Dublin’s Bram Stoker Festival returns from Friday, 23 October to Monday, 26 October 2026, with a programme of theatre, film, storytelling and family activities across the city.
The October Bank Holiday festival offers options for visitors planning a cultural weekend as well as families looking for seasonal activities.
The programme is now displayed on the organiser’s website. Before booking, check the individual event listing for its location, time, age guidance and admission requirements.
When Is Bram Stoker Festival 2026?
The four-day festival takes place across Dublin rather than at one central site.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | 23–26 October 2026 |
| Location | Venues across Dublin |
| Admission | A mixture of free and paid events |
| Booking | Requirements vary by event |
Readers can browse the official Bram Stoker Festival programme for current listings and ticket availability.
The festival weekend falls before Halloween itself, so visitors should use the event dates when arranging travel.
Programme Highlights to Consider
The published line-up includes several different ways to experience the festival.
Theatre, Storytelling and Film
Listings include Stitch at Smock Alley Theatre, Petrified Live at Project Arts Centre and a restored screening of Dracula (1958) at Light House Cinema.
These are separate events with their own schedules. Choose the performance first, then plan the rest of the day around its venue and arrival requirements.
Free Outdoor and Family Activities
Stokerland is listed at St Patrick’s Park from 24–26 October. The Macnas Parade: Fiáin is scheduled for 26 October, while a family mask-making workshop appears in the programme for 25 October.
The listings identify these as free activities. Confirm the detailed arrangements before attending.
Do You Need Tickets?
Some events require paid tickets, while others are free. A free listing does not always mean visitors can arrive without booking.
The organiser’s guidance recommends booking ticketed events early. Purchases are made through individual event pages, and booking fees may be added to the advertised price.
Check the final total before paying.
What to Check Before Booking
Keep the following information together:
- Event date and start time
- Venue and entrance details
- Ticket price and any additional fee
- Age suitability
- Accessibility information
- Arrival and late-entry rules
Save the confirmation somewhere easy to find on the day. If booking for a group, make sure everyone has the correct venue rather than relying on the festival name alone.
Is the Festival Suitable for Children?
The festival includes family-friendly activities, but not every performance is aimed at children.
The organiser provides age guidance on individual listings and states that under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Families should select activities by suitability and location before building a full itinerary. Allow time for breaks instead of trying to fit several venues into a short afternoon.
A useful approach is to choose one main activity and keep any additional plans flexible.
How to Plan a Dublin Festival Visit
Start with the events that matter most to your group. Check their locations and leave enough time to travel between them.
For a day trip, confirm the return journey before booking a late performance. For an overnight stay, compare accommodation and cancellation terms alongside the event budget.
Readers interested in the city’s cultural places can also explore our feature on Lennon’s Yard.
Build the Budget Around the Whole Day
Tickets are only one part of a visit. Transport, food and accommodation can change the total considerably.
Decide which activities need advance booking and where the itinerary can stay flexible. This avoids committing to a schedule that leaves little time between events.
For more local listings and cultural coverage, browse Lost Society’s Events section.
Where to Find Updates
Use the organiser’s event pages for the latest availability and practical details. Recheck the listing shortly before travelling, particularly for an outdoor activity.
Lost Society’s Entertainment coverage provides further reading for visitors planning a cultural outing.
The first step is to choose a date within the festival weekend, shortlist suitable events and confirm which require booking.