AIM Ireland has announced Bright Nights, Big City – Culture, Music and the Future of the Night-Time Economy, a new one-day conference taking place at the National Concert Hall, Dublin, on Tuesday 22 September 2026.
Organised by AIM Ireland in partnership with Dublin City Council’s Night-Time Economy Office, the conference will bring together Irish and international leaders from culture, music, hospitality, tourism, government and city development.
Speakers and delegates will explore how cities can build vibrant, welcoming, safe and sustainable night-time economies for residents, workers and visitors.
A changing night-time economy
The conference comes following another significant year for concerts, festivals and live entertainment in Ireland. The organisers have cited reported Pollstar figures indicating that well over three million tickets were sold across the Irish live entertainment sector during 2025.
While major concerts and festivals continue to attract large audiences, Bright Nights, Big City will examine the wider network that supports successful cities after dark.
Discussions will cover grassroots music and culture, changing consumer behaviour, transport, public safety, hospitality, tourism and the use of public spaces. International case studies will sit alongside Irish perspectives, with a focus on collaboration, innovation and practical solutions.
More than pubs and clubs
The night-time economy extends far beyond traditional nightlife. It includes live music, theatres, galleries, restaurants, cafés, festivals, hospitality, transport and the public spaces that help cities remain active and welcoming beyond the working day.
Cities around the world are increasingly appointing dedicated Night Mayors, Night-Time Advisors and city teams to bring government, cultural organisations, hospitality businesses and local communities together.
In Ireland, nine pilot areas are supported through the national Night-Time Economy Advisor programme. The programme forms part of wider work to strengthen evening and night-time activity while supporting grassroots music and culture.
Colm Hanley, Managing Director of AIM Ireland, said:
“Every headline act starts somewhere. Today’s grassroots venue is where we’ll discover the next CMAT, Fontaines D.C. or Kneecap.
“Ireland’s biggest concerts and festivals are a tremendous success story, but they’re built on a foundation of independent artists, grassroots venues and local promoters. Supporting that ecosystem is essential, not only for the future of Irish music, but for creating vibrant cities and a thriving night-time economy.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming speakers from Ireland and around the world to share ideas, challenge thinking and help shape what comes next.”
Ray O’Donoghue, Dublin City Council’s Night-Time Economy Advisor, said:
“Ireland has become a global success story for live music and culture. The challenge now is ensuring our cities evolve at the same pace.
“Great night-time economies don’t happen by accident. They are built through partnerships between government, culture, hospitality, transport and local communities.
“Bright Nights, Big City is about bringing those conversations to Ireland and learning from some of the people leading that change internationally.”
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daryl Barron, said:
“Dublin’s evening and night-time economy is one of the city’s greatest strengths. It supports jobs, culture, tourism and community life, while helping to make Dublin a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive capital.
“Bringing together Irish and international experts to share ideas and experiences is an important opportunity to help shape the future of our city after dark and ensure Dublin continues to develop as a safe, creative and world-class destination.”
Further speakers, programme information and registration details will be announced in the coming weeks.