News

Derry set to come alive for Culture Night 2026

10 September 2026

Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir returns on Friday 18 September 2026, bringing a diverse programme of free events, performances, exhibitions and experiences to venues across the city and district. 

Culture Night is a nationwide celebration of arts, culture, heritage and creativity, and Derry will once again be at the heart of the celebrations, inviting people of all ages to come along, explore the city and experience something new. 

From music and theatre to visual art, poetry, heritage, dance and family-friendly activities, this year’s programme offers a diverse mix of cultural experiences, with events exploring language, identity, heritage, creativity and community. Highlights include a celebration of Irish and Ulster-Scots poetry and literature in the Guildhall, a guided walk and creative drawing experience from the Tower Museum to Acorn Farm, and a bilingual talk exploring Irish-language placenames, cultural identity and language revival at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin. 

Visitors can also explore contemporary visual art at Guildhall Taphouse Studios, with the Everything is Fragile: Variations exhibition alongside an opportunity to meet local artists and explore their working studio spaces. 

Culture Night also extends beyond the city centre, with Ceilí na nÓg bringing traditional Irish music, dance, food and community to Garvagh Hall in Aghyaran, while the Waterside Together Outdoor Film Screening at Woodburn Urban Park will offer a community cinema experience featuring short films, local youth filmmaking and shared stories of place, history and belonging. 

For music lovers, Club Trad: Open Session at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin will offer a welcoming traditional music session for musicians and listeners of all ages and abilities, creating an opportunity for people to come together and participate in the evening’s celebrations. 

Council’s Museum and Visitor Services will welcome guests into the Guildhall and The Tower Museum for Culture Night celebrations. Step inside one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and uncover fascinating history, architecture and stories on a free guided tour of the Guildhall. You can also enjoy free admission and extended opening hours in the Tower Museum with the award-winning Derry Girls Experience and DNA museum pop up experience on offer throughout the evening. 

John Kerr, Arts and Culture Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council, said Culture Night was a fantastic opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective. 

“Culture Night is always a special evening in Derry, bringing people together to enjoy creativity, celebrate local talent and discover something new. With a packed programme of free events taking place across the city, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.” 

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, said: 

“Culture Night is a wonderful celebration of everything that makes our city so vibrant and creative. I’m delighted to see such a diverse programme bringing people together to enjoy our artists, performers, heritage, languages and communities. 

“I would encourage everyone to come along, explore the programme and experience something new. Whether you’re enjoying an exhibition, listening to live music, taking part in an activity or simply discovering a new venue, Culture Night is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our city and its culture together.” 

To support all visitors, a quiet sensory space will also be available in the Guildhall until 9pm, with a sensory room and Changing Place located in Foyleside, also open until 9pm. 

All Culture Night events are completely free of charge, with no need to book unless specifically stated in the individual event information. 

For the full programme and event information, visit  https://culturenight.ie/

Follow What’s On Derry Strabane and Culture Night Derry Strabane on Facebook for updates and information throughout the evening. 

ENDS