, drag brunch, bike rides and a wrap party to look forward to.
2024 TG4 Ladies Gaelic All-Ireland Finals
4 August, Croke Park, Dublin, more info here
For the sporting fanatics among us, the 2024 TG4 Ladies Gaelic All-Ireland Finals take place at Croke Park this Sunday, with the Juniors match between Fermanagh and Louth kicking off at 11.45, followed by the Intermediates between Leitrim and Tyrone at 1.45pm. The action culminates with the Senior final between Galway and Kerry at 4.15pm.
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024
4-11 August, Garman, Wexford, more info here
Traditional musicians of all ages are invited to gather in Wexford for this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, and the line-up is jam packed. There’ll be a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest group playing tin whistles over a continuous 5-minute period, talks, awards, sessions and competitions aplenty.
Farmleigh and Dublin Book Festival Family Fun Day
5 August, Farmleigh Phoenix Park, more info here
Dublin Book Festival presents a fun-filled summer day of book and creative events and workshops for all the family to enjoy, featuring some of Ireland’s best-loved children’s authors and illustrators including Niamh Donnellan, Leona Forde, Shane Hegarty, Emma-Jane Leeson, Muireann Ní Chíobháin and Alan Nolan. There’ll also be a self-led family scavenger hunt, book shop browsing, a children’s book swap stand, and a creative arts and craft station.
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