Weekend Guide: From dance and drag to trad and culture, there are plenty of festivals ahead

Dublin Dance Festival

Until 28 May, various locations around Dublin

Dublin Dance Festival believes in the power of dance to move, connect and inspire change. With so much of Ireland’s culture tied up in language and the past, dance has a unique power to explore and express what it is to be human, right now. Bringing an array of world-renowned artists to the capital, the festival invites us to be open and courageous and to celebrate love and our shared humanity.

Drag Fest Ireland

27 May, The National Stadium, Dublin

Returning for its second year after an incredibly inaugural event in 2022, Drag Fest Ireland is bringing out the best in the business for one whole day of lip syncing and death dropping from performers from across the globe. The festival will be headlined by Ra’Jah O’Hara and Jane, with Anetra — runner up of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15 — walking that duck all night long. Other performances include a Gaga and Beyoncé show from Trinity K Bonet and Jan, RPDR UK stars Cheddar Gorgeous, Coriza May, and Baga Chipz, and performances from some incredibly homegrown talent.

Africa Day Galway

27 May, The Ol’ 55, Galway City

The Galway African Diaspora is hosting a free Afro Music Night as part of Africa Day Galway for all of the community of the City of Tribes. There’ll be music from DJ Wally, DJ Black Mc, DJ Chvrch, and DJ Yangman promoting the message that together, we can do more. That same afternoon, there will also be a cultural festival taking place in Salthill Park, where Africa United Galway will be showing racism the red card.

International Literature Festival Dublin

Until 28 May, Merrion Square Park, Dublin

Since 1998, the International Literature Festival Dublin has brought the world’s finest writers together to enthral, engage and excite audiences. In readings, conversations, debates, screenings, guided walks, events, podcasts and broadcasts, we’re proud to celebrate the very best Irish and international fiction and non-fiction authors, poets, lyricists, playwrights and screenwriters. Irish language writing and emerging talent are always supported, and new voices championed through commissions and public initiatives.

Fleadh Nua

27 May – 5 June, Ennis

An exciting and innovative festival full to the brim with concerts, ceilis, sessions, CD launches, recitals, Sean-Nós dancing and street entertainment, Fleadh Nua has grown from a weekend occasion to a 10-day festival with more than 120 events. Created to bring traditional Irish artforms together, the success of this winning formula is evidenced by the visitors who flock to Ennis in their thousands year upon year.

Featured image via Dublin Dance Festival