Out-of-This-World SpaceFest Returns to Cork with Rockets, Art and Cosmic Cocktails

Cork's annual celebration of space, science and creativity blasts off next month with a week-long festival featuring everything from DIY rocket building to disco ball planets and cosmic mixology across venues in the city and county.

SpaceFest returns to Cork from 8 to 15 November 2025, bringing together art, science, technology, engineering and maths in an adventure-packed programme that attracts over 6,500 visitors each year. Funded by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland and organised by Greywood Arts, the festival transforms venues across Cork into gateways to the cosmos.

The centrepiece is Lunar Distance, a free exhibition at Marina Market running from Saturday 8 November through Wednesday 12 November. Visitors can discover the surprising connection between cows and satellites, listen to voice notes from space, record their own messages for the stars, and see a tiny sculpture destined for the first art gallery on the moon.

Jessica Bonenfant, Creative Director at Greywood Arts, said:

"This year's SpaceFest is set to ignite curiosity and creativity, showing how art and science together can bring the wonder of the cosmos closer to home. From rocketry workshops to an immersive installation of myriad moons, the festival brings together incredible scientists and acclaimed artists to make space accessible, exciting, and educational for festival-goers."

Festival venues include Marina Market, Blackrock Castle Observatory, The Liberty Bar, Greywood Arts in Killagh, and UCC, with events catering to space enthusiasts of all ages.

Highlights include a free rocket-building workshop on 11 November at 6pm at UCC, where participants can learn to design and launch their own homemade rockets. For those seeking a more sophisticated stellar experience, astrophysicist and mixologist Dr Alfredo Carpineti hosts Beyond the Visible on 9 November at Blackrock Castle Observatory, combining dark matter discussions with Sagittarius B2 cocktails whilst artist Helen O'Keefe creates live sketches. Tickets cost €25.

Music lovers can attend Space Twist on 14 November at The Liberty Bar, where Audio Research Corporation brings together DJs, producers and visual artists for a cosmic night of music, dance, cocktails and the chance to adopt an alien. Entry is free.

Creative types can explore DIY publishing at the Out of This Zine! Workshop on 15 November at 10am at Greywood Arts in Killagh, learning to create pocket-sized universes on paper through folding, collage and storytelling. Tickets cost €20.

History enthusiasts shouldn't miss the free private tours of UCC's historic Crawford Observatory, built in 1881 and described as a monument to Victorian ingenuity. Tours run on 11 November at 6pm and 7pm.

Ms Bonenfant added: "Whether visitors want to come explore Lunar Distance at the Marina Market or book in for tours and workshops in Midleton and the city, SpaceFest offers something for everyone who's ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what's out there."

Full programme details and booking information are available at spacefest.net.