What's on in Cork this weekend: A host of festivals, plus music and comedy galore
Cork Mela takes place at Fitzgerald’s Park on Sunday
Saturday
Shirley Valentine, Cork Opera House, 8pm, €25: Treat yourself to an evening of laughter, as Norma Sheahan, one of Ireland’s leading dramatic actors, breathes new life into Willy Russell’s effervescent and iconic character.
Views From A Deckchair, Cork Arts Theatre, 8pm, €16: Last chance to see ten brand-new, ten minute plays having their world premieres, chosen from 115 entries.
Saturday
Dezperado, Everyman, 8pm, €28: A special fundraising concert by the Eagles tribute band in aid of MS Ireland Cork branch.
Choral Trail at the Marina Market, Cork city, noon, free: Just one of the events taking place this weekend as part of the annual Cork International Choral Festival. Listen to incredible choral music amid the hustle and bustle of the market. There is also a free Choral Trail at Fota House and Gardens at noon on Saturday.
Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Camus Farm Clonakilty, 4pm, €30: Acclaimed composer and multi-instrumentalist, renowned for his deeply expressive work influenced by the natural world.
IE/DC- AC/DC Tribute Band, Sea Church, Callycotton, 8pm, €25: These five hard-rocking amigos have been bringing their scintillating AC/DC show to the masses since 2013.
Sunday
National Competitions – Mixed Voices, Youth Choirs & Ireland’s Choir of the Year, Cork City Hall, 9.30am, €6: Hear beautiful music performed by national choirs as they go for gold in the National Competitions as part of the Cork International Choral Festival.
BoolaBoom, Levi’s Corner House, Ballydehob, 8pm, free: A super-sized brass and percussion big-band playing acoustic house, jazzy techno and drum and bass belters, performing as part of the Ballydehob Jazz Festival.
Alan Fitzpatrick, Cyprus Avenue, 10pm, €25: Fitzpatrick is one of the most influential UK-based electronic music artists, with a trailblazing career under his belt, and a fine back catalogue.
Saturday
May Fest 2026, Triskel Arts Centre, Cork city: A weekend of music, cinema, visual and digital arts with something for everyone to explore and experience. See triskelartscentre.ie for more.
Sunday
Cork Mela, Fitzgerald’s Park, 1-5pm, free entry: A host of events are taking place as part of this new festival that celebrates the many cultures around Cork city - expect live music, dance, a ‘World Food Village’ and workshops.
May Sunday Festival, Glenbower Woods, Killeagh: Activities for all ages, and free events including storytelling through yoga, fun with fairytales, and sensory play in nature for the little ones.
