Cork on a Fork Fest Serves Up Family Fun with Almost 100 Events This August

Cork's premier food festival returns from 13 to 17 August with a feast of family-friendly activities across the city, from pizza-making workshops to teddy bears' picnics and beekeepers' experiences.

Cork on a Fork Fest 2025 is set to transform the city into a culinary playground for all ages, with almost 100 events celebrating the region's world-class food culture. Organised by Cork City Council in partnership with local businesses and producers, this year's festival offers everything from hands-on cooking classes to street food markets, with many free events ensuring there's something for every appetite and budget.

The five-day festival kicks off on Wednesday 13 August with a free garden party at Knocknaheeny Community Garden in Hollyhill, featuring garden tours, cob oven pizza and music. Families can explore Cork's food story through guided culinary tours of the English Market, with special pricing for children and youth.

Thursday's highlights include a children's pizza party demo at Marina Market where young chefs can make and taste their own creations for €15, whilst the Hysterical Histories Walking Tour offers a theatrical look at Cork's quirky past with family-friendly pricing.

Friday brings sensory cooking classes at St Peter's where children can make carrot cake balls, apple donuts and smoothies with The Cool Food School. The evening sees Elizabeth Fort transformed into an atmospheric market venue with street food and outdoor family games, free to all visitors.

Weekend festivities reach their peak on Saturday with multiple free events including a pop-up farmyard at Coal Quay Market and a food market with play street at Emmet Place featuring demos, games and live music. Young aspiring chefs can join pizza parties at Il Padrino or discover how food travels from farms to forks at the Food Explorers Workshop.

The festival concludes on Sunday with unique experiences including a beekeeper's children's picnic at Urban Pantry, complete with honey tastings and a glass-walled hive experience, and free pasta-making demonstrations with an Italian chef at Don Gregorio.

Many of the most popular ticketed events, including the Teddy Bears Picnic and The Gruffalo's Tasty Tale at Eason's, have already sold out, demonstrating the festival's growing appeal to families seeking engaging food experiences.

Beyond the scheduled events, the festival celebrates Cork's vibrant food scene with chef collaborations, tastings, talks and community-led activities throughout the city. From the traditional soda bread demonstrations at The Butter Museum to innovative sugarcraft workshops, the programme showcases both heritage and contemporary food culture.

With events scattered across venues from Marina Market to Murphy's Farm, the festival encourages families to explore different neighbourhoods whilst discovering local producers and food traditions. The emphasis on hands-on activities ensures children don't just taste great food but learn about its origins and preparation.

For full event listings and booking information, visit www.corkonaforkfest.ie or follow @corkonaforkfest on social media. With many free events and affordable ticketed options, Cork on a Fork Fest promises to be the city's tastiest family outing this summer.