Cork County Culture Night Returns Friday, 19th September 2025 – Celebrating Culture, Creativity and the Arts

Communities across Cork County are preparing for a spectacular Culture Night on Friday, the 19th September. This year’s programme features over 100 free events across 17 hub towns and surrounding areas from fire shows in historic forts, to musical parades, film screenings under the stars and immersive workshops for all ages.

Coordinated by Cork County Council and funded by the Arts Council, Culture Night shines a light on the diverse, dynamic and creative communities that make Cork County a cultural destination. It acts as an opportunity for all cultural producers to get involved and reach new audiences. In 2024, Culture Night in County Cork worked with 183 artists and 132 venues.

Following a packed 2024 programme with over 17,000 attendees, this year’s Culture Night includes interactive family experiences and events celebrating both Irish traditions and global influences. Culture Night Late is back, bringing a vibrant lineup of events that will keep the cultural energy going well into the evening, and beyond.

Highlights from the 2025 programme include:

• Experience a spectacular fire performance by ROGU and music by Red FMs Stevie G at the iconic Camden Fort Meagher, transforming this historic site into a stage of fire and light. Expect high energy, heart-racing artistry and an unforgettable atmosphere.
• Grab a blanket and watch the hit 2024 musical fantasy film “Wicked” in a magical outdoor setting at Mallow Castle. An evening of open-air cinema under the stars awaits.
• Join the Mallow Musical Society for a fun, inclusive workshop where participants of all ages and abilities will learn choreography, vocal work and acting direction. This will culminate in a full musical theatre number created in just one evening.
• Carrigalive is back, a vibrant celebration of music, dance, visual arts, literature and community, featuring local and multicultural performances, parades, installations and spontaneous creativity across the town. Also in Carrigaline, Mamaí Gé presents a bilingual, interactive children’s play filled with music, dancing, puppetry and adventure.
• Follow a dynamic cultural trail through Bantry that brings together music, dance, literature and conversation. The evening concludes with concert sets by Gealach Quartet & Leevy, blending classical and traditional Irish music in celebration of West Cork’s world-renowned musical heritage.
• Celebrate the roots of Irish culture through live traditional music hosted by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann branches from all corners of Cork County.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley encourages people of all ages to come out and experience Culture Night, saying, ‘Culture Night is a wonderful celebration of the creativity, heritage and diversity that make our communities so special. It’s an open invitation to step inside our theatres, galleries, studios, and historic buildings, to meet the artists, performers and storytellers who inspire and connect us. I encourage everyone to get out and explore what’s on offer. There’s something for all ages, and best of all, it’s free. Culture Night reminds us that the arts are not only for special occasions, they are part of the fabric of everyday life here in our County’.

Culture Night Cork County 2025 features many pop-up performances, poetry readings, musical events, children’s workshops and short-form theatre. Culture Night takes place on Friday, 19th September 2025, 4pm until late with events for all ages in towns and villages all across Cork County. All events are free to attend but booking is required for some. Click the link below for details of all events.

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