Cork City Set to Come Alive for Culture Night 2026

Cornmarket Street will host a special Night Market as part of a vibrant programme of Culture Night events across Cork City, supported by Cork City Council's Night-Time Economy Section.

Cork City Council's Night-Time Economy Section is supporting a wide-ranging line-up of events for Culture Night 2026, celebrating the creativity, culture and community that make the city special after dark.

Cornmarket Street will host a Night Market featuring live music, food and locally made crafts. Musical acts on the night include The Underscore Orkestra, a bluesy hot jazz band originally from Portland and now based in Cork, along with The Roaring Forties, Cork's acclaimed Jump, Jive, Swing and Jazz band. Stalls at the final Night Market of 2026 will offer sweet treats, savoury delights, handmade gifts and artisan products from local makers.

Culture Night will also give a platform to emerging talent through SCRATCH!, an open-mic-style showcase presented by Culture Night Lates and the Night-Time Economy Section, in partnership with Cork Fringe Festival and Cork Theatre Collective. The event takes place at 10pm in the CTC Studio at Triskel Arts Centre and is open to creatives across theatre, comedy, music, spoken word, dance and performance art.

The Directors of Cork Fringe Festival said:

"Whether you're a seasoned performer with a wild new idea or an emerging artist looking to try something for the first time, SCRATCH! is an invitation to experiment, play and discover what your work could become."

Coughlan's will host a further programme celebrating Cork's grassroots cultural scene, with Jack O'Rourke & Band performing at the venue's outdoor space, The Nest, from 9pm. Traditional musicians will perform throughout the evening in the Tom Waits Space, while from 10.30pm, DJ Ronan Leonard takes to the decks at The Nest with a selection of favourite Cork tunes. The Test Tube Babies alternative comedy night will also take place.

Edel Curtain, Coughlan's, said:

"Cork City has a vibrant cultural scene and we at Coughlan's are proud to play an important part in it. It is vital to support our local grassroots venues and artists, who are the lifeblood of our cultural landscape. With the support of Cork City Council's Night Time Economy Section, we are delighted to celebrate some of the local artists that grace our stages year-round. This night celebrating all things grassroots Cork will be one not to be missed."

Fiona Collins, Night-Time Economy Advisor with Cork City Council, said:

"Culture Night is one of the highlights of the year for Cork City and we are proud to support a programme that showcases the incredible breadth of talent, creativity and culture that exists across our city. From musicians and performers to artists, makers and creative organisations, the night's events shine a spotlight on the people who make Cork's cultural scene so vibrant.

What makes Culture Night particularly special is its inclusive and welcoming nature. It creates opportunities for everyone to experience culture, discover new artists, explore the city after dark and connect with their community. Through Culture Night Lates and our support for venues, artists and events, we are helping to build a diverse, accessible and thriving night-time culture that benefits the entire city."

Culture Night 2026 promises an evening of music, markets, performance and creativity, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience the very best of Cork after dark.