Festivals

Cork is a city famous for its friendly atmosphere and fantastic festivals. Named European Capital of Culture 2005 and featured in the Lonely Planet Guide’s ‘Top 10 Best Cities’ to visit in 2010, we have something to offer everyone. From food to film, song and dance, the variety is sure to entertain you throughout the year.

February

Cork Spring Poetry Festival

14 - 17 Feb 2018

Ireland's biggest, annual, professional poetry festival. It celebrates Cork as a vibrant poetry scene with international connections. Several workshops will also be running throughout the festival.

Website: http://www.corkpoetryfest.net

March

Cork French Film Festival

4 – 11 March 2018

Alliance Francaise de Cork will roll out the red carpet for the 28th Cork French Film Festival. Our nationally acclaimed Festival, screens the best in French feature films, documentaries and shorts, with many Irish premieres and access to top international film-makers at our Q&A screenings.

Website: http://www.corkfrenchfilmfestival.com/

Cork St Patrick’s Festival

16 – 18 Mar 2018

The Cork St. Patrick’s Festival, presented by Cork City Council attracted over 60,000 people last year for Irelands largest community based parade.

Website: http://www.corkstpatricksfestival.ie/

Lifelong Learning Festival

TBC

Cork’s Lifelong Learning Festival promotes and celebrates learning of all kinds, across all ages, interests and abilities. The festival’s motto is Investigate, Participate, Celebrate, and the public can do that by watching demonstrations and trying out skills.

Website: http://www.corkcity.ie/learningcity/

May

Cork International Choral Festival

18 April – 22 April 2018

Experience the best in vocal music with a jam packed programme ranging from world class Gala Concerts and a diverse Fringe programme, to the vibrant Choral Trail, where voices spill out from restaurants, bars, galleries and public spaces across the city.

Website: http://www.corkchoral.ie

Ocean to City

2 - 10 Jun 2018

Ocean to City – An Ras Mor (‘The Big Race’) is a 15 nautical mile (24km) rowing race and maritime festival celebrating Corks unique maritime heritage and natural harbour.

Website: http://www.oceantocity.com

June

Cork City Marathon

3 Jun 2018

A marathon, half marathon and team relay event – the Cork City Marathon offers everyone over the age of 18 a chance to partake.

Website: http://www.corkcitymarathon.ie

Cork Midsummer Festival

15 – 24 Jun 2018

Cork Midsummer Festival is one of Ireland’s leading international summer arts festivals. For the last seventeen years it has transformed the city of Cork for two weeks every June with a programme of local, national and international arts.

Website: http://www.corkmidsummer.com

July

Damhsafest – Folk Dance Festival

TBC

Damhsafest is the only International Folk Dance Festival in Ireland.

Website: http://www.damhsafest.ie

Cork Cycling Festival

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Cork Cycling Festival celebrates the bicycle as a fun, stress-free, clean way to get around and see Cork. The festival prides itself on being a 100% free event with plenty of family-friendly activities.

Website: http://www.corkcyclingfestival.com

Cork Pride Festival

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Cork Pride festivals Mission is to celebrate the diverse culture of corks Lgbt community , by providing the Cork community with various activities.

Website: http://www.corkpride.com

August

Decades Festival

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The Decades Festival is a weekend of fun, music and fancy dress! Live music and fun events are all part of what is Cork’s most unique festival.

Website: http://www.decadesfestivalcork.ie

September

Cork international Short Story Festival

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An event dedicated to the celebration of the short story and named for one of Cork's most beloved authors. The festival showcases readings, literary forums and workshops.

Website: http://www.corkshortstory.net

Cork Culture Night

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On a special night, Culture-junkies can look forward to incredible art, exhibitions, drama and music when this year’s Culture Night comes to town.

Website: http://www.corkcity.ie/culturenight

October

Cork Folk Festival

TBC

The Cork Folk Festival is one of Ireland’s finest musical events and each autumn thousands of world class musicians and followers of good music through to the city.

Website: http://www.corkfolkfestival.com

Cork Jazz Festival

19 - 22 October 2018

The Cork Jazz Festival has become one of Ireland premier and most successful internationally renowned musical events since it was first held in 1978.

Website: http://guinnessjazzfestival.com

November

Discovery Science Festival

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Discovery Science Festival, is one of the biggest events of Science Week Ireland, with a 2-week programme of events for families, schools and youth groups.

Website: http://www.corkcity.ie/discovery

Cork Film Festival

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Corona Cork Film Festival is held in high regard on a local, national and international level. In Cork city and region it is one the most important events in the social and cultural calendar.

Website: http://www.corkfilmfest.org

December

A Cork Christmas Celebration

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Experience the festive season as A Cork Christmas Celebration, the most loved free festival organised by Cork City Council, returns to Cork for its fifth year.

Website: http://www.corkchristmascelebration.ie