As if you didn’t know already… this Friday is Culture Night, the ever-expanding evening of all things art related across the country. According to the official website, events are happening in 20 towns & cities across Ireland. So much to choose from!! Where the heck do you start? As I’m on baby duty that night and the monsieur gets cranky after about 7.30, I’m not sure how much I’ll get to, but here’s my list of top events in the capital:

• Chester Beatty Library – still a chance to see the Muraqqa exhibition before it closes on the 3rd of October! And I do love me some sitar.
• Contemporary Music Centre – featuring a series of live performances and installations, including some very cool-sounding electronic music performances (and open until 11!)
• Dublin Civic Trust – their restored 183os townhouse is on show, and I’ve never seen it. Plus there’s refreshments according to their website 😉
• Freemasons’ Hall – for me, Culture Night is about seeing things I haven’t visited before, or taking advantage of new/free performances on offer. Or eyeing up the digs of secret societies I’m planning on joining.
• Green on Red Gallery – Ah, Nigel Rolfe, you crazy cat. What are you up to now? Catch the wily performance artist’s latest presentation (booking essential).
• Imaginosity – Ok, here’s the event most likely to feature tot-toting vultures like meself. Hooray for staying up past your bedtime!
• IMMA – always a bit of a trek out to Kilmainham, but always worth it for the art & chat.
• Kevin Kavanagh Gallery – Amanda Coogan: Eating Yellow (a performance, 4-8 pm). Is more information really necessary?
• Meeting House Square – lots going on during the evening, perfect for when you realise you can’t get in to that venue squashed with people.
• National Gallery of Ireland – see the Metsu exhibition for free! I’m biased of course, but it’s supposed to be great.
• Poetry Ireland – open mike night in the Unitarian Church on St Stephen’s Green, one of my favourite spaces in the city.
• Revenue Museum – we all could use a visit these days.
• RTE National Symphony Orchestra – 100 free tickets to see an evening concert!
• Trad for Trocaire – help raise funds for Trocaire’s work, and have a bit of music in the bargain!

Far too many exclamation points used in that list, but it’s a night for superlatives. Any other suggestions or plugs for the night?