Best events: Dublin, Ireland - October 2026

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October 2026 brings a particularly strong mix of live music, theatre, opera and international football to Dublin, Ireland. This guide focuses on verified events in the capital city and its immediate urban area during the upcoming month. Programme times, venues and dates have been checked against official venue, festival, organiser and ticketing listings. Early October is shaped by Dublin Theatre Festival activity alongside major arena shows. Music fans can choose between intimate city-centre rooms, established theatres and the 3Arena. The month also includes a UEFA Nations League match at Aviva Stadium. Theatre and opera add a cultural counterpoint to the concert calendar. Late October offers several high-profile live shows before the Halloween weekend. Check current availability before making travel plans, as listings and access conditions can change. Dublin’s compact central districts make it possible to combine an evening event with dining, galleries or a walk along the River Liffey.

Docklands and south-city highlights

Republic of Ireland v Austria — Dublin, Ireland — 1 October 2026

Date/time: Thursday 1 October 2026, 19:45.
Venue/city: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland.
Why go: Watch the Republic of Ireland face Austria in a UEFA Nations League fixture at the capital’s national stadium.
Tickets/entry: No bags are permitted except small handbags, which are subject to search; the stadium operates cashless food and drink outlets.

A Moon for the Misbegotten — Dublin, Ireland — 3 October 2026

Date/time: Saturday 3 October 2026, 14:00.
Venue/city: Gaiety Theatre, Dublin, Ireland.
Why go: See Druid’s production of Eugene O’Neill’s drama as part of the 2026 Dublin Theatre Festival programme.

The Pussycat Dolls: PCD FOREVER TOUR — Dublin, Ireland — 5 October 2026

Date/time: Monday 5 October 2026, 18:30.
Venue/city: 3Arena, Dublin, Ireland.
Why go: The pop group brings its reunion tour to Dublin with special guest Lil’ Kim.
Tickets/entry: Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult; standing admission is strictly for ages 14 and over.

The Hu — Dublin, Ireland — 6 October 2026

Date/time: Tuesday 6 October 2026, 19:00.
Venue/city: 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin, Ireland.
Why go: Catch The Hu in the ornate city-centre theatre setting.

Dublin Theatre Festival and city-centre stages

Testament by Irish National Opera — Dublin, Ireland — 8 October 2026

Date/time: Thursday 8 October 2026, 19:30.
Venue/city: Gaiety Theatre, Dublin, Ireland.
Why go: This world-premiere chamber opera by Tarik O’Regan and Colm Tóibín explores memory, grief and truth through a new version of The Testament of Mary.

Gilbert O’Sullivan — Dublin, Ireland — 10 October 2026

Date/time: Saturday 10 October 2026, 18:30.
Venue/city: 3Arena, Dublin, Ireland.
Why go: Hear Gilbert O’Sullivan in a large-scale Dublin arena concert.
Tickets/entry: Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult; standing admission is strictly for ages 14 and over.

Mercury Rev — Dublin, Ireland — 14 October 2026

Date/time: Wednesday 14 October 2026, 20:00.
Venue/city: Vicar Street, Dublin, Ireland.
Why go: Mercury Rev headlines an evening show at one of Dublin’s best-known live-music venues.

Arlo Parks: DESIRE TOUR — Dublin, Ireland — 17 October 2026

Date/time: Saturday 17 October 2026, 19:00.
Venue/city: The Academy, Dublin, Ireland.
Why go: See Arlo Parks’ DESIRE TOUR in a central Dublin club setting.

Late-October concerts and Halloween-weekend plans

Autechre — Dublin, Ireland — 20 October 2026

Date/time: Tuesday 20 October 2026, 20:00.
Venue/city: Vicar Street, Dublin, Ireland.
Why go: Experience Autechre’s electronic live set at Vicar Street.

Boney M — Dublin, Ireland — 25 October 2026

Date/time: Sunday 25 October 2026, 19:30.
Venue/city: National Stadium, Dublin, Ireland.
Why go: Boney M brings a Sunday-night concert to Dublin’s National Stadium.

Brandon Flowers — Dublin, Ireland — 27 October 2026

Date/time: Tuesday 27 October 2026, 19:00.
Venue/city: 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin, Ireland.
Why go: Brandon Flowers performs at the historic 3Olympia Theatre.

The Script: The Man In The Arena Tour — Dublin, Ireland — 30 October 2026

Date/time: Friday 30 October 2026, 18:30.
Venue/city: 3Arena, Dublin, Ireland.
Why go: Irish chart-toppers The Script bring The Man In The Arena Tour to Dublin with James Morrison.
Tickets/entry: Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult; standing admission is strictly for ages 14 and over.

The Script: The Man In The Arena Tour — Dublin, Ireland — 31 October 2026

Date/time: Saturday 31 October 2026, 18:30.
Venue/city: 3Arena, Dublin, Ireland.
Why go: A second Dublin date gives audiences another chance to see The Script and special guest James Morrison over Halloween weekend.
Tickets/entry: Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult; standing admission is strictly for ages 14 and over.

Practical planning tips for Dublin, Ireland

Book popular arena, theatre and festival dates early, especially for Friday and Saturday performances. Use public transport where possible, allowing extra time for busy event nights around the Docklands, city centre and Aviva Stadium. October weather in Ireland can be cool, wet and changeable, so bring a waterproof outer layer and comfortable walking shoes. Confirm the final start time, door time, age policy and venue entry rules on the official event page before travelling. Plan to arrive early for stadium events and large concerts, particularly if you need to collect tickets or pass security checks. Dublin’s public transport services are useful for getting between central venues, but check the final departures for your route after an evening performance.