150 free events taking place in towns and villages in Cork for Culture Night

Cork County Council will present more than 150 free events across towns, villages and islands throughout the county as part of Culture Night 2026.

From a spectacular fire show at Mallow Castle to contemporary traditional music in the stunning setting of Gougane Barra Church, the richness of Cork County’s artistic talent and cultural heritage will be celebrated on Friday, September 18.

This year’s programme places a special spotlight on musical talent from across the county, bringing performances to unexpected and unique locations.

In Skibbereen, Ar n’Áit will take over the town with performances at The Rock outdoor amphitheatre and its intimate venue space, showcasing Congolese rumba, Afrobeat and live electronic music.

At Gougane Barra, renowned musician David Murphy will perform traditional music on pedal steel guitar in one of Cork’s most iconic landscapes.

Niall McCabe will take to the stage in the historic setting of St Mary’s Church, Youghal, while Leevy, the acclaimed five-piece band from the Múscraí Gaeltacht, will perform in O’Mahony’s Bar, Watergrasshill.

In Schull, singer-songwriter Ger Wolfe will perform in An Tigín.

Classical music enthusiasts can enjoy performances by Kantos Quartet at St James’s Church, Mallow, Meliora Quartet at St Brendan’s Church, Bantry, and the Irish Guitar Quartet at Briery Gap, Macroom.

The programme also features an impressive line-up of contemporary Cork artists, including How I Became a Wave, As If I Always Knew, The Fynches, Fixity and Áine Duffy.

The Irish language will feature strongly throughout the programme, with events including a bilingual production of Billy Goats Gruff, Puipéid sa Pháirc and a range of ciorcal cainte gatherings.

To celebrate the EU presidency, Cork County’s rich cultural diversity will also be reflected through a series of talks, demonstrations and workshops led by artists from across the European Union who now call Cork home.

Other programme highlights include The Night Market on Cobh Promenade, featuring arts and crafts stalls, food vendors and live DJ sets.

At Mallow Castle, audiences can enjoy circus performances, bilingual children’s theatre and a spectacular fire show in the castle grounds. Sirius Arts Centre will open its doors late into the night for an event that celebrates diversity and inclusion within contemporary Irish culture.

Co-ordinated by Cork County Council and funded by the Arts Council, Culture Night shines a light on the diverse, dynamic, and creative communities that make Cork county a leading cultural destination.

The event provides an opportunity for artists, performers, venues and cultural organisations to engage with new audiences and showcase their work in a welcoming and accessible way.

In 2025, for Culture Night in County Cork, 161 events were programmed in 35 towns and villages and two islands with and audience of 18,712.

Following that highly successful 2025 programme, this year’s Culture Night will offer interactive family experiences alongside events that celebrate both Irish traditions and global influences.

Culture Night Late also returns, extending the celebrations into the evening with a vibrant programme of late-night events across the county.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Bernard Moynihan, said: “In the weeks and months leading up to it, Culture Night brings communities together to celebrate their local arts and culture.

“Last year, we worked with 704 people from various communities in the county to deliver an impressive programme.

“This year, the team are delivering the most ambitious programme yet.

“From our towns and villages to our islands and rural communities, people can discover music, theatre, visual arts, storytelling and much more in a welcoming and accessible way.

“I encourage everyone to explore the programme, try something new, and enjoy this fantastic celebration of culture in all its forms.”

Culture Night Cork County 2026 will feature pop-up performances, poetry readings, live music, children’s workshops, exhibitions and short-form theatre and so much more in locations across the county.

The events all take place on Friday, September 18, from 4pm until late. All events are free to attend, although advance booking is required for some.

Full programme details are available at www.culturenight.ie.