The 10 Days in Dublin Strands — Photo courtesy of Gobsmacked Media

Back for its third year from July 4th - 13th, 10 Days in Dublin is Ireland’s largest open-format festival with over 200 acts performing music, comedy, spoken word, film, visual art, theatre and dance. The festival aims to give the opportunity for all of Ireland’s brightest stars to showcase their talent around the city. If you want to get involved with Dublin’s exciting, cultural landscape without breaking the bank, this is the perfect festival in which to do it - the shows are very competitively priced and many are also free.

Some 10DID acts — Photo courtesy of Gobsmacked Media

Modeled after the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, 10 Days in Dublin seeks to offer an open, non-curated festival that doesn't limit acts by themes, experience and connections. As a result, this feast of art and culture has grown exponentially since it started in 2011 with gigs and venues spanning the city centre and its environs.

Some highlights include the Trinity College Orchestra playing a modern arrangement of music from Michael Jackson and Queen in Vicar Street, Irish comedian David O’Doherty with unheard, new material in Smock Alley Theatre and up-and-coming Irish female rapper, Temper Mental MissElayneous weaving her words in The Twisted Pepper. It's a great opportunity to connect with the city, as well as the artists and performers that make it great.