The advent of four new festivals this weekend in Dublin will mean your days off work will be either chilled or action-packed. Whether you bring the little ones along or choose to go it alone, there will be tonnes of fun and food galore.
Here are four of the best (for families and parents taking time out) this weekend:
Ireland’s first ever Health and Wellbeing Festival, Herbert Park near the RDS – Saturday 19th, 10am – 6pm
Why go? Cool new forms of wellness and exercise from piloxing, strength and conditioning, yogalates, barre-ballet techniques are at Wellfest, to try out. Gourmet green food stalls on the day including two of our favourites, the Punnet Health store and The Happy Pear will allow you to feast on goodness at every corner.
What’s cool? This is the first festival of it’s kind in Ireland. It is possible to tailor your day of wellness from the different workshops, classes and seminars on offer. This is an adult’s only festival.
How much? Prices start at €35
2. Canalaphonic End of Summer Festival
On the banks of the Canal – Portobello, Dublin, Saturday 19th, 11am – 3am
Why go? This is the last hurrah outdoors before the cold weather sets in. Lively buskers will warm your cockles from 1pm – 5pm during the Canal Bank Market and craft fair. Tribute band Lady Vegas will entertain you after that.
What’s cool? It’s a family-friendly event with a host of activities including face-painting, music sessions, spoken word workshops and comedy improv. So cool.
How much? The day event is all free peeps. When the sun sets, you can continue to party in Roddy Boland’s, Toast, Copan and other spots for a mere €10.
Ranelagh Village and surrounding areas
Why go? A dog show, gardening classes, two one-act comedies, Zumba, Tai Chai and balloon modelling will entertain parents and little ones throughout the day. There will be open mike poetry with Nell McCafferty, too. All in all, a pretty awesome festival.
What’s cool? Raspy-voiced Galwegian singer, Mary Coughlan will perform, as will former Hot House Flowers hottie, Liam O Maonlai in various venues associated with the festival. The Roof Rabbits band are a must-see if you are heading along for the music.
How much? The gigs are €12 if you purchase in advance.
4. Oktoberfest
George’s Dock, IFSC district – September 17th – October 4th, open from 12pm to 10.30pm. Later on the weekends.
Why go? There will be food, music and ice-cold beer for mum and dad. For over seven years they have served good music and fresh tapped German Erdinger “Fischer’s Hell” and “Weizenbier” (wheat beer). Nice to try something new, eh?
What’s cool? For a full eighteen days a piece of Germany will descend on Ireland. Sample artisan German sausages Bratwurst, Laberkas the Germanic meatloaf, the more familiar Sauerkraut, delicious Burgundian ham and don’t miss the little mini doughnuts called, Schmalzkuchen. Yummy.
How much? Free entry, but just remember they only accept cash.
Various locations around Dublin city including Smithfield and Parnell Square
Why go? It finishes soon but you still have time to catch some of the performances. There is a host of comedy, live acts, music, circus, theatre. Don’t forget to visit the Spiegeltent – a group of acrobats called Scotch and Soda will amaze you.
What’s cool? Superb Comedian Chris Kent form Cork will take to the stage to give you a howl. The animated puppetry performances are guaranteed to entertain the kids too. It’s all good.
How much? Ticketed events and free events in equal measure. Pricing starts at €10.
If you need some inspiration for an event near you or have a cool event we should know about, send a quick mail: karen.forde@herfamily.ie.
