Final First Fridays Event to end Successful Summer Season to a Close
01/09/2026
Cork City's popular First Fridays programme will bring its successful summer season to a close this Friday, with a packed programme of family-friendly events, cultural experiences and live entertainment across the city centre.
Since launching earlier this summer, First Fridays has transformed the city centre on the first Friday of each month, delivering vibrant evening events that have encouraged people to explore the city in new ways.
It has involved strong collaboration between Cork City Council, cultural venues, artists, performers, local businesses and community organisations.
The final event this Friday promises to be the biggest yet, with activities taking place across a range of city locations including:
Circus Fun and Street Food at Cornmarket Street
The popular First Fridays Market returns to Cornmarket Street from 5pm, partnering with the UpDown Circus Festival for a special family-focused celebration.
Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of street food while taking in spectacular performances from stilt walkers Ms Deevadee and Lidija Šola, alongside surprise appearances from the Cork Puppetry Company. Families are also invited to get involved in hands-on circus activities with Let's Play Cork, including accessible juggling workshops and an opportunity to help set a new county record on the "juggle board".
Music at Elizabeth Fort
The historic Elizabeth Fort will open to the public from 5pm to 8pm, providing a unique setting for an evening performance by the Barrack Street Band at 7pm.
Choral Evensong at St Fin Barre's Cathedral
Visitors are invited to experience a 45-minute Choral Evensong service at St Fin Barre's Cathedral
from 6.15pm. The Cathedral will remain open until 9pm, with guided tours available on request.
History, Science and Tastings at The Butter Museum
At the Butter Museum in Shandon, food historian Dr Regina Sexton and Professor Alan Kelly of UCC's School of Food and Nutritional Sciences will present "Drinking Buttermilk All the Week: Mixing History, Science and Heritage".
The event will explore the historical importance of milk and buttermilk in Irish diets, examining changing food traditions through a lively blend of discussion and tastings. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
Sara Baume in Conversation at The Glucksman
Award-winning author Sara Baume will appear at The Glucksman, UCC, reflecting on her new book Opening Night. The work explores friendship, creativity, belonging and the transformative power of art through the relationship between Baume and artist Mollie Douthit.
The event is free to attend and can be booked via Eventbrite.
Journey Through the Cosmos at Blackrock Castle Observatory
Visitors can also explore the wonders of the universe at Blackrock Castle Observatory, which has extended its planetarium schedule and opening hours until 8pm for the evening.
Cork City Council’s night-time economy advisor, Fiona Collins, praised the impact of the initiative and encouraged the public to attend the final event.
"First Fridays has shown the power of collaboration, bringing together cultural venues, local businesses, artists and communities to create a lively and engaging city centre experience,” she said.
“As we prepare for our final event of the year, I want to thank everyone who contributed to making the initiative such a success and invite people to join us for one last celebration this Friday."
First Fridays is a Cork City Council initiative, delivered through its City Centre Directorate and supported by the Night Time Economy Programme, as part of the City Council’s renewed focus on the city centre. The initiative is also being supported by Fáilte Ireland.
Inspired by the success of Culture Night, it was launched in April to help animate the city centre with markets and events on the first Friday of each month throughout the summer.