Whether you’re looking for unforgettable live performances, foodie favourites or community celebrations, there’s no shortage of festivals to add to your calendar across Cork this season.
Youghal Medieval Festival
Youghal Medieval Festival is back for another year of family fun. This festival is an immersive experience for people of all ages to see what life was like in a foregone age. This free festival has so much to see and do. Set in St Mary’s College Gardens, you can take a walk through history, see what medieval houses and battles looked like. Take part in the School of Irish Archaeology’s ‘Big Dig’ event and tour the ancient Raleigh Quarter. This is a unique day out for children who can get involved in face painting, history lessons, a petting zoo and lots more. A new addition to the Medieval Festival this year is the Sensory Orchard, offering a quiet space not far from the bustling festival, so everyone can enjoy at their own pace. Youghal Medieval Festival will take place on Sunday 2nd of August in St Mary’s College Gardens, admission is free. Festivities will run from 11am until 5pm. Feel free to dress up and get involved.
Cork on a Fork
Cork on a Fork is an extra special celebration of Cork’s thriving food culture. For five days, foodies take over Cork and learn all about Cork’s prime food offerings. Every day is jam packed with activities for the whole family. There are tours, picnics, demos, and feasts to behold. You can learn so much about Cork’s history as a port town, and how the city has developed into the modern day food capital of Ireland. There is a great mix of free and paid events on offer, every day of the festival. Cork’s food scene is diverse, and so is the Cork on a Fork festival, foods from around the world will be showcased. Cork on a Fork will run from 12-16th of August all over Cork City, there are plenty of children and family friendly options.
Blackrock Village Festival
This free local festival is packed to the brim with fun events. On Saturday 23rd of August, the streets of Blackrock will be transformed into a bustling and buoyant celebration. The Blackrock community will come together to present live music, trapeze acts, and a dog show. Entries to the dog show are free and there are plenty of prizes to be won. Festivities start at 1pm, watch out for the club parade and the local history talk. Don’t miss the Cork Light Orchestra who will play a free concert at St Michael’s Church to kick off the whole festival at 5.30pm on Friday the 21st, the night before the festival starts.
Cork Community Pride
Cork Community Pride will hold their first Cork Pride Festival since the liquidation of the previous organisers in 2025. Cork Community Pride was created by a group of volunteers, who could not let Cork go without having pride celebrations. The first Cork Community Pride Parade will take place on Sunday 2nd of August at 2pm. Get dressed up and watch the parade this weekend. The parade is all about spreading love, joy, and visibility. LINQ Ireland will host a pride breakfast from 11.30am before the parade starts at 2pm.
Castletownbere Festival of the Sea
The Castletownbere Festival of the Sea is a lively and exciting place to be. There will be discos, water sports, and live music galore, the whole town really comes together for this festival. There are lots of free events, and loads of activities for kids to get involved in. The highlight of the festival is sure to be the Guinness World Record attempt happening at the head of the pier. On Monday 3rd of August, Paralympian Shane McLoughlin will attempt his eighth world record for pulling a 1,000 tonne tug, the Ocean Challenger. Shane, the ‘Blade of Glory’ is an athlete and an amputee, well-known for his ability to pull trucks and vessels. This incredible event is not one to miss. The Festival of the Sea will run from 31st July until 8th of August in Castletownbere.
Cobh People’s Regatta
Cobh People’s Regatta is back for another year of family fun. This free festival has events for people of all ages. For children, there will be a kids disco, fire jugglers, a carousel, and crab fishing. For the adults, there is live music from Va Va Voom, Derek Burke Band, J90 and more. For kids who like to run, there will be a series of youth races in Westbourne Place on the Saturday evening. On the 15th and 16th of August, the Promenade in Cobh is the place to be. Don’t miss the balloon modelling, face painting, or the delicious food stalls.
Spike Island Literary Festival
This crime themed literary festival is the perfect day out for any book lover. Located on the somewhat spooky Spike Island, this festival is the best place to detach from reality and dive right into a good book. Iconic authors like Catherine Ryan Howard, Fiona Gartland, and Stuart Neville will delve into the work behind their greatest novels, and the realities of becoming an author. Take part in a workshop to develop your own crime novels. Spike Island will host the Literary Festival from the 4th-6th September. Tickets include ferry to and from the island.
Cork Heritage Week
Another fantastic festival taking place in August is Cork Heritage Week. There are over 200 events taking place all over Cork for Heritage Week, there is genuinely something for everyone. Try a group singing session as Gaeilge,visit the old gunpowder mills, or learn about the history of the storytelling tradition. There are plenty of events aimed at helping you explore your own family history, and explore the world of genealogy. Heritage week is a great way of connecting your past with your present, and teaching children about their own heritage. Heritage Week will run from 15th-23rd of August, Cork Heritage Open Day is on the 15th of August.
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