By Sinann Fetherston
Lifestyle Lead and Multi-Media Journalist.
From the return of RIOT to Vicar Street, to an evening of theatre in The Pearse Centre, and a music-filled BBQ in Hen’s Teeth, there is plenty happening across Dublin this weekend.
MATE Comedy Variety Hour
MATE Comedy Variety Hour is an 18+ alternative comedy night hosted by Mikey & Kate, two best friends who don’t like each other very much. Hosted in Bello Bar from 8:30pm – 11pm (followed by a bop on the dance floor), the show will take place on Friday, July 18, featuring a jam-packed lineup including Justine Stafford, John Spillane, John McCarney, and more.
RIOT by thisispopbaby
Running from Thursday, 17 July, to Sunday, 20 July, RIOT by thisispopbaby will return to Vicar Street. Running from 8pm – 9:30pm, RIOT is a night of wild theatre, sizzling hot circus and performance art featuring Emmet Kirwan, Panti Bliss, Up & Over It, Lords of Strut and The Sirens, along with a surprise special guest each show.
The Judy Garland Songbook
On Saturday, 19 July, conductor Niall Kinsella will bring the music of Judy Garland to Dublin’s National Concert Hall. American vocalist Joan Ellison will bring Garland’s original symphonic arrangements back to life in a nostalgic trip from Technicolour Hollywood to Carnegie Hall. Hits will include The Trolley Song, The Man That Got Away, Get Happy, Come Rain or Come Shine, and many more.
Kumar Klub
Kumar Klub is coming to Dublin with a summer BBQ this Sunday, 20 July. Teaming up with Bahay for delicious Filipino flavours, the event will take place at Hen’s Teeth in Dublin 8, featuring a lineup of live music from DJs like Tara Kumar, Mango, Riggs Castillo, and Moving Still. Kicking off at 1pm, this event is free to attend.
No Drama Summer Shindig 2025
The Summer 2025 Shindig, an evening packed with short plays written, directed, and performed by members of the No Drama Theatre community, is an 18+ event hosted at The Pearse Centre. Taking place on Saturday, 19 July, the show will run from 19:00 – 22:00.
Book launch & signing
On Friday, 18 July, Hodges Figgis on Dawson Street is hosting a book launch for An Áit a nEitlíonn na Madaí Crainn (Where the Tree Dogs Fly) at 6pm. The Irish language picture book for children was created by author and Illustrator Aileen Crossley, who will be available for signings followed by a live conversation with RTÉ broadcaster Áine Lawlor. The original fine-art lithographic, handmade book will also be available to view.
Introduction to Arabic Calligraphy with Artist Diaa Lagan
Artist Diaa Lagan will be hosting a free, drop-in event at Chester Beatty this Saturday, 19 July. Arabic calligraphy is a visual art related to the design and execution of the written word based on the Arabic alphabet. Attendees will have the chance to practice the techniques of forming letters by using a bamboo quill and tracing paper. Available for 12 people at a time, it will run from 12pm – 1:30pm.
