A Biggie for Ziggie: What’s Happening at This Year’s Dublin’s Bowie Festival 2026
Stop the car man, it's time to celebrate the Starman! From February 24th to the 1st of March, Dublin’s 11th David Bowie festival will be taking place in locations ranging from the classic Whelans to the Royal College of Surgeons. David Bowie's death after his battle with cancer in 2016 followed shortly after Dublin’s very first Bowie festival, directed by John Brereton, back when it was an intimate two day event. Now the sweeping festival includes cover bands, interviews with some of his closest collaborators and literature discussions which examine how his artistic presence encompassed more than music alone. Now, in 2026, the festival strives to encompass as much of Bowie's stardom as it can; it has to be a biggie if it’s in ode to ziggy. This article will discuss Major Tom’s truly special (yet at one point tumultuous) relationship with Ireland and its people, along with a general overview of what to expect from this year’s Bowie fest.
The starman has always had a connection to Ireland. David Bowie's ancestors came from County Tipperary, and he has performed in Ireland at least 18 times, from iconic venues like the Point Theatre throughout the years to a secret, impromptu gig held in the factory studios in Ringsend. However, while guitarist Garry Leonard would describe how Irish fans were some of Bowie's favourites due to their mutual sense of humour and confidence, Bowie, at his first Irish gig, held at Slane castle in 1987, lacked a certain amount of confidence in his fans, feeling one of them might assassinate him. 1987 was a peak time during The Troubles in Ireland, and it had been seven years since Bowie’s friend John Lennon had been killed, so his worry was valid. So what was his solution? He came out on his stage in military formation, disguised with 16 other men so that he, the glass spider himself, could not be shattered. A decade later, he would give Irish fans from the drum and bass scene an experience of a lifetime.
David Bowie was getting ready to set off on tour with his Earthling album, but before he did, he was enjoying Irish drum and bass clubs like Andrew’s Lane and The Kitchen. He had such a liking for them that he would contact Quadraphonic promoter Brian Spollen to exclusively perform his three-hour setpiece for one of the club’s crowds. Thus, the plan of action was to give fliers out to clubbers at The Kitchen on Friday for a gig in the factory taking place Saturday night, where they would need to bring both the club and flier tickets. Drum and bass kids got the opportunity to be right up to the superstar and experience his set piece, which was so loud it made the roof tiles shake, dusting all of their outfits, memorialising a moment of history into their washing machines. Guards and MPs all took notice of the DIY fire exits and noise pollution, but for one night, the slightly illegal musical miracle went on without a hitch. As Crack magazine put it, “This was a one-off, largely undocumented moment preserved mostly through word of mouth, but one that speaks to some of the qualities that defined the artist: curiosity, mystique, showmanship, a total commitment to his ideas, and a flair for the unexpected.”
Spontaneous community and belonging were created around Bowie’s music in an intimate Dublin space, and this is exactly whatthe Dublin Bowie Festival achieves with its varied events. To condense the festival is a challenging task, but overall, there are three different categories for what you want to get out of it: informative discussions, collective activities and of course, musical performances.
When it comes to discussions, on February 24th, visit Whelens for David Fallon and Three Castles Burning live as they chat about all of Bowie’s experiences in Dublin. Furthermore, you can get insights from Bowie’s most legendary collaborators, including Gerry Leonard. Mike Garson, Mark Plati and Earl Slick in a discussion about life on the road with Bowie, hosted by Irish Times journalist, Tony Clayton Lea. Finally, a particularly unique and artistic convention titled “Books for Kooks” will be held on the first of March, where a panel of esteemed academics and Bowey scholars will discuss some of his favourite books and the impacts they had on his songwriting career.
When it comes to social activities, there is an “under pressure” Bowie quiz in the Market Bar on the 24th, a Station to Station listening party and post discussion in Wheland on the 27th and in the evening, a Bowie singalong hosted by Brian Brody, The exceptional bowie ball with Art.inc and DJs and finally the piano masterclass, “Sound and Keys” from legend, Mike Garson.
And in terms of tunes, two cover bands, “Rebel Rebel” with a true chameleon of the chameleon, vocalist Joseph Quinn “, The London Boys” with a greater attention on his 60’s music, will be performing in Whelans on the 26th (Rebel Rebel) and the 28th (The London Boys.) Meanwhile, the event’s headliner will be ‘Bowie’s Golden Years,’ a performance from Bowie’s collaborators taken off the discussion board and back onto the stage, Gerry Leonard. Mike Garson, Mark Plati and Earl Slick, celebrating the 50 year anniversary of “station-to-station” with their performance at the Opium Club alongside special guests.
So you really don’t want to miss this major event; it is a true ode to David Bowie and his connection to our country. It is not for profit and has no council funding or sponsorships, yet manages to attain 15000 fans, domestic and abroad, to its different doors around Dublin each year. Check out EVENTS 2026 — DUBLIN BOWIE FESTIVAL 2026 for more information.
Written by Ben Lynch (ben_lynch__)
Copyedited by Shaunamay Martin Bohan @f4wnfatale
