Best Music Festivals in Cork In 2025
Cork isn’t just a city; it’s a year-round stage for music lovers and the Montenotte Hotel is your front-row seat to the action. So, what’s on the playlist for the rest of 2025? Get ready to experience a whirlwind of family-friendly festivals and events that’ll have you tapping your toes, singing along, and maybe even discovering your new favourite genre.
Here’s your insider guide to the not-to-be-missed music festivals in Cork, all within easy reach of our hotel.
Cork International Choral Festival (April 30 – May 4, 2025)
As one of Europe’s premier international choral festivals, Cork International Choral Festival is noted for its high standards, eclectic and wide-ranging programme, and the friendliness of its welcome.
The event, which is the city’s largest international festival, has been held annually in venues across the city, centring around the City Hall, since 1954.
Cork will again welcome visitors and choirs from across Ireland and the world for a programme of gala concerts, school concerts, national and international competitions and world-class performances.
The city’s streets, restaurants and bars are also always full of choral joy, so it’s a great weekend to experience Cork.
For more information visit: www.corkchoral.ie.
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival (May 26 – June 2, 2025), Waterford and Cork
Experience an exhilarating week of opera, classical music recitals and concerts, schools and free events, pop-up events, dining and more at incredible homes and stunning historic venues throughout the Blackwater Valley at Ireland’s Summer Opera Festival.
The festival has something for everyone whether you’re a classical fan or are just looking for a glamourous evening out.
This year’s highlight will be four performances of Benjamin Britten A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a comedy of errors, directed by Tony Award-winner Patrick Mason, with the Irish Chamber Orchestra conducted by David Brophy in the grounds of Lismore Castle in County Waterford.
Also don’t miss the Dromore Yard concerts series or the 2025 festival finale, Baroque Hits.
Free BVOF Open Air Lunchtime Recitals will bring the magic to local communities in Lismore and Dungarvan, Waterford; Youghal, and Castlemartyr in Cork for the very first time.
More than 23 events will take place over eight days and in excess of 5,000 visitors are expected.
Book tickets now: www.blackwatervalleyopera.ie
Macroom Music Fest (June 1st)
Macroom Music Fest first started on 24th June 2023 and is a 2-day outdoor music festival run in the Square in Macroom town centre by the people of Macroom. There will be a Music trail in all bars for the Friday night. On the Saturday all 3 acts will be live in the Square with gates opening at 5:00.
Macroom town has a history of music festivals as it was the 1st town in Ireland to organise an open air music festival in 1976 namely, The Mountain Dew Festival, with major acts to include; Rory Gallagher, Van Morrison, The Chieftans and many more acts with upto 20,000 people attending from all over Europe. This continued until 1982 and is marked in History to be a major success. 40 years on, the new music festival launched, namely Macroom Music Fest which was a major success attracting acts from all over Ireland and beyond with thousands in attendance.
Tickets available here: www.macroommusicfest.ie
Cork Midsummer Festival (June 13th – 22rd)
Cork Midsummer Festival is an annual multi-disciplinary arts festival that uses the city as its backdrop and inspiration. It provides high-quality arts events, both national and international, for audiences of all ages. Its programme provides opportunities for significant public participation and engagement, supports the development of emerging artists across all artforms, and provides a unique platform for work by local and national artists.
Tickets available here: https://www.corkmidsummer.com
West Cork Chamber Music Festival (June 27th – July 6th)
Set against the stunning backdrop of Bantry House and Gardens in Co. Cork, the West Cork Chamber Music Festival is back for its 28th year and is not to be missed if you’re visiting Cork and staying with us at the Montenotte Hotel. This internationally acclaimed festival will showcase 50 concerts featuring 80 world-class musicians over 10 days and nights.
From June 27th to July 6th, Bantry, County Cork, will transform into a vibrant hub of musical artistry.
Tickets available here: https://www.westcorkmusic.ie/chamber-music-festival/booking/
Cork on a Fork Fest August 13-17, Cork City
Experience the unique flavours of Cork’s vibrant food culture as the city celebrates its culinary excellence, vibrant dining and nightlife scene, and exceptional local produce from regional growers, producers, and farmers. The majority of the country’s artisan food producers are from the Cork region.
Over five days, local and visitors alike will savour the essence of this authentic and multicultural gastronomy destination through exclusive dining experiences, food events, talks, cooking demonstrations, a full children’s programme and festival fun.
Organised by Cork City Council, the event is run in partnership with local hospitality businesses, Fáilte Ireland, Ireland’s Ancient East, Pure Cork, Cork Business Association and Cork Airport.
View what’s on: www.corkonaforkfest.ie.
Clonakilty International Guitar Festival (September 18th – 21st)
For the duration of CIGF we eschew the greenfield model for a festival instead our town is our stage as we reclaim and reimagine our public spaces and schedule performances & events in all manner of venues from the local schools & library to the bars & butcher shops transforming these places from an ordinary place of daily business, to an evolving stage, where encounters with music and magic are frequent and ubiquitous.
With a special focus on inclusivity and sustainability, the CIGF program includes performances at local nursing homes, community groups, hospitals, and schools.
For More Information Visit: https://clonguitarfest.com
Guinness Cork Jazz Festival (October 23rd-27th)
Ireland’s biggest and longest-established jazz event, the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, has been a cornerstone of the cultural calendar since 1978.
It draws hundreds of talented musicians and tens of thousands of enthusiastic music fans to Cork City for an incredible celebration of jazz in all its forms.
The 2025 festival promises a stellar line-up of both Irish and international musicians, along with emerging artists who are redefining the boundaries of the genre.
In addition to outstanding performances, the festival offers vibrant pop-up events, late-night parties, scenic boat trips, unique collaborations, and the iconic spectacle of brass bands parading through the city streets.
It’s no surprise this festival remains one of Ireland’s most popular and anticipated events.
Stay tuned for the announcement of headline acts closer to the date.
For updates and details, visit: www.guinnesscorkjazz.com.
Your Cork Symphony Awaits at the Montenotte Hotel
The Montenotte Hotel isn’t just a place to rest your head after a day of festival-hopping; it’s an experience in itself. After a day of musical exploration, you can relax and indulge in gourmet cuisine at our Panorama Restaurant, sip delicious cocktails in our one-of-a-kind Glasshouse bar, or unwind with a pampering session in our Bellevue spa.
So, what are you waiting for? Let the Montenotte Hotel be your conductor and let Cork’s music scene be your orchestra!