Looking for things to do in Dublin this weekend without spending a fortune? From free architecture tours and Halloween markets to affordable cinema screenings, creative workshops and live entertainment, there are plenty of options for exploring the capital on a budget.
Whether you are planning a family day out, a cultural afternoon or an inexpensive night out, here are some free and low-cost activities taking place from Friday, October 16, to Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Free and Cheap Events in Dublin This Weekend
| Event | Date and Location | Price | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open House Dublin | Friday to Sunday, various locations | Free | Event programme |
| Dublin Halloween Market | Sunday, October 18, Lost Lane, 12pm to 5pm | Free entry | Market details |
| Four Courts guided tours | Friday, October 16, at 1.15pm; Saturday, October 17, at 1.15pm and 3pm | Free | Tour information |
| Custom House Visitor Centre | Friday to Sunday, at 2pm | Free | Visitor information |
| St Audoen’s Church and Belltower | Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17, Dublin 8 | Free | Tour details |
| Oscar Wilde’s Dublin self-guided walk | Throughout the weekend, starting at Oscar Wilde House, Merrion Square | Free | Walking route |
| National Gallery of Ireland | Saturday and Sunday, Merrion Square | Free general admission | Gallery information |
| Rebel Craft Club: Spooky Craft Social | Saturday, October 17, 11am to 1pm, Mounttown Community Facility | €6.34 | Tickets and details |
| Children’s Storytime and Shadow Puppetry | Saturday, October 17, 10am, Oscar Wilde House | €8 | Event details |
| Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray | Friday, October 16, 3pm, Stella Cinema, Rathmines | From €15.90 concession; €21.90 standard | Screening information |
| A Man of No Importance | Saturday, October 17, 4pm, Irish Film Institute, Temple Bar | From €12 concession; €15 standard | Screening information |
| An Ideal Husband | Sunday, October 18, 1.30pm, Light House Cinema, Smithfield | From €10.50 concession; €13 standard | Screening information |
| Dublin Port behind-the-scenes bus tour | Saturday, October 17, 10am, meeting at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum | €16 | Tour and booking details |
| Cinema of Jazz: Mystery Horror Film | Saturday, October 17, 5pm to 7pm, Arthur’s Blues & Jazz Club | Approximately €17 | Tickets and details |
| Oscar Wilde House | Friday to Sunday, Merrion Square North | €10 concessions; €12 standard admission | Opening times and admission |
Explore Dublin’s Architecture and History for Free
Open House Dublin is one of the weekend’s main attractions for anyone interested in architecture, design and local history. The festival features tours and events at buildings across the city and county, offering access to places that are not always open to the public.
The Four Courts and the Custom House are among the buildings included in the programme. St Audoen’s Church, one of Dublin’s oldest surviving medieval parish churches, is another worthwhile stop for visitors interested in the city’s past. Check the schedule before travelling, as some tours require advance booking.
Halloween Markets and Affordable Activities
The Dublin Halloween Market takes place at Lost Lane on Sunday, bringing together more than 40 sellers, vintage clothing, arts, music, tarot readings and other attractions. Admission is free, making it a good option for anyone who wants to enjoy the Halloween atmosphere without paying for a ticket.
Those looking for a hands-on activity can join the Spooky Craft Social on Saturday. The workshop offers an opportunity to paint pumpkins, create felted decorations and make Halloween garlands. Tickets are listed at €6.34, making it one of the more affordable paid activities on the weekend programme.
Affordable Cinema, Culture and Family Activities
Oscariana: A Wilde Festival runs from October 16 to 18, celebrating Oscar Wilde through cinema screenings, performances, storytelling and tours. Film fans can choose from classic adaptations of Wilde’s work at the Stella Cinema, the Irish Film Institute and the Light House Cinema, with concession tickets available at lower prices.
Families may prefer the children’s storytelling and shadow puppetry session at Oscar Wilde House on Saturday morning. Tickets cost €8, and the programme is aimed at children aged four and older, accompanied by a ticketed adult.
For something different on Saturday evening, Cinema of Jazz combines a mystery horror film with an original live musical score performed by a trio of musicians. The event is for adults aged 18 and over.
Plan Your Dublin Weekend
From free architecture tours and markets to cinema tickets and creative workshops costing less than €10, Dublin offers plenty of ways to enjoy the weekend without overspending. Check the event details before travelling, as availability, admission prices and schedules can change. Advance booking is recommended where required.
