From festivals of music, arts, and family fun to Pride protests, here’s what’s on this weekend

Bulmers Secret Orchard Gigs

7 July, TF Royal, Mayo

Bulmers’ next Secret Orchard gigs will take place in TF Royal, in Castlebar, county Mayo on 7 July, headlined by Ailbhe Reddy with special guests NOAH and Colin Devine. Fans can register now to attend all gigs for FREE by clicking here, and tickets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. PS, your first pint of Bulmers is on them!

Siúcra at the Róisín Dubh

7 July, Róisín Dubh, Galway

Bringing their sweet sweet pick‘n’mix of rhythmic blues and ambient folk to Galway’s Róisín Dubh one again, Siúcra will be incorporating some original tunes from their upcoming EP into their eclectic setlist that sees pop classics get the trad treatment, and rock anthems get dipped in sugar. Think CMAT meets Fleetwood Mac, but also Wolf Alice meets Alice in Chains. Good times are guaranteed, dancing shoes are recommended. Tickets are €10/€12, and can be purchased here.

Trans and Intersex Pride

8 July, Garden of Remembrance to the Dáil, Dublin

Bringing Pride back to its radical roots of protest, Trans and Intersex Pride are coming together to march to the Dáil to loudly and unequivocally say that trans rights are human rights. Marching for bodily autonomy for all, the decriminalisation of sex work, housing for all, and in solidarity with migrants, this protest strides towards trans liberation and equality.

Funtropolis

8&9 July, Merrion Square Park, Dublin

Funtropolis returns to Merrion Square Park with a packed programme of weekend events designed to entertain, amuse and ignite imaginations, from immersive storytelling and exciting street theatre and circus to live music, delicious food and drink, and much more. Funtropolis will also feature a new outdoor mobile sensory unit for neurodiverse children, and music lovers can expect an eclectic mix of performers like CÓRus Choir, Code of Behaviour and the one and only DJ Donal Dineen.

Unison Festival

8&9 July, Balbriggan and Blanchardstown

Get ready for a vibrant celebration of music, culture and community this summer! Taking place in Balbriggan on Saturday and Blanchardstown on Sunday, Unison Festival is the perfect summer weekend for all ages with incredible live music acts, delicious food stalls, crafts and activities. The lineup includes Soulé, Toshín, Prymary Colours, and Yankari, and there’ll be everything from handmade crafts to mouthwatering culinary feasts to browse through at the market.

Coastival

Until 9 July, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin

Coastival 2023 celebrates everything there is to love about Dún Laoghaire. This brand new week-long festival includes exciting family fun each day both on land and water, and there’s also a full programme of live music and comedy for Coastival Nights. Events include maritime movies, live music, comedy clubs, boat cruises, and heritage events.

Kinsale Arts Weekend

Until 9 July, Kinsale, Cork

Returning for the seventh consecutive year, Kinsale Arts Weekend provides opportunities to showcase, nurture, mentor and celebrate emerging creative talent across all artistic genres in settings that invite the community to observe, experience, learn about and participate in the arts. Meet fellow art enthusiasts, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and connect with talented creators who share your passion for arts.

Cairde Sligo Arts Festival closing party

9 July, The Swagman Bar, Sligo

Bringing the celebration of imagination and shared experience to a close, Dj Doolittle will be closing the 2023 Cairde Sligo Arts Festival from 9.30pm. Admission is free, and you won’t want to miss the utter uniqueness of this passionate DJ.

Kilkenny Country Music Festival 2023

9 July, Gowran Park Racecourse, Kilkenny

This truly unique festival is set in the idyllic grounds of Gowran Park with built in facilities, a giant dance floor, and easy parking. A day of fun, music and dance with some of the best country musicians in Ireland, Kilkenny Country Music Festival has something for everyone with activities for the kids, state of the art facilities, onsite bars and restaurants, and all of the entertainment.

Featured image via Levi Guzman on Unsplash