Cork Carnival of Science Returns to Fitzgerald Park in Two Weeks

Cork Carnival of Science is returning to Fitzgerald Park on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June 2026, bringing two packed days of live experiments, interactive exhibits and hands-on discovery to the heart of Cork City. Admission is free.

Organised by Cork City Council and funded through the Research Ireland Discover Programme, the free family festival has become one of the country's largest outdoor STEM celebrations. This year's programme features more than 50 exhibitors and 22 live science shows across the weekend.

Among the headline attractions is The Science of Hogwarts from Science 2 Life, a new live show inspired by the magical world of potions, levitation and spellbinding reactions. Blending dramatic storytelling with real scientific principles, the show explores how physics, chemistry and illusion can create moments that feel almost magical.

RTÉ's Mark the Science Guy joins the line-up with Science is My Superhero, a fast-paced and energetic stage show packed with live demonstrations, audience participation and explosive moments.

Elsewhere across the park, visitors can explore the Science of Sport with Science Made Simple, where balance, friction, movement and reaction times are put to the test through live experiments. Simply Science brings controlled chaos to Innovation Way with What Could Possibly Go Wrong?, a lively performance full of audience challenges, surprising reactions and big visual moments.

New additions to this year's programme include W5 with Now That's What I Call Science, exploring some of history's most important scientific breakthroughs through fun, family-friendly experiments, while Inspirational Science presents The Circus Science Show, combining stunts, tricks and theatrical demonstrations in a colourful outdoor spectacle.

Beyond the stages, the park will be filled with interactive discovery zones, roaming performers and hands-on activity areas. Families can take part in LEGO Education workshops, explore marine life under microscopes, experiment with renewable energy concepts inside the Curiosity Cube from Merck, or step into immersive experiences including the Aquaculture Remote Classroom.

Research and environmental innovation also feature strongly this year, with Living Seawalls, an initiative involving researchers and artists from University College Cork exploring how creative design can help support marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems.

The festival has dedicated quiet spaces, interactive activity zones and a mobile sensory van to ensure the event is accessible and welcoming for all visitors.

Cllr. Fergal Dennehy, Lord Mayor of Cork, said:

"Cork Carnival of Science has become one of the highlights of the city's summer events calendar and a brilliant example of how public spaces like Fitzgerald Park can be transformed into something educational, creative and genuinely fun for families. What makes the event so special is the way it encourages curiosity and discovery in such an engaging and accessible way. There really is something for everyone to enjoy across the weekend."

Dr Rachel Iredale, Head of Public Engagement for Research Ireland, said:

"Research Ireland is proud to continue supporting Cork Carnival of Science through the Discover Programme. Events like this are incredibly important in helping people of all ages connect with STEM in an open, welcoming and hands-on environment. By bringing researchers, educators, performers and communities together, the festival helps spark curiosity and encourages young people to imagine future possibilities in science, technology and innovation."

Cork Carnival of Science takes place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June 2026 at Fitzgerald Park, Cork City. Admission is free. Full programme details are available at corkcity.ie/corkcarnivalofscience.