Cork’s emerging artists and Ireland’s next generation of musicians are set to take their place alongside international names at the 2026 Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store.
Cork has long been a city that makes musicians feel at home. This October, it will once again become a meeting point for some of Ireland’s most exciting emerging artists, established talent and internationally renowned musicians as the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival returns from 22–26 October.
Stars gracing the stage across the weekend include Muireann Bradley, 49th & Main, Yankari Afrobeat Collective (Tribute to Fela Kuti), Maya Libbey, Solène Laurence, Toshín, Sei Green, Luke Thomas & The Swing Cats, Tyra-Lee Spry, Ezra Williams, Caolan Ryan, Zaska, TBL8 Brass, Winnie Ama, Mirrors, Aisling, and Stevie G.
The festival, which started in 1978 and is Ireland’s biggest jazz festival, is committed to supporting the next generation of Cork-connected artists.
Maya Libbey, Solène Laurence and Tyra-Lee Spry are among the artists bringing new voices and perspectives to this year’s programme.
Tyra-Lee Spry is part of Cork’s emerging music community. She has developed her career through the city’s live music and student scenes. Meanwhile, Solène Laurence from Douglas is establishing herself as a singer-songwriter, while Maya Libbey, now based in Cork, brings a sound influenced by soul, R&B, pop and classical music.
Ezra Williams is another artist with a strong Cork connection whose career has reached well beyond the city. The Cork-based, Wicklow-born artist has built a significant international audience, with their music reaching millions of listeners and appearing in international screen culture.
“Guinness Cork Jazz Festival has spent almost five decades bringing world-class musicians to Cork, but it has also provided a platform for generations of Irish artists at different stages of their careers,” says festival programmer Eoin Cregan. “We’re incredibly proud of the Irish and Cork talent in this year’s programme and are excited to see where these artists go next.”
As well as showcasing Cork talent, artists from all over the country will arrive in Cork for the festival.
Headliner Annie Mac will perform a sold out late-night set at Cork Opera House. Muireann Bradley, whose extraordinary guitar playing and country-blues sound have made her one of the most talked-about young musicians in Ireland, returns to the festival with a sold-out gig.
49th & Main bring their distinctive blend of electronic, indie and pop influences to Cyprus Avenue, and Caolan Ryan joins them.
TBL8 Brass and Winnie Ama add further contemporary Irish voices to the programme, while Luke Thomas & The Swing Cats bring their popular celebration of swing to audiences once again.
Alongside the Irish artists, the festival will welcome major international acts including Berlioz, Yussef Dayes, Masters At Work, Boney M featuring Maizie Williams, Kokoroko, Courtney Pine, Jason Moran, Keyon Harrold, Marcus Strickland, Margaret Glaspy, Joe-Armon Jones, Σtella and St. Paul & The Broken Bones.
Across Cork’s venues, pubs and streets, emerging musicians will perform alongside established names, allowing these up and coming talents to reach new audiences.
The Guinness Music Trail, spanning over 70 pubs and venues, creates hundreds of opportunities for musicians to perform across the city, while the Big Fringe brings music into public spaces and unexpected corners of Cork.
Guinness Cork Jazz Festival 2026 takes place from 22–26 October.
Tickets are on sale at guinnesscorkjazzfestival.com.
For more, follow @guinnesscorkjazz on social media and hashtag #GuinnessCorkJazz.
The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is supported by Diageo, Fáilte Ireland, Cork City Council and Cork Airport. Visit drinkaware.ie.
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