August Event Guide: The best of what’s happening around Ireland this month

GAZE International LGBTQ+ Film Festival

3—7 August, Light House Cinema, Smithfield, Dublin

Every year since 1992, GAZE International LGBTQ+ Film Festival has screened an eclectic programme of new international cinema that explores the experience of being an LGBTQ+ person. Celebrating new queer storytelling through an exciting programme of screenings, talks and events, they also curate select online film screenings that are available to the whole of Ireland.

The Dean Galway’s LGBTQIA+ Most Stylish Evening

4 August, The Dean Galway

Throughout Race Week, The Dean Galway are showcasing top DJs and talented BlueGrass Bands, ensuring a lively atmosphere and captivating entertainment. The highlight of the racing calendar will be on Friday, when they break away from traditional best-dressed rules and host a stylish evening celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community. This groundbreaking event promises to be a first for Ireland, featuring an inclusive best-dressed competition, welcoming individuals of all genders and orientations to showcase their unique style at Galway’s newest boutique hotel.

Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival

5—7 August, Wexford

You can expect a brand-new, impressive schedule of chefs, producers and special guests in the free Wexford Food Family Food Marquee, an impressive Artisan Food Market with over 50 of the best local and artisan vendors, a superlative International Line-up of Rock ‘n’ Roll artists for *free* outdoor gigs, a jam-packed program of food and drink workshops, events and classes as well as lots of free and exceptional value packages for the younger festival goers!

Fleadh Cheoil

6—14 August, Mullingar

Traditional musicians of all ages are invited to gather once again in Mullingar for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2023, ‘The Homecoming’. Now a beloved annual event, the programme features culture and heritage talks, Youth Sessions, dancing workshops and a whole lot more excitement.

Puck Fair

10—12 August, Killorglin, Kerry

Killorglin, in the geographical heart of County Kerry in Ireland, is home to Ireland’s oldest fair. This street festival has roots in the Gaelic calendar and is held without fail on the 10—12 August every year with free family-friendly street entertainment daily. “It is a time when old friends meet, when new friendships are forged and the cares of everyday living are put on hold.”

Opera in the Open

10, 17 & 24 August, Dublin City Council Civic Office Amphitheatre, Dublin

Opera in the Open is an initiative of Dublin City Council that presents live performances of operatic work in the open air in Dublin City Centre. Each performance of opera is undertaken in an abridged format, is narrated in English and lasts one hour during lunchtime from 1—2pm. There is no fee for attending these performances. The Amphitheatre includes a raised stage, a seated area and grass verges which are ideal for a picnic lunch.

Galway Community Pride Parade 2023

12 August, From City Hall

Though there is a whole host of incredible events taking place around Galway all Pride Week, celebrations will culminate in a grand parade kicking off from City Hall at 12pm and finishing up in Fr Burke Park. For a Pride special, Club GASS will be kicking off at the much earlier time of 2.30pm, with performances taking place throughout the afternoon and evening, and well into the night.

Swiftogeddon

12 August, The Grand Social, Dublin

A night dedicated to worshipping at the altar of Taylor Swift: non-stop Swifty all night: deep cuts, extended mixes, fan favourites and all the hits. Do you have a Blank Space in your diary? Then this night is Taylor-made for you! Join fellow fans in a celebration of the genius of the Swift – because she’ll never go out of Style.

National Heritage Week

12—20 August, All around Ireland

National Heritage Week is a nine-day celebration of Ireland’s natural, built and cultural heritage. The main aim of the week is to promote awareness of our heritage, thereby encouraging its conservation and preservation. This year’s theme invites you to explore the traditions and practices, knowledge and skills passed down through generations.

The Big Grill 2023

17—20 August, Herbert Park, Ballsbridge, Dublin

Europe’s biggest BBQ & Food Festival is back for four days of fire, food and fun. After a wildly successful event in 2022, Big Grill returns to Herbert Park, where the very best Irish and international chefs, restaurants and barbecue experts come together to celebrate and explore the delicious challenges, skillful techniques, and pure magic of cooking over live fire.

Bulmers Secret Orchard

17 August, Monroe’s Live, Galway

Bulmers Secret Orchard is coming to Monroe’s, Galway with another free gig this summer. The headlining act will be the incredible Maverick Sabre, supported by Bricknasty and DJ R3D. You can register and grab your free tickets here, and your first Bulmers will be on them.

Eatyard Crisp Festival

17—20 August, The Bernard Shaw & Eatyard, Dublin

Us Irish folk really love crisps, be it wafer thin slices of deep fried spuds or corn shaped snacks with filthy, delicious flavours. The darlings of our nostalgic taste buds, we eat them as snacks, in sandwiches, as a stopgap dinner in the pub and party food. Crisps have always been there for us, so the folks at Eatyard decided it was about time we celebrated them once again.

Featured image via The Big Grill