Culture Night 2026: Cork County Council Opens Call for Event Proposals

Cork County Council is inviting arts organisations, community groups, and artists across the county to submit proposals for Culture Night 2026, which takes place on Friday, 18 September.

Culture Night, known in Irish as Oíche Chultúir, is a national celebration that sees cultural venues open late and communities come together to deliver free events for all. Last year, more than 18,000 people came out to mark the night across County Cork, enjoying fire shows, underground music events, community parades, and more.

Cork County Council's Library and Arts Service is looking for proposals spanning all art forms, from storytelling and visual arts to live performances, open studios, creative workshops, community parades, and crafts showcases. A limited number of grants are available to support event delivery across the county.

The 2026 programme will focus particularly on the towns of Fermoy, Mitchelstown, Mallow, Charleville, Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Bantry, Bandon, Kinsale, Carrigaline, Passage West, Macroom, Baile Mhuirne, Midleton, Youghal, Cobh, and Watergrasshill.

The council is keen to programme events that are inclusive of all audiences, including families, youth, older people, Travellers, LGBT+ groups, and migrants.

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

"Culture Night is always an exciting night on the calendar. Each year we see communities work together to deliver amazing arts events. The variety of activities on offer is a testament to our lively communities. I look forward to getting out and about this year to see what the county has to offer."

An online information session will be held on 21 April at 6.30pm. To register, email arts@corkcoco.ie. Full details and the online application form are available at www.corkcoco.ie. The deadline for proposals is 5.00pm on 1 June 2026.