What began as a one-off event has grown into one of Ireland’s most successful live entertainment events: Live at the Marquee. Now firmly established as a cornerstone of the summer calendar, the Cork-based festival continues to deliver a powerful blend of culture, commerce, and community impact.
This year’s programme promises another high-energy run, kicking off on June 10 and wrapping up on July 18. A diverse and crowd-pleasing lineup ensures broad appeal, with performances from Tom Grennan, James Taylor, Imelda May, David Gray, a K-Pop Tribute show, Dec Pierce, Stevie G, and Natasha Bedingfield. And, as tradition demands, no Live at the Marquee season would feel complete without the legendary Christy Moore taking to the stage.
Beyond music, 2026 marks an exciting expansion into the sporting arena. Cork is set to host two historic nights as The Marquee Masters brings world-class darts to the iconic venue.
For the first time ever, the Lee-side marquee will transform into a Dublin-style “Ally Pally” atmosphere on July 11 and 12, welcoming some of the biggest names in global darts under one roof. This move not only diversifies the festival offering but also broadens its audience reach.
The business impact across Leeside is substantial and continues to grow year on year. Hotels, restaurants, pubs, and retailers all benefit from the influx of visitors, with festivalgoers expected to inject an estimated €40 million into the local economy over the course of the event. From increased footfall to extended stays, the ripple effect is felt across virtually every sector.
Live at the Marquee is no longer just a festival—it’s a major economic driver and a showcase of Cork’s ability to host world-class entertainment.
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