The summer may be over but the fun isn’t!

DUBLIN is taking centre stage this September and October with a feast of cracking festivals to set your cultural pulse racing.

Dubs can take their pick from festivals showcasing world class theatre, the best of alternative arts and cutting edge fashion, not to mention a night of free culture in amazing places all over the city.

But that’s not all, there’s a rare glimpse into the city’s architectural gems, a boozy Bavarian party in the Docklands and the funkiest little book fest in Ireland.

Enjoy some Fringe Benefits

Make absolutely sure you don’t miss Absolut Fringe (September 8 to 23), Ireland’s biggest multi-disciplinary arts festival with everything from art, theatre, spectacle, dance and music to circus, spoken word, opera and theatre.

With up to 525 events taking place in more than 40 venues, don’t miss this opportunity to take in at least one Fringe experience during the 16-day extravaganza.

Raise a cheer for Arthur’s Day

It may take 119.53 seconds to pour the perfect pint, but it takes a whole day to rock out.

Toast Guinness founder Arthur Guinness with the return of Arthur’s Day (September 27) and then raise a cheer for some of the world’s best known music artists doing gigs in pubs and venues throughout the city. This year’s line-up includes Example, Tinie Tempah, Ellie Goulding, Mika, Fatboy Slim, Texas and Amy Mc Donald, who join the best of home grown talent.

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest and the sweet Bavarian nectar that is weissbier have come to Dublin and will make themselves quite at home on the über-scenic Docklands from September 13 to 16.

Stay up all Night for Culture

If you’ve had a bit of an on-off relationship with the arts, let Culture Night be your passionate one-night-stand.

Get ready for an arts all-nighter with the return of Dublin Culture Night on September 21 when museums, galleries, churches, historic houses, artists’ studios and more all opening their doors for free until late in the evening to visitors of all ages.

Add some Drama to your lives

Book your seats for the best of Irish and international drama at the Dublin Theatre Festival (September 27 to October 14). The 18-day event is the hottest ticket in town for those wanting to add a little drama to their lives.

This year’s theme

‘Your City, Your Stories’ puts the capital firmly in the spotlight, so what better way to open than with a new adaptation of James Joyce’s Dubliners by Corn Exchange at the Gaiety Theatre (September 26 – 29).

Open up to Architecture

Ever wondered what goes on behind closed doors? Find out with Open House Dublin (October 5 to 7), the biggest celebration of architecture in Ireland designed to get you up close and personal with some of the city’s most famous and interesting buildings.

For one weekend only, buildings of all types and periods will be throwing open their doors to let you explore.

Raise the Roof

If you want to see some great emerging Irish music talent don’t miss Hard Working Class Heroes (October 4 to 6), Ireland’s annual showcase and conference for new music. Rock on down to the Button Factory, the Grand Social, the Mercantile, Meeting House Square, Twisted Pepper and the Workman’s Club for some of the hottest new acts around. Not content with being in the audience? Check out the series of mentor sessions and band tips designed to put you on the other side of the mic.

?¢ Plan your Dublin Festival Season break with www.dublinfestivalseason.com