This weekend, over 500 musicians from Ireland and around the world will perform across more than 70 venues in Cork
Cork is tuning up for an unforgettable weekend as the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival returns this Bank Holiday Weekend.
From October 23 to 27, over 500 musicians from Ireland and around the world will perform across more than 70 venues, the city, and nearby Douglas and Kinsale, in an event that will be brimming with music, rhythm and energy.
Here’s your insider’s guide to making the most of it…
The free Guinness Jazz Trail
Wander through the streets and you’ll find live jazz spilling out of over 70 pubs and venues across the city – all for free. Pop into legendary spots like The Metropole Hotel, the original home of the jazz festival, Seventy Seven, Deep South, Arthur’s Bar (Clancys), The Shelbourne, and The Imperial for guaranteed atmosphere, or stumble upon hidden gems as you follow the infamous trail. Find the official trail here.
Top venues for ticketed shows
The city explodes with entertainment during jazz weekend. The Everyman, Cork Opera House, Live at St. Luke’s, Cyprus Avenue and Triskel host the headline shows. If you’re after the best up-and-coming talent, head to Kino. Plus, don’t miss the Cork City Hall concert series, featuring acts presented by Tom Keating.
Headliners not to miss
Many events are already sold out so it’s time to get booking. This year’s line-up spans jazz, soul, funk, rap, world sounds and beyond. Highlights you can still get your hands on include the soulful power of Lee Fields and The Expressions, the timeless rhythms of Orchestra Baobab, Jape performing a tribute to his classic Ritual project, which blends electronic, indie, and alternative pop with thoughtful, often philosophical lyrics, the gospel energy of Annie and The Caldwells, and the smooth hip-hop grooves of Rejjie Snow, the groundbreaking sounds of Nubya Garcia, as one of the most ground breaking saxophonists in the world, and leading the new wave of jazz coming out of the UK and Adrian Younge Orchestra, the stunning vocals of Tolü Makay, the rising brilliance of Sienna Spiro, Stella Bass’ tribute to Ella Fitzgerald (who returns after two sold out shows in 1980), and Jeff Mill’s ‘Tomorrow Comes The Harvest’, the jazz project and legendary Detroit electronic music producer.
Free jazz music on the streets
Along with the main programme of ticketed events, festival-goers can enjoy free jazz music and an electric atmosphere on the streets of Cork City, as The Big Fringe – organised by the local Jazz Festival Committee – returns. Expect spontaneous street performances, jam sessions and marching brass bands on the streets, turning Cork into one giant open-air stage. Highlights include the Oliver Plunkett Street Jazz Stroll on Friday 24th at 6:30pm, Jazz on the Plaza at the Superdome Stage on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, impromptu performances with marching brass bands on the streets, talks and performances at the Rory Gallagher Music Library, the Big Jazz Bus and much more.
Jazz mural at Kino
This year, keep your eyes peeled for a brand-new festival mural on the walls of Kino, celebrating the creativity the festival inspires. Created by Loughlin “Lockie” Brady Smith, it’s already tipped to be an instagrammable hotspot over the weekend!
Jazz market on St Patrick’s Street
A brand-new local food market will bring extra flavour to the festival this year. Open Saturday and Sunday from 11am–7pm, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite between gigs and soak up the city buzz.
Grab a pint and soak it all in
Whether you’re at a bustling bar or at a show, soak it all in with a pint of Guinness or Guinness 00 in hand, sponsors of the festival.
Jazz Festival Club
Don’t miss the legendary Jazz Festival Club at The Metropole Hotel, the original home of the festival. With a packed programme running all weekend long, it’s the heartbeat of the late-night scene — and a must for true jazz fans. Other hotels with great jazz programmes include The Imperial Hotel and The River Lee Hotel.
Take a trip to Kinsale
Many might not know that there’s a fringe festival in the picturesque town of Kinsale all weekend, just 30 minutes from the city. Well worth a visit.
With its electric mix of free music trails, ticketed gigs, street performances, and late-night revelry, the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is more than a series of concerts – it’s Cork’s biggest party of the year.
With its mix of jazz greats, global innovators, and breakthrough Irish talent, it’s set to be another incredible weekend of music.
The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival takes place from 23-27 October. Tickets and full programme details are available here. Supported by Diageo, Fáilte Ireland, Cork City Council and Cork Airport.
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