What's happening in Donegal for Culture Night 2026

Culture Night returns to Donegal 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 are some of the things happening in Donegal:

Beats From The Balcony will be taking place at Buncrana Cinema, St. Mary’s Road, from 8 pm to 10 pm.

Take in the heart and sound of the arts this Culture Night with a live DJ set from Jason Cameron, providing the soundtrack for the evening from the top of the legendary Buncrana Cinema.

For the first time ever, Donegal’s National Park is opening late for Culture Night — a unique evening not to be missed, the park will be open from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Costumed characters will welcome visitors, live music will fill the castle and visitor centre, and people can meet the castle’s friendly gardeners and get creative with nature. There’s something for all ages, with a shuttle bus running or a stroll through the grounds as the day draws to a close. The evening concludes with a special performance from acclaimed fiddler Jack Houston, from 7 pm to 8 pm in the Audio Visual Theatre.

Having performed in venues across the North West and at the legendary Stendhal Festival, local rockers Delta Minor turn the volume up for a live show in Buncrana Community Library for this year’s Culture Night festivities! The show will run from 7 pm to 9 pm, and is 18+.

Join Bat Conservation Ireland and Donegal County Council’s Biodiversity Service in a moonlit bat walk through the park at the CPI Centre, Castlefin, from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm with special bat detecting equipment. Before setting off on the walk, participants can enjoy a special presentation in The Whitehouse Garden Room in the CPI Centre.

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 Donegal, visit culturenight.ie.