Magic, Mayhem and Mind-Blowing Science: Final Countdown to Cork Carnival of Science 2026

Organised by Cork City Council and funded through the Research Ireland Discover Programme, the free family festival has become one of the country’s largest outdoor STEM celebrations, transforming Fitzgerald Park into a lively hub of curiosity, creativity and exploration.

This year’s programme features more than 50 exhibitors and 22 live science shows across the weekend, with a strong focus on participation, imagination and science-based wonder. Visitors can expect everything from theatrical science performances and sports experiments to immersive exhibits, roaming characters and giant outdoor activities designed to make science accessible, exciting and fun for all ages.

Among this year’s headline additions is The Science of Hogwarts from Science 2 Life, a new live show inspired by the magical world of potions, levitation and spellbinding reactions. Blending dramatic storytelling with real scientific principles, the show explores how physics, chemistry and illusion can create moments that feel almost magical.

RTÉ’s Mark the Science Guy also joins the line-up with Science is My Superhero, a fast-paced and energetic stage show packed with live demonstrations, audience participation and explosive moments designed to entertain curious minds of all ages and will be a huge draw for children who recognise him from TV!

Elsewhere across the park, visitors can discover the Science of Sport with Science Made Simple, where balance, friction, movement and reaction times are all put to the test through live experiments and interactive challenges. Simply Science will bring controlled chaos to Innovation Way with What Could Possibly Go Wrong?, a lively performance full of audience challenges, surprising reactions and big visual moments.

New additions to this year’s programme also include W5 with Now That’s What I Call Science, which explores some of history’s most important scientific breakthroughs through fun, family-friendly experiments, while Inspirational Science presents The Circus Science Show, combining stunts, tricks and theatrical demonstrations in a colourful outdoor spectacle.

The festival experience extends far beyond the stages, with Fitzgerald Park once again filled with interactive discovery zones, roaming performers and hands-on activity areas. Families can build and create at LEGO Education workshops, explore marine life under microscopes, experiment with renewable energy concepts inside the Curiosity Cube from Merck, or step into immersive experiences including the Aquaculture Remote Classroom.

Visitors will also encounter playful science experiences throughout the park, from giant bubble displays and balloon-powered challenges to science-inspired walkabout performers and outdoor storytelling moments.

Research, sustainability and environmental innovation continue to play a major role in the festival programme. One of this year’s featured collaborations includes Living Seawalls, an initiative involving researchers and artists from University College Cork exploring how creative design can help support marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems.

The festival also places a strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusion, with dedicated quiet spaces, interactive activity zones and a mobile sensory van helping to ensure the event remains welcoming and enjoyable for all visitors.

Cllr. Fergal Dennehy, Lord Mayor of Cork said, “Cork Carnival of Science has become one of the highlights of the city’s summer events calendar and a brilliant example of how public spaces like Fitzgerald Park can be transformed into something educational, creative and genuinely fun for families. What makes the event so special is the way it encourages curiosity and discovery in such an engaging and accessible way. There really is something for everyone to enjoy across the weekend.”

Dr Rachel Iredale, Head of Public Engagement for Research Ireland said, “Research Ireland is proud to continue supporting Cork Carnival of Science through the Discover Programme. Events like this are incredibly important in helping people of all ages connect with STEM in an open, welcoming and hands-on environment. By bringing researchers, educators, performers and communities together, the festival helps spark curiosity and encourages young people to imagine future possibilities in science, technology and innovation.”

With live shows running throughout both days, outdoor discovery zones spread across Fitzgerald Park and surprise moments waiting around every corner, Cork Carnival of Science continues to offer families a unique opportunity to experience science in an entertaining, accessible and memorable way.

Whether visitors are uncovering the science behind a magic trick, watching a giant experiment unfold or getting hands-on with engineering, coding or sustainability activities, Cork Carnival of Science invites everyone to explore a world where curiosity leads the way.

For the latest updates and full programme details, visit corkcity.ie/corkcarnivalofscience or follow @corkcitycouncilofficial on social media.

Cork Carnival of Science is a Cork City Council festival, proudly supported by Research Ireland and media partners Irish Examiner and Cork's 96FM.

Contact Details:

Media and PR:                          Claire Philips                clair@e-t-c.ie                                      

Content & Programming:          Mervyn Horgan             mervyn_horgan@corkcity.ie

Event Controller:                      Becky Turnock             becky@sworldltd.com