May bank holiday: Five fun events to go to in Cork this weekend
Five events to go to in Cork this weekend
It's the May bank holiday, which means we are on the cusp of what we hope will be a lovely summer, jam-packed with fun things to do.
Cork is already pulling out all the stops with a bumper May bank holiday weekend filled with festivals for all ages.
If you want to embrace that summer feeling and enjoy the long weekend, look no further. We have five great events happening across city and county this weekend.
Ballydehob Jazz Festival is back this May bank holiday weekend with a jam-packed lineup of gigs, art, activities, and much more. Starting on Friday, April 28 until Monday, May 1, music lovers can catch unique live original shows, a free music trail of over 30 Irish and international acts as well as a jazz poetry slam, a circus for kids, workshops, and swing dance lessons.
Headline concerts across the weekend include Camilla Griehsel’s world premiere of Mamasongue Source and the multi-instrumentalist high-energy musical collaborative, TarantaCeltica. There are lots of free events to enjoy as well as ticketed music events. Weekend passes are also available.
- For more, see ballydehobjazzfestival.org
The Cork International Choral Festival kicked off on Wednesday, April 26, with plenty of events happening across the city until Sunday, April 30.
Founded in 1954, the festival is held annually before the May bank holiday across a range of venues in Cork city. Events include Schools Concerts, National and International Competitions, and world-class performances as thousands of participants bring the city to life for the celebration of choral music.
Highlights include the Big Sing in Cork City Hall at 12.15pm on Saturday as well as Chamber Choir Ireland with guest conductor Sofi Jeannin at St. Finbarre’s Cathedral later in the evening.
- For the full programme, see corkchoral.ie
Pack up the pooches and head to the Cork Showgrounds — Pups in the Park is coming to the Cork Showgrounds on Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30.
This year, the paw-ty theme promises a fun-filled lineup of doggy-inspired events and attractions including new additions such as ‘Dancing Dogs’ hosted by Crufts favourite Anne Shuker and return of other events such as the Puppy Play Pen, the Leader Bark Park, and the Hay Bale Race.
The Leader Main Arena will be hosted by singer/songwriter Jake Carter and will have an exciting line-up, including the Breed Meet Ups which is a doggy-designated event for a host of different breeds.
- Find out more at pupsinthepark.ie
One of the longest-running rugby 7s events, the annual Kinsale 7s is back for its 35th anniversary and promises to be bigger and better than ever.
In the picturesque Kinsale, the annual event takes place across five pitches and hosts over 150 matches. The weekend also consists of music entertainment, including a farewell gig on Sunday afternoon in the Main Marquee.
- See kinsale7s.com
Irish Indie-rock band HamsanwicH is back at Live at St Lukes's this bank holiday weekend. Following the release of their electronic-inspired fourth album. The band takes to the stage at the Cork venue on Saturday, April 29.
The band is celebrating 20 years together. “We’re really proud we’ve made it to 20. In an industry that celebrates youth, it’s definitely a thing we’re very, very proud of,” they told the Irish Examiner.
- For tickets, see eventbrite.ie
