October Festivals and Events

Join us at the City Library for a special series of free lunchtime and afternoon performances as part of the 47th Cork Folk Festival. From internationally acclaimed musicians to beloved local artists, this programme showcases the rich diversity of folk, traditional, bluegrass and contemporary acoustic music. Whether you're a dedicated folk fan or simply curious to discover something new, these intimate performances offer a wonderful opportunity to experience outstanding live music in the heart of the city. All events are free and all are welcome.

Main Floor, City Library - Thursday 8 October | 1pm | William Jack on Cello

Experience the extraordinary musicianship of William Jack, an Australian cellist and songwriter whose innovative approach is redefining the possibilities of the cello. Based in London, William blends his jazz guitar background with classical training to create a distinctive style that moves between folk, jazz, classical and contemporary music. Recently featured on BBC Radio 3 and selected as a New Folk songwriter at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas, he brings audiences on a captivating musical journey through sound, culture and creativity. All welcome.

Main Floor, City Library - Saturday 10 October | 11am | Sean O'Mahony

Join Cork musician and songwriter Sean O'Mahony for a performance rooted in traditional and folk music. Based in Newcestown, Bandon, Sean has performed throughout Ireland and Europe with groups including The Potbelly Folk Band and The Poachers. Influenced by folk, traditional Irish music, blues and country, he combines skilled musicianship with storytelling and song. Sean is a founding member of both Comhaltas Baile Nuis and Cork Songwriters and recently released his debut single, 'Katie's Lane'. All welcome.

Main Floor, City Library - Saturday 10 October | 1pm | Enda McCabe

Enjoy an afternoon of songs and stories with acclaimed singer-songwriter Enda McCabe. A Dubliner who spent more than two decades in England before returning to Ireland, Enda has performed across Ireland, Britain, Europe and the United States. His warm and engaging performances draw on personal experience, blending thoughtful songwriting with storytelling. Following a kidney transplant in 2021, Enda's return to the stage is a celebration of resilience, hope and the power of music. All welcome.

Main Floor, City Library - Saturday 10 October | 3pm | The Prairie Jaywalkers

Enjoy an afternoon of folk, blues and bluegrass with The Prairie Jaywalkers, Cork musicians Kevin and Geraldine Gill. Long established on Cork's music scene, the duo combines rich harmonies with guitar, bass, banjo and dobro, performing a mix of original songs, traditional favourites and instrumentals. Influenced by artists such as Mississippi John Hurt, Chet Atkins and Doc Watson, they bring warmth, experience and exceptional musicianship to every performance. All welcome.

Join us for National Women's Enterprise Day 2026 as we celebrate 20 years of empowering women in business! 🎉

📅 Thursday, 15 October 2026
📍 Great Southern Hotel, Killarney

Hosted by LEOs Kerry & Cork, this flagship Southwest event brings together ambitious women entrepreneurs, inspiring speakers, business leaders and future founders for a day of networking, learning and motivation.

🎤 MC: Elaine Kinsella
⭐ Keynote Speaker: Oonagh O'Hagan

Leading Lights Panel: Real-world lessons from four LEO-supported entrepreneurs, including  Virginia O’Gara (My Goodness), Christina Foley MSc (Inish Living), Claire Morgan (McWilliam Bags) and Shannen O’Reilly (TrustDish).

Whether you're starting out, scaling up or simply looking for inspiration, this is an event you won't want to miss.

South West National Women's Enterprise Day 2026 - Local Enterprise Office - CorkCity

October training for small businesses in Cork City

• Introduction to Public Procurement
• Let’s talk LEO business supports and grants
• LinkedIn – Building your Brand, your Network, your Business
• Instagram Advanced: Create, Engage, Convert
• Map your Marketing for Christmas and for 2026

For dates, times, course content etc, visit:

https://www.localenterprise.ie/corkcity/training-events/online-bookings/

• October 1st - Country by Candlelight

• October 2nd - Celine Dion by Candlelight

• October 3rd - Cork Orchestral Society

• October 10th - Lord Mayor's Heritage Concert

• October 13th & 14th - IE Style Live Presented by the Irish Examiner

• October 23rd - 26th - Tom Keating Presents - Jazz Weekend

• October 28th - Dizzie Rascal

• October 29th - November 1st - Food Market

• Monday 5th October - Forest School Session - Nature Connection Cork, Beaumont Park.
• Tuesday 6th October - UCC PESSA Programme, 11am - 3pm, Fitzgerald's Park.
• Monday 12th October - Forest School Session - Nature Connection Cork, Beaumont Park.
• Tuesday 13th October - UCC PESSA Programme, 11am - 3pm, Fitzgerald's Park.
• Wednesday 14th October - Green Schools Travel Festival, 9am - 3pm, Fitzgerald's Park.
• Saturday 17th October - Healthy Smiling Ireland - UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Fitzgerald's Park.
• Sunday 18th October - Rebel Run 2026 (MTU), Orienteering Murphy's Farm.
• Monday 19th October - Forest School Session - Nature Connection Cork, Beaumont Park.
• Tuesday 20th October - UCC PESSA Programme, 11am - 3pm, Fitzgerald's Park.
• Tuesday 27th October - UCC PESSA Programme, 11am - 3pm, Fitzgerald's Park.