The opening event will see authors Philippa Gregory, Jasper Fforde, Jeanette Winterson, Patrick Ness and Jackie Kay appearing at St George's Hall, which sits alongside the refurbished library.
The big screen at city hall will show live rugby and GAA action over the St Patrick's Day weekend, as well as films including The Quiet Man and Into the West.
In the courtyard, the stone St Patrick's cross replicates the worn original in the Rock of Cashel's 15th-century Hall of the Vicars Choral, which was built to house the cathedral's male choristers.