Musicals, fringe festivals and more great events happening this weekend

Sounds From A Safe Harbour

7-10 September, Cork City

Taking place in venues across Cork City, Sounds From A Safe Harbour promises to be an unmissable four days of music, dance, literature, theatre, and conversation, with lots of ticketed and free events to explore, curated by Festival Director Mary Hickson, Bryce and Aaron Dessner of The National, actor Cillian Murphy and playwright Enda Walsh. Browse through the programme of events here.

Cleggan Fringe Festival 2023

8-10 September, Cleggan, Galway

The Cleggan Fringe Festival is a new event featuring live gigs, food and drink stalls at the village country market, traditional Irish music and Sean Nós Dancing. The Connemara fishing village of Cleggan has a long connection with writers and artists, most notably the poet Richard Murphy and novelist John McGahern who both lived here. The actress Jeananne Crowley has also called Cleggan ‘home’ for many years.

Waterford Harvest Festival

8-10 September, Waterford

One of Ireland’s leading food festivals, Waterford Harvest Festival is back for its 14th year of celebrating the county’s rich food heritage, diverse restaurants and producers, and putting Waterford’s food and drink centre stage. There’ll be cookery demos, live music, a giant Harvest market, a restaurant trail and even the Waterford Honey Show. There’ll also be an opportunity to learn about food sustainability from food and climate experts.

Dublin Fringe Festival

9-24 September, All around Dublin

This curated, multidisciplinary arts festival has been seeking out and presenting contemporary, playful and provocative new work made by Irish and international artists since 1995. This year, the programme of events is as exciting as expected, with theatre, comedy, cabaret, live art, music, and club performances and much more in the pipeline. Plan your full itinerary here.

Joycenights Festival

9-14 September, James Joyce Tower & Museum, Sandycove

In 1904, James Joyce spent six nights in the Sandycove Martello Tower, where he would set the opening episode of Ulysses. This festival commemorates his short but significant residency with readings, concerts, and podcasts. Find a full list of events and booking information here.

Dirty Dancing

5-16 September, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

Are you ready to have The Time Of Your Life? The worldwide smash hit live stage show of Dirty Dancing comes to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre this month to tell the story of Baby and Johnny, featuring 35 hit songs including Hungry Eyes, and of course, (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life – we’re holding our breath to see The Big Lift. Tickets are still available here.

Feature image courtesy of the Bord Gáis.