The Bram Stoker Festival takes place from October 27th – 30th in Dublin and will celebrate all things gothic and spooky over 4 days and 4 nights.
As I’m sure you know, Bram Stoker was the Irish writer of the epic Dracula, which has since spawned hundreds of books, TV shows, art, movies, poetry and plays by people whose imagination was set alight by Stoker’s genius creation.
The festival has something for everyone and it’s a wonderful way to celebrate Halloween. I had a look through the upcoming events over the course of the weekend and there are some “fangtastic” activities coming up, but if you want to have a great time while saving cash, here are some of the best free events on offer.
Stokerland
Date: October 28th – 29th | Time: 11am – 4.30pm | Place: St Patrick’s Park
Stokerland is a pop-up Gothic gathering for families and the eternally young. It will open its gates on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th October in St Patrick’s Park. One of Dublin’s most stunning cathedrals will serve as a ghoulish backdrop as you enjoy the macabre family comedy shows alongside spooky rides and attractions.
Something in the Blood
Date: October 28th | Time: 7pm | Place: Mansion House
Dracula’s secrets are revealed in a groundbreaking new biography of Bram Stoker, written by David J Skal. Skal is an American cultural historian and one of the world’s leading authorities on Stoker and his famous vampire. Booking is essential!
Live Music Trail
Date: October 28th – 29th | Time: 12pm – 5pm | Place: Various Locations
This spooky music trail is a must-attend for music lovers. Discover a maze of nooks and crannies where selected artists from last year’s Hard Working Class Heroes will perform unplugged pop-up gigs in Dublin’s most unconventional, unique venues, all with a Bram Stoker twist.
Macnas Parade
Date: October 30th | Time: 6pm | Place: Starting on Moore St
Join the spooky parade on the streets of Dublin with fellow revellers and enjoy the magic of the Macnas, world-renowned pioneers of imagination. Everyone of all ages is invited to come out and play dressed in costume to celebrate Samhain, where the veil between the living and the dead grows thin.
In Case of Emergency
Date: October 27th | Time: 7pm | Place: Science Gallery
For ages 15 and up, In Case of Emergency is a late night gathering where you explore everything from plagues and pandemics to infectious disease and survivalist preppers. Dress to survive the end of the world!
Are you going to the festival? What do you plan on doing? Let me know in the comments!
Word Wood 