Cork cafes to stay open late for free events this weekend

Cork’s coffee houses will stay open into the evenings this weekend for two nights of Coffee House Lates.

Following the success of a similar initiative last November, some 11 independent cafes will open late for a range of free events tomorrow and Saturday.

This second round, facilitated by the Cork Business Association (CBA) with Cork City Council, will coincide with the St Patrick’s Festival.

From 6pm-9pm tomorrow, Nádúr Deli, at Nano Nagle Place, will be open with live music and a coffee tasting by a Cork independent supplier; while Brian O’Connor, of Brian’s Wines, will be serving alcohol-free drinks and coffee at a Vinyl Brews event from 6-7.30pm at Plugd, Cornmarket St.

People can also taste coffees from around the world and non-alcoholic cocktails at Cafe Moly, Douglas St, or attend the launch of an art exhibition and a new spring menu at Filter, George’s Quay, both also taking place from 6-9pm tomorrow.

Also from 6-9pm, there will be a craft fair in aid of Cork Penny Dinners at Lough Cafe; Mike O’Riordan will perform live at Duke’s Coffee Company, Carey’s Lane; and the Cór Bláth Oráiste choral group will perform at the Lee Cafe, Wellington Bridge.

DJ Stevie G will be performing at Greenwich, Caroline St, from 6pm to 8pm; while an evening of tarot, oracle, and astrology will be held until 9pm at The Grumpy Bakers, Washington St, with free readings to customers on a first come, first served basis from 6pm.

On Saturday, there will be a street art and graffiti exhibition at Old Town Taqueria on Pembroke St from 8–10pm, with a special introduction by Paul Gleeson from the annual Cork Graffiti Jam and Ardú — who will speak at 9pm.

A trad-folk collective show will take place at 115 Cafe, Oliver Plunkett St, from 8-10pm both nights.

Along with the Coffee House Lates, a night market will be held on Cornmarket St tomorrow, from 5pm to 10pm, as part of Cork’s night-time initiative featuring a variety of stalls — including craft vendors and food stalls — with live music.

Cork City Council’s night-time economy advisor Fiona Collins said she is optimistic about the long-term potential of Coffee House Lates.

“The popularity of this event last November showed the consumer demand and interest for evening activities that don’t necessarily involve alcohol,” she said.

“We’re excited about this weekend’s activities and encourage all to support our coffee houses.”