Alpacas, Art and Astronauts: SpaceFest 2026 Lands in Cork
Alpacas, art and astronauts: SpaceFest 2026 runs 7 to 15 November across Cork city and county. Many events are free.
Stargazing with alpacas, pairing wine with planets and celebrating Star Trek are among the events at SpaceFest 2026, a week-long celebration of the cosmos running from 7 to 15 November across Cork city and county.
Now in its fifth year, the festival has its roots in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths (STEAM). Its programme spans twelve venues across Cork.
The main exhibition, Cosmic Cartography, is free to attend at Marina Market from Saturday 7 to Wednesday 11 November. Through more than a dozen exhibits, visitors can discover how different cultures have mapped the stars, make their own mark on the universe and see a reproduction of Neil Armstrong’s famous footprint on the Moon. Art and geology collective The Fold will also bring the geological wonders of space to the exhibition.
Younger audiences can enjoy Professor Tony Baloney’s Space Science Show, along with space-themed reading sessions for tiny astronauts with Cork City Library. For adults, Planets, Plates & Pairings brings an astrophysicist and a sommelier together at Cork County Cricket Club for an exploration of the galaxy through food and wine tastings.
At Blackrock Castle Observatory, Dr Alfredo Carpineti will explore the science of the search for extraterrestrial life in Boldly Going… on the Hunt for Aliens. He will ask whether alien civilisations (including Klingons and Vulcans!) might already know we’re here. At O’Sho on Barrack Street on Tuesday 10 November, artist K.A. Jagai will lead a hands-on workshop for making cosmos-inspired lanterns.
Visitors can also experience space through movement and observation. A Space Walk movement workshop will teach participants to move as though there is no gravity, before they parade through the Market in giant space helmets created by Lumen Street Theatre. In East Cork, UCC astrophysics lecturer Dr Mark Kennedy and a pair of alpacas will teach the basics of stargazing at Saunas and Stargazing.
Jessica Bonenfant, Creative Director at Greywood Arts, which produces SpaceFest, said:
“The wonder of the night sky, coupled with the urge to understand the world around us, has long inspired both artists and scientists. This year, SpaceFest explores how humans have charted and explored the universe since we first looked up at the sky and wondered where we are in the cosmos.
By bringing together incredible scientists and acclaimed artists, we make space accessible, exciting and educational for audiences of all ages. From interactive artworks and creative workshops to hands-on science and stargazing, the festival invites people to explore the universe in unexpected ways.”
Other venues across the city and county include University College Cork (UCC), Blackrock Castle Observatory and the National Space Centre near Midleton in East Cork. Many events are free to attend, but some are already sold out and early booking is advised. For the full programme and booking information, visit www.spacefest.net.
SpaceFest is funded by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland and takes place during national Science Week.