Enjoy art al fresco at this outdoor community celebration and festival in Dublin

Add a bit of culture to your weekend plans and prepare to feel inspired.

This August Bank Holiday sees the glorious return of what might be Dublin's most idyllic festival - and it's completely free to attend.

Art & The Outdoors is a celebration of music, art, poetry in collaboration with Poetry Ireland and so much more, and it's the brainchild of the Hugh Lane Gallery. The festival is inspired by the many artists who either painted ‘en plein air’ or were inspired by the stunning outdoor scenery that surrounded them.

The festival is set to take place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August right on Parnell Square North in the heart of the city.

Pop by between noon and 4pm each day and prepare to be mesmerised with a stacked lineup of events.

Whether you're a keen supporter of the visual arts, or you just want something fun (and free!) to check out during the banker, then pencil in a visit.

Here's what you can expect at Art & The Outdoors:

Live music

The soundtrack for Art & The Outdoors comes courtesy of a host of incredible musicians. The Botanic String Quartet will be showcasing multiple genres, including classical and jazz, as well as some familiar tunes from the big screen and pop music. Accordion and guitar duo Dermot Dunne and Ariel Hernandez will be bringing a distinctly Latin flair to the festival. And, if you ever wondered what traditional music sounds like with influences from all over the world, don’t miss Lucie Azconaga and friends. And, for some lively, fun-loving mariachi music – with a Dublin spin! – swing by to see Mariachi San Patricio, Ireland's only full mariachi ensemble.

Art Spaces & Art Talks and Tours

Indulge your creative side with Drawing Out of Doors, Embossed and Screen Print-Making, and, for visitors who are young at heart, Curious Creatures Art Craft.

Expert guides and lecturers will be on hand throughout Art & The Outdoors, offering a series of fascinating talks and tours, including Capturing Contemporary Life, Irish Artists and France, and a Highlights Tour of the Hugh Lane Gallery.

And lots, lots more

From a street spectacle complete with balloon artistry and face-painting to the peaceful retreat of the outdoor sensory unit, there really is something for everyone at Art & The Outdoors.

You can check out the full schedule of events right here.

Images courtesy of Hugh Lane Gallery.