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Guinness Cork Jazz Festival

Name: Guinness Cork Jazz Festival
Start: 2026-10-23
End: 2026-10-25
Location: Cork

The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival returns to Cork, Ireland, from October 23 to 25, 2026, coinciding with the Irish bank holiday weekend. This annual music festival presents a diverse program featuring jazz, rock, folk, blues, and electronic music. Major venues such as Cork City Hall and Cork Opera House host international headliners, complemented by free street performances and a music trail across numerous local pubs.

Date: Oct 23-25, 2026
Location: Cork
Status: Upcoming

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Event summary

Highlights

Performances by Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats, The Stunning, and Mundy at Cork City Hall.
Masters At Work and Boney M performing at Cork Opera House.
Diverse international jazz artists including Yussef Dayes and Jason Moran.
Free public performances through the "Big Fringe" and Guinness Music Trail in pubs.

The 2026 Guinness Cork Jazz Festival promises a wide-ranging musical experience across Cork City. The Cork City Hall Series will feature rock, folk, and blues performances, with headliners including Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats, The Stunning, and Mundy. At the Cork Opera House, electronic music legends Masters At Work are scheduled for a special show on Friday, October 23, alongside a performance by Boney M. Additionally, the festival will host acclaimed jazz artists such as Yussef Dayes, Keyon Harrold, Marcus Strickland, Jason Moran, and Courtney Pine across various venues including Triskel Christchurch and the Everyman.

Beyond ticketed concerts, the festival's "Big Fringe" offers free public entertainment with street performances and a dedicated stage in Emmet Place. The popular Guinness Music Trail will activate approximately 70 pubs and venues throughout the city, providing additional live music. A special tribute to guitar legend Rory Gallagher is also planned at Cork City Hall. Founded in 1978 with Guinness taking over as title sponsor in 1981, the festival continues its tradition of bringing world-class musicians to Cork.

Practical details

Location described by the source: Cork Opera House; www.echolive.ie
Area for browsing nearby events: Cork

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.