Music
Cork Jazz Festival
At a glance
- Entry
- Free with ticketed areas
Music
- Jazz
About
Cork Jazz Festival started in 1978 and takes over the city every October bank holiday weekend. Gigs happen in hotels, pubs, theatres and clubs all over Cork.
The programme covers traditional and modern jazz, soul, funk and blues, with ticketed concerts in the big venues and lots of free music in the pubs. Over the years it has hosted many jazz greats.
News and reviews
What the press said
Guinness Cork Jazz 2026 review: Jason Moran’s extraordinary solo show a glimmer of hope for festival’s future (opens irishtimes.com in a new tab)
The event reached a nadir in 2025. It’s still largely playing things safe, but the 2026 edition featured one of the most memorable concerts I’ve seen there
Boney M review: Short but sweet set at Opera House for Cork Jazz Festival (opens irishexaminer.com in a new tab)
Cork Jazz Festival review: Davis, Coltrane and Ellington get worthy tributes (opens irishexaminer.com in a new tab)
Keyon Harrold and Marcus Strickland at the Everyman, and Jason Moran at Triskel
Yussef Dayes review: Drummer delights at Opera House for first night of Cork Jazz Festival (opens irishexaminer.com in a new tab)
Sax and drums and rock'n'roll: 20 highlights of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival (opens irishexaminer.com in a new tab)
Whether you're a serious jazz fan, a fleet-footed clubber, or just somebody who wants to get out and about in Cork this weekend, here's our pick of what's on offer for a fun-filled weekend
Good to know
Camping and stays
- Day only (no camping)
Editions
Organisers
Run this festival? Claim the listing to keep it up to date and add each year’s dates. Know the next dates? Send them to us.
Festival details can change from year to year. Check the festival's own site before you book.