Over 1,000 events are taking place across the island of Ireland as part of Cruinniú na nÓg.
The event celebrates and encourages participation by children and young people in creative activities in their local area.
Ireland is the only country in the world to have a national day of free creativity for children and young people.
The first ever Cruinniú na nÓg took place in 2018.
At the launch of Cruinniú na nÓg 2026, Minister for Culture Patrick O’Donovan said the event is “ambitious, inclusive and inspiring, reflecting the importance of investing in young people’s ideas, voices and creative potential”.
Minister for Culture Patrick O’Donovan said the event is ‘inclusive and inspiring’
The minister added: “This year’s programme includes over 1,300 free events all over the island of Ireland, alongside the return of Cruinniú Late, which offers dedicated youth-led spaces for teenagers to gather, create and express themselves in a safe environment created by and for young people.”
Among the events taking place are Circus Céilí, which will bring young people together to celebrate circus through workshops, performances and new creative collaborations
The Walls Project will see workshops in 13 locations offering young people the opportunity to work with professional mural artists to create large-scale public artworks.
More than 20 youth theatre groups will also unite in five regional hubs to collaborate, perform, and celebrate their creativity as part of the Youth Theatre Ireland project.