Beta Festival 2026 will bring three weeks of exhibitions, performances, workshops and artificial intelligence discussions to Dublin from 6 to 22 November. The programme, supported and co-founded by The Digital Hub, will connect technology, creativity and community across Dublin 8 and beyond.
The festival’s 2026 schedule includes a storytelling walking tour focused on Dublin’s energy history and future. Taking place on Friday, 6 November, from 13:00 to 14:30, the accessible outdoor event will begin at St Patrick’s Tower at The Digital Hub.
Beta Festival 2026 programme highlights
Beta Festival 2026 is designed to explore how emerging technologies can shape culture, cities and everyday life. Its programme includes:
- Creative exhibitions and interactive artworks
- Keynote talks examining artificial intelligence and creativity
- Practical workshops for audiences and communities
- Performances and public events in Dublin 8
- An assembly focused on AI, innovation and society
The festival returns for its fourth year and continues The Digital Hub’s role as a meeting point for Ireland’s technology, arts and creative communities. Its events are intended to make complex subjects accessible while encouraging public discussion about the opportunities and challenges created by digital innovation.
Dublin energy walking tour
One featured event will examine the hidden energy systems that have influenced Dublin through the ages. Facilitated by Codema, Dublin’s Energy Agency, and led by local historian and activist James Madigan, the tour will consider how nature, people and innovation have shaped the capital’s energy past, present and future.
The event is supported by REGEN, a European Union-funded initiative focused on urban regeneration and community-led energy transitions. ISL interpretation will be provided, while audio-description assistance can be requested. Organisers have advised attendees that the central-city route may include busy streets and uneven surfaces.
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The Digital Hub’s wider community role
Beyond Beta Festival 2026, The Digital Hub’s recent programme has included cultural events, learning initiatives and community activities in Dublin 8. The campus has hosted events connected with Dublin Fringe Festival, Culture Night and The Liberties Festival, reinforcing its position within the historic Liberties area.
The Digital Hub has also announced the opening of an event and exhibition space on the ground floor of St Patrick’s Tower. The venue is intended for exhibitions, public events and community activities, following conservation and renovation works supported by Dublin City Council.
For businesses and organisations, The Digital Hub remains part of Ireland’s wider innovation ecosystem alongside agencies and public bodies such as IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. However, Beta Festival’s central focus is public engagement: creating opportunities for people to experience new ideas rather than simply observe them.
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What visitors should know
Visitors should check the official Beta Festival programme before attending, as individual events may have separate booking, accessibility and venue arrangements. The walking tour begins at St Patrick’s Tower and runs for 90 minutes, while other festival activities will take place across Dublin 8 and surrounding locations.
Beta Festival 2026 offers a timely opportunity to experience the meeting point between art, technology and urban life. With public events, accessible programming and a strong Dublin community connection, the festival is set to make artificial intelligence and innovation part of a wider cultural conversation.
Article/Image Courtesy: The Digital Hub