Pictured at the launch of Culture Night 2026 were: Bridget Fitzgerald (Director of Services, Kerry County Council), Justin Walsh (Community Engagement Manager, Siamsa Tire), Kristine Sasko (NEWKD Craft Circle), Kate Kennelly (Arts Officer and Creative Ireland Coordinator), Angela Ryan Whyte (CEO, Siamsa Tíre) with Zanna Odudu and Sharon Toghanro.Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography.THE Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Mikey Sheehy, is encouraging people across the county to get out, get involved and experience Culture Night 2026 on Friday, September 18 – an evening celebrating the extraordinary range of creativity happening in communities across Kerry. All events are free.
From Tralee to An Dromaid, Ballybunion to Caherdaniel, Killarney to Daingean Uí Chúis, and Listowel to Kenmare, the programme includes exhibitions, workshops, theatre, concerts, film, readings, music, dance, heritage and street spectacle, indoors and outdoors from afternoon into late evening.
Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is brought to you by the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon, in partnership with local authorities and cultural organisations across Ireland.
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In Kerry, the Arts Office of Kerry County Council coordinates the county programme and provides funding towards the majority of participating events, working with local artists, creatives, community groups, venues and cultural organisations.
Cllr Mikey Sheehy said: “Culture Night is a great night for the Kingdom because it shows just how much creativity we have in every corner of Kerry. Our artists, musicians, performers, makers and communities bring it to life, and for one evening we get a chance to celebrate all of that together. Our Gaeltacht communities and the Irish language are central to Kerry’s cultural identity. Tá an Ghaeilge agus cultúr na Gaeltachta i gcroílár shaol cultúrtha Chiarraí, agus beidh sé sin le feiceáil agus le cloisteáil ar fud an chontae ar Oíche Chultúir. I’d encourage everyone to get out and enjoy it, try something new, have a bit of craic and share the night with people across Kerry.”
Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer with Kerry County Council, said: “Culture Night is one of those evenings when Kerry feels full of possibility. What gives the Kerry programme its energy is that it comes from the ground up. Local people have the ideas and make the events happen in their own communities. The Arts Office is delighted to support that work through funding, coordination and promotion, and to help bring all of that activity together for one night across the county.”
All events are free, although some require advance booking. View the programme at www.CultureNight.ie/Kerry. Events are subject to change; check the website and @KerryCoArts for the latest information.
