Cruinniú na nÓg Returns to Cork City on 6 June with Free Day of Creativity for Young People

Cork City Council, in conjunction with Creative Ireland, has announced the return of Cruinniú na nÓg on Saturday, 6 June, with a citywide programme of free creative activities for children and young people up to the age of 18.

Billed as the world's only national day of free creativity for children and young people, this year's Cork City programme features events spanning circus, dance, music, street culture, storytelling and hands-on making. Activities will take place across cultural venues, community spaces, parks and libraries throughout the city.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy, welcomed the programme's return:

"Cruinniú na nÓg is a wonderful celebration of the imagination, energy and creativity of Cork's young people. Each year, this programme creates space for children and teenagers to explore their talents, express themselves and feel a strong sense of belonging in their city. I encourage families and young people across Cork to take part, try something new and enjoy this fantastic day of free creative experiences."

Among the programme highlights is Circus Céilí, running from 11am to 4pm at Elizabeth Fort, where Circus Factory and Let's Play Cork will host a joyful, high-energy day blending circus skills, modern dance, choral song and céilí. The event features contributions from New Moon Youth Dance, comedy circus performer Mr Gusto, The Voices of Peace intercultural youth choir and a lively céilí mór, alongside a dedicated sensory area offering quieter activities.

Rock the Block returns from 1pm to 6pm at Carnegie Courtyard, Cork City Library, transforming the outdoor space into an energetic hub of live music, DJ sets, songwriting workshops and open-mic sessions for young people aged 12 to 18. Genres range from trad and folk to rap and hip-hop, with The Kabin Studio leading a rap and beats parade through the city streets earlier in the day.

For older teens, the Rebel Teen Social Hive, billed as a Cruinniú Late event, runs from 5pm to 10pm at South Parish Community Centre. Designed by young people through UP Cork and Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services, it offers a relaxed social space that evolves into open-mic performances featuring spoken word, drag, and a high-energy teen disco. The event is supported by Night Time Economy funding.

Across the city, libraries will host creative workshops covering storytelling, writing, puppetry, illustration and animation. Sample-Studios and Triskel Arts Centre will offer workshops exploring filmmaking, music production, illustration and printmaking, while St. Peter's North Main Street hosts Home, an interactive arts project inviting teenagers to explore ideas of home and housing. Shandon Art Studio, in collaboration with The Butter Museum, will combine storytelling and clay-making inspired by ghosts along the Butter Roads, alongside a wheel-throwing demonstration.

All events are free, with some requiring advance booking. The full programme is available at cruinniu.gov.ie and corkcity.ie.