Bright Nights, Big City takes place at the National Concert Hall on Tuesday September 22nd, bringing together Irish and international voices on culture, music and cities after dark
AIM Ireland (Association of Independent Music Ireland), in partnership with Dublin City Council’s Night-Time Economy Office, have announced a new one-day conference, Bright Nights, Big City: Culture, Music and the Future of the Night-Time Economy, taking place at the National Concert Hall on Tuesday September 22nd.
The conference brings together figures from culture, music, hospitality, tourism, government and city development to look at how cities can build night-time economies that are vibrant, safe and sustainable.
It comes off the back of another strong summer for Irish music, with well over three million tickets sold across concerts, festivals and live events in 2025, and more expected this year, cementing Ireland’s reputation as one of Europe’s leading destinations for live music.
The conversation will go beyond the headline-grabbing sold-out shows, looking at how cities are adapting to changing consumer habits, supporting grassroots culture, improving transport and safety, and building destinations that work for residents and visitors alike. Irish perspectives will sit alongside international case studies, with an emphasis on collaboration and practical solutions.
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The event points to a broader shift in how people use cities after dark: younger generations increasingly favour experience-led nights out over alcohol-centred socialising, while more than 100 cities worldwide have now appointed Night Mayors or Night-Time Advisors to help manage that shift.
In Ireland, that work is currently backed by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport through a Night-Time Economy Advisor pilot programme, alongside continued investment in grassroots music.
AIM Ireland managing director Colm Hanley said today’s grassroots venues are where tomorrow’s major acts, the next CMAT, Fontaines D.C. or Kneecap, get their start”, and argued that supporting that ecosystem matters both for Irish music and for building vibrant cities.
“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.”
Dublin City Council’s Night-Time Economy Advisor Ray O’Donoghue said Ireland’s live music and culture scene has become a global success story, and that the challenge now is making sure the country’s cities keep pace, through partnerships across government, culture, hospitality, transport and local communities.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Daryl Barron welcomed the partnership between Dublin City Council and AIM Ireland, pointing to the evening and night-time economy as one of the city’s biggest strengths for jobs, culture, tourism and community life.
Further speakers and programme details are expected in the coming weeks.
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
