Cork on a Fork Fest 2026: First Taste of This Summer's Biggest Food Festival

Cork's most celebrated food festival is gearing up for its most ambitious edition yet, with the full programme for Cork on a Fork Fest 2026 set to launch this Wednesday, 06 May. Ahead of the big reveal, organisers have offered a preview of three standout events, and if early signs are anything to go by, booking quickly will be essential.

Taking place from 12–16 August 2026, Cork on a Fork Fest is a Cork City Council festival promising more than 150 events across the city, a significant expansion on last year. Tickets go on general sale this Thursday, 07 May, at 9am via www.corkonaforkfest.ie.

VQ Shared Table Returns, Bigger and Weatherproof

One of the festival's most popular events, the VQ Shared Table sponsored by Birra Moretti, is back and better protected from the elements. This year, the long-table feast along MacCurtain Street will welcome nearly 500 diners, up from 400 last year, with a stretch marquee now in place to ensure the event goes ahead rain or shine. Only in cases of severe weather will proceedings move indoors to the Metropole Hotel.

Guests can expect a welcome drinks reception featuring Birra Moretti, PepsiCo, and West Cork Whiskey, followed by a four-course sharing menu from a strong line-up of local venues including The Glass Curtain, The Metropole, Greene's, Paladar, The Dean, Isaacs Restaurant, The Address, Da Mirco, Thompsons, and The Shelbourne Bar. Wines will be curated by MacCurtain Wine Cellar.

The event is sponsored by Birra Moretti and supported by PepsiCo, TS Events, SuperValu, and Clonakilty Blackpudding. Tickets are priced at €155 plus booking fee, and go on sale this Monday, 05 May, at 9am at www.corkonaforkfest.ie, ahead of the general sale.

Chef Collaboration at Goldie Chapel

For a more intimate evening, Sunday brings a special culinary collaboration at Goldie Chapel in Nano Nagle Place, with just 60 places available. Rob Krawczyk of Michelin-starred Chestnut, Aishling Moore of Bib Gourmand-awarded Goldie, and Good Day Deli will join forces for a one-night-only menu celebrating seasonal Irish produce.

The evening begins with a garden drinks reception before guests move through the chapel for a carefully crafted menu. With very limited availability, this one is expected to sell out fast.

The Big Table Mixer: Alcohol-Free and Open to All

New for 2026, The Big Table Mixer at Marina Market on Friday, 14 August, caters to Cork's growing appetite for alcohol-free social experiences. One hundred guests will enjoy a three-course feast from traders including Nua Asador, Okra, The Greek, Eco Fish, MKT Burger, Kura, Just Wing It, and Sweet Spot, paired with non-alcoholic cocktails from SAOR Zero Alcohol Bar and Heineken 0.0. Music comes from Stevie G, and the format is designed to encourage conversation between courses. Tickets are priced at €45.

A Festival Growing in Reputation

Cork on a Fork Fest is delivered by Cork City Council in partnership with local hospitality businesses and producers, and supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Visit Cork, Cork Airport, the Irish Hotels Federation, MTU, LEO Cork City, and Cork Business Association. The festival is sponsored by Musgrave.

Travel publication Big 7 Travel, following last year's festival, noted that Cork on a Fork puts Cork among Europe's great food destinations, praising its blend of heritage, innovation, and deep-rooted local connections. Organisers are among those working towards securing Cork the title of World Region of Gastronomy.

The full programme launches Wednesday, 06 May. Tickets go on general sale Thursday, 07 May, at 9am at www.corkonaforkfest.ie.