Cork County Council Announces Over 40 Free Events for Cruinniú na nÓg 2026

Cork County Council has announced its programme for Cruinniú na nÓg 2026, Ireland's National Day of Creativity for young people, taking place on Saturday, 6 June.

This year's programme features over 40 free events in towns across County Cork, giving children and young people the chance to explore and participate in a wide variety of artistic activities. As the only national day in the world dedicated entirely to free creative experiences for under-18s, Cruinniú na nÓg continues to champion young people's imagination and creative potential.

Families can look forward to lively outdoor celebrations in Cobh, Mallow and Kinsale, where public spaces will be transformed into hubs of creativity. These events will feature live music, hands-on art activities, performances and interactive workshops, with something on offer for all ages.

Libraries across the county will host workshops in dance, animation, painting and more. A series of special showcase events will also highlight work developed by young people in collaboration with professional artists in the lead-up to the day.

This year's programme has been shaped directly by young people through the My Creative Wish initiative. Children and young people from across Cork submitted their creative ideas, with over 1,000 submissions received. More than 30 of those wishes have been brought to life, with selected participants taking part in six workshops to develop their ideas ahead of showcase events on the day.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, said:

"Cruinniú na nÓg 2026 celebrates the creativity, imagination, and talent of young people across County Cork, with more than 40 free events offering opportunities to explore, participate, and connect through the arts. We are inviting children, young people and families to come together in welcoming spaces and experience the joy of creativity. Shaped directly by young people through the My Creative Wish initiative, this year's programme highlights the power of creative expression and ensures every young person has the opportunity to bring their ideas to life."

Cruinniú na nÓg is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme's Creative Youth Plan, which aims to ensure every child and young person has the opportunity to realise their full creative potential. Further details are available at cruinniu.gov.ie.