What's happening in Cavan for Culture Night 2026

Culture Night returns to Cavan this year, bringing a full evening of music, art, food and performance to venues across the county. Organised as part of the national Culture Night initiative, the event gives people a chance to explore local galleries, theatres, museums and community spaces, many of which open their doors for free.

This year's programme features a wide mix of activities for all ages, with something on offer whether you're after live music, hands on workshops or a quiet look round a historic building.

Here's are some of the things happening in Cavan:

Taking place in the Killeshandra Resource Centre, Townparks, An Evening of Music, Song, Verse and Dance will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding committees members and hosts of the 1956 Fleadh Cheoil an Chabháin – Matty Gaffney, Seamus Dolan, Tommy McDermott, John P O’Reilly and Paddy O’Reilly Lahard.

An exhibition of photos and archival material will form the backdrop for an evening of live music, song, verse and dance, celebrating Ted Sweeney, Joe Hayes and those who the formed the corner stones that built the CCÉ branch today.

This event will take place between 7.30 pm to 9 pm.

The art exhibition, Sometimes You Just Want To, by Ben Reilly will be taking place in the Johnston Central Library, in Cavan town a from 7 pm to 8 pm. The event is open to all ages, and invites viewers to explore a captivating exhibition of sculpture and printmaking inspired by research, observation and the practical process of cutting, carving and shaping.

The exhibition will encourage audiences to engage with creativity and artistic discovery.

A description of the exhibition by Visual Artists Ireland.

"An armada of raft-like sculptures and swaying limbs glide through the Townhall Art Centre Gallery. Floating raft-like islands are surrounded by angular, tree-like sculptures that sway overhead and reach towards the ceiling. These are accompanied by etchings and individual cast-tin relics. Drawing, research and observation are at the core of the working methods behind this exhibition. Just as the practical process involves cutting, shaping, refitting, chopping and changing, so too does the research that informs the sculptures, etchings and casts."

The exhibition will run until October 29, 2026.

Another art exhibition in Cavan town to see is Anna Wiercioch's exhibition evolving outdoor art installation featuring vibrant circular artworks created from recycled paper and textiles at Cavan Courthouse. Celebrating sustainability, creativity and renewal, transforms discarded materials into contemporary art.

The exhibition will run from 4 pm to 8.30 pm, and is open to all ages.

Culture Night is free to attend and runs from early evening until late, with most venues open between 5pm and 9pm unless stated otherwise. Some events may require booking in advance, so check with individual venues for details. For the full list of participating venues and events in Cavan, visit culturenight.ie.