Bloomsday falls on a Monday this year, and so some have planned "Ulysses"-themed events over the weekend. We mention two here in particular that have established themselves as favorites in the early summer arts calendar; one takes place on Saturday and the other on Sunday. However, the iconic annual celebration outside Ulysses' Folk House on Stone Street is among the happenings scheduled for June 16 itself
Saturday, June 14, from 3 to 6 p.m. The James Joyce Society and Irish American Writers & Artists Inc. present “Bloomsday 2025: A Shout in the Street,” their 5th annual festive reading from “Ulysses,” at Dive 106, 938 Amsterdam Ave. at 106th Street, New York City. There will be drinks specials, Joyce trivia and special guests. Brendan Costello Jr., the IAW&A’s late president, a moving force in the annual gathering, will be fondly remembered. For enquiries about the afternoon’s happenings, email Mike Opest at jamesjoycesocietyny@gmail.com.
Brendan on Bloomsday at Dive 106.
Sunday, June 15, beginning at 3 p.m. Origin Theatre Company will host its Original Annual Bloomsday Celebration at Bloom’s Tavern in 208 East 58th St, Manhattan. The event will feature live Irish music, dramatic readings “Ulysses,” and a festive gathering of literature lovers, artists, and Joyce enthusiasts, with actors Roger Clark (“Red Dead Redemption 2”), Ella Barton (“Fair City”) and more...
Guests are encouraged to dress in period-inspired attire “as they enjoy an afternoon of culture, conversation and summer cheer.”
“For over 10 years, Origin’s annual Bloomsday event has been an occasion for our community to get together to celebrate James Joyce,” said Michael Mellamphy, Artistic Director of Origin Theatre. “But also as a way to kick off the summer, enjoying fine food and drinks thanks to our wonderful hosts at Blooms Tavern.”
Tickets are $30 (origintheatre.org) and include entry, entertainment, and a complimentary drink.
Monday, June 16, 2 to 5 p.m. Colm McCann’s Annual Bloomsday Celebration takes place on the day itself, as always, outside Ulysses Folk House, 58 Stone St, Downtown Manhattan. Aedin Moloney hosts with other special literary guests. Details for the day’s events can be found at ulyssesnyc.com.
And Bloomsday will be celebrated at Oradell Public Library on Monday, at 7 pm, with readings by, among others, two area library directors, Daragh O’Connor and John Trause; Mary Margaret Carter; Brian Norton; and Michael Tubridy, co-author (with Robert Polner) of “An Irish Passion for Justice: The Life of Rebel New York Attorney Paul O’Dwyer.” The library is located at 375 Kinderkamack Rd., Oradell, NJ. For further information, contact the library at (201) 262-2613.
Below: Bloomsday on Stone Street, 2018. [Photo by Peter McDermott]
