The ultimate family fun day is set to take place in the heart of Dublin city this summer, as the much anticipated Dublin City Council Funtropolis returns to Merrion Square Park and Mountjoy Square Park for two incredible weekends of free family fun.
Taking place over two weekends in July and August, Dublin City Council Funtropolis is a fantastic opportunity for families to come in to the city-centre and enjoy some incredible entertainment this summer. With events ranging from exciting street theatre, to groovy music and dance, hilarious comedy and more, the packed programme also includes spectacular fairground rides and free face-painting.
This is the third time the festival has taken place in the city centre, and festival organisers have once again aimed to ensure that the festivities reflect the diversity of the people and cultures of modern Dublin, with plenty to entertain visitors of all ages.
With so much to choose from, here at Totally Dublin we have put together our pick of some of the many highlights for your consideration over both weekends. Enjoy!
Street Theatre and Musical Entertainment
Prepare to soak up the buzzy party atmosphere and be entertained in the company of a terrific line-up of musicians at the Bandstand Stage. Performers include brass band Code of Behaviour, DJ Will Softly and The Bubble Gang, with special appearances by The African Gospel Choir, Go Dance for Change, and many more on the bill.
Dublin City Council Funtropolis also features interactive and spellbinding performances from Cikadas Circus, with laughs a plenty from Those Two Idiots as they navigate a hilarious day at the beach. There’s also a spectacular street-theatre performance by AU-ADHD artist Moss Russell and lots of samba at the Ta Tum Tum music show, while for something completely different, Morbid & Sons are set to put on a show that is not to be missed.
There’s also lots more music at Pstryk, an interactive musical experience designed especially for children aged 3-10 years, while Dublin City Council’s outdoor mobile child sensory unit will also be available for use for anyone attending at either location who identifies as neurodiverse.
In addition GOAL NextGen and Smashing Times will also be on site with Changemakers Storytelling, an interactive storytelling session featuring terrific performances spun around three stories incorporating singing, dancing and mindfulness.
Magic Moments at Story Yurt
From the Teddy Bears Picnic Singalong and instrument time to family music sessions, some truly magical moments await little ones at this year’s Story Yurt. Sit back and enjoy the gorgeous Three Little Pigs Puppet Show, take part in relaxing, mindful movement from Óga Yoga and enjoy complete immersion in an energetic Cosmic Movers Space Themed Dance workshop with inclusive dance artist Jess Rowell.
Curious Minds
Curious minds can look forward to mulling over the intricacies of some very exciting experiments from Mark the Science Guy, while Joe the Magician of RTÉ abraKIDabra and Dizzy Deliveries will amaze audiences with his very own spectacular mix of magic, illusion and comedy.
There’s also a chance to discover the enchanting blend of science and drama in Scientific Sue’s Magical Science and Engineering Show, or burn off some energy with kid-friendly choreography and group activities at Generation POUND.
Get Inspired
Meanwhile over at the Inspiration Station, The Bubble Guys will be on hand to create some impressively huge specimens while GOMBA and Rhythm AFRICANA will be using traditional African styles of music and rhythm to highlight justice issues and promote social inclusion. Enjoy a Dublin Art Class, suitable for children aged 8 – 12, or encourage the next generation of talented Irish musicians as Mobile Music School presents Let’s Explore, a series of fun-filled, activity-based music workshops exploring the world of music-making in an open and relaxed environment.
Food and Drink
There’s also a delicious range of food and drink available for purchase throughout Dublin City Council Funtropolis, along with a dedicated baby feeding and changing area, buggy storage and bike parking. A drinking water station for refilling water bottles will also be available throughout both weekends.
Participants are encouraged to travel on foot or via public transport where possible, while a ‘no single plastic’ policy is being implemented across both weekend events.
Dublin City Council Funtropolis featuring FREE family fun takes place in Merrion Square Park on July 13th and 14th from 12pm – 6pm, and in Mountjoy Square Park from August 17th and 18th from 12pm – 6pm.
For further information and updates see dublin.ie/funtropolis
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Image Credits: Damien Eagers / Julien Behal Photography
