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Good morning, Dublin!
We’ve made it to the weekend, and if you were looking for February 29th on your calendar—don't panic, you haven't lost a day. 2026 isn't a leap year! We’re jumping straight from Saturday into March.
It’s a massive 48 hours for the city: the Dublin International Film Festival is rolling out its final red carpets, the RDS is turning into a massive wellness hub, the Ireland v Wales clash is actually Friday, March 6th. No "Friday Night Lights" just yet, so you've got an extra week to prep the jersey!.
⛅ WEATHER Today:
Saturday: ⛅ 10°C. Sunny intervals and a much calmer day than the midweek wind. Perfect for a walk on the Dun Laoghaire pier.
Sunday: 🌦️ 13°C. Noticeably warmer, but bring the umbrella. Light rain is expected to move in by the afternoon.
Travel: Luas Green Line is running a full weekend service, but expect heavy footfall around Smithfield for the film festival finales.
📣 THE BIG SCOOP : The Grand Finale: Paul Rudd & Nick Jonas Close Out DIFF
The Gist: After 11 days of world-class cinema, the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) officially wraps up this Sunday with one of the most anticipated premieres in years.
The Details:
The Big Event: The festival closes tomorrow night with the Gala World Premiere of John Carney’s Power Ballad at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.
Star Power: Director John Carney and stars Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas are expected on the red carpet. It’s a huge "hometown" moment for Carney (Once, Sing Street).
Saturday’s Awards: Tonight, the Discovery Awards will be handed out at the festival ceremony, crowning the next big names in Irish filmmaking.
The Scene: Smithfield Square has been the "Festival Heart" all week. If you haven't caught a screening at the Light House, today is your last chance before the curtains close. Why it matters: DIFF 2026 has been a record-breaker for Irish features. With 17 world premieres, the "Emerald Wave" of cinema is only getting stronger.
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📰 NEIGHBORHOOD NUGGETS
🧘 Zen at the RDS: Ireland’s largest holistic event, the Dublin Mind Body Experience, is taking over Hall 4 at the RDS (10:00–19:00 both days). It’s free admission with over 160 talks and workshops.
🎭 Standing Ovations: It’s a busy weekend for Blood Brothers starring Rebecca Storm at the Bord Gáis. There are two shows today (2:30 PM & 7:30 PM) for those needing a good cry.
🃏 Card Collectors: The Dublin Card Show is taking over the Convention Centre today (Saturday). If you're into Pokémon, Sports cards, or TCG, this is the biggest trade floor in the country.
🇮🇪 Seachtain na Gaeilge: The international Irish-language festival kicks off this Sunday, March 1st. Look out for "Pop-up Gaeltachts" and bilingual events starting across the city libraries.
⚓ LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
The "No-Leap" Saturday: Why we're skipping the 29th
You might have heard the "Leap Year" folklore about women proposing on Feb 29th, but this year, the calendar is keeping things strictly traditional.
❝The Math: 2026 isn't divisible by 4, so we move straight into March on Sunday. Our next "extra day" won't arrive until 2028.
The Vibe: For anyone born on Feb 29th, Saturday is your "Legal Birthday" for 2026. Enjoy the cake!
In case you missed it
📅 WHAT'S ON (The Thursday Planner)
Ireland's largest holistic event returns to the RDS, Dublin on the 27th, 28th February & the 1st of March 2026.
Irish Photographic Archive , Tuesday 11th November - Tuesday 31st March
Bachata & Salsa Party @ The Harbourmaster | IFSC | 7:00 PM | Workshops followed by a massive party in the heart of the docklands.
Abbey Theatre, Wednesday 11th February - Saturday 28th March
Dream Point Experience, Friday 16th January - Friday 20th March
📢 WHAT’S THE SCOOP ON YOUR STREET?
Spotted a new planning sign? Noticed a shop closing? Send to this email [email protected] Help us keep the Southside informed! 🤫
👋 WRAP UP
Enjoy the "missing" leap day by making the most of the sun on Saturday. Whether you’re at the RDS finding your zen or in Smithfield catching the final films, have a brilliant weekend, Dublin. We’ll be back on Monday to kick off March!
— The Dublin Scoop Team
