👋 Greetings from Safe Harbour

February in Cork means music (choral and otherwise), cinema that matters, and the kind of community events that make the city feel genuinely connected. Plus there's a Super Bowl party with beer pong, because why not?

Here's what's in store this week:

⚫️ Choral festival & classical performances

⚫️ Super Bowl party, trad sessions & live music

⚫️ Film screenings & creative workshops

Let's dive in 👇

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

Cork Choral Festival 2026 90 venues across Cork Cork's choral festival returns with performances spanning 90 venues across the city and county. From cathedral choirs to contemporary vocal groups, the festival celebrates choral music in all its forms. This is Cork doing what it does best—bringing the entire community together around quality music. Festival details

The Lee Sessions Trad Trail Cork Heritage Pubs Traditional music sessions across Cork's historic pubs. The Lee Sessions Trad Trail connects musicians and audiences through the city's pub network. For the authentic Cork trad experience—pints, music, and proper pub atmosphere. Session details

Labyrinth 40th Anniversary Screening Triskel Arts Centre, Cork David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, and Jim Henson's puppets return to the big screen for Labyrinth's 40th anniversary. The 1986 fantasy classic gets the anniversary treatment it deserves at Triskel. For anyone who grew up with this film (or wants to introduce it to their kids), seeing it in a proper cinema makes all the difference. Get tickets

LIVE MUSIC

Lewis Barfoot Solo UK Tour Cork venue TBC British singer-songwriter Lewis Barfoot brings his solo tour to Cork. Barfoot's intimate acoustic performances showcase songwriting that favors storytelling over production. For fans of honest, stripped-back music that actually says something. Tour details

Meliora Quartet Cork City Library String quartet performance at Cork City Library's atmospheric venue. Meliora Quartet brings chamber music to an accessible city center location. Free admission makes this one of Cork's best cultural bargains—quality classical music without ticket stress. Concert details

Dancing Pianos! A Duet of Rhythm and Drama BVOF 2026 Part of Banna Valley Opera Festival's diverse programming. Dancing Pianos combines classical piano with theatrical performance and contemporary sensibility. BVOF consistently surprises—worth investigating even if opera isn't your usual scene. Performance info

Cork Philharmonic Winds - Threads and Transcriptions Cork venue Wind ensemble performance exploring connections between musical traditions and arrangements. Cork Philharmonic Winds brings professional wind playing to Cork audiences. Check their programme for specific composers and works featured. Concert details

The Lee Sessions Trad Trail Cork Heritage Pubs Traditional music sessions across Cork's historic pubs. The Lee Sessions Trad Trail connects musicians and audiences through the city's pub network. For the authentic Cork trad experience—pints, music, and proper pub atmosphere. Session details

FOOD & DRINK

Cork's Biggest Super Bowl Watch Party Cork venue with beer pong & drink deals Super Bowl LIX gets the full Cork treatment with screens, beer pong, and drink specials. For American football fans and anyone who enjoys a properly organized watch party with like-minded people. Check venue for kickoff time adjusted to Irish time zones. Party details

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

BVOF Open Air - Opening Ceremony 2026 Outdoor venue, Cork The Banna Valley Opera Festival kicks off with an outdoor opening ceremony. BVOF brings opera to unexpected Cork locations, making the art form accessible without sacrificing quality. Check festival schedule for specific location and weather contingency plans. Festival info

LITTLE LOCALS

Make Your Own Puppet Workshop Cork City venue All-ages puppet-making workshop in Cork city. Children and adults learn basic puppet construction and character design. Perfect for families who prefer their activities hands-on and genuinely creative. Materials typically provided—check with organizers about what to bring. Workshop details

Lost a Dog Memorial Walk Cork location TBC Fundraising walk honoring beloved pets who've passed. A supportive community event for anyone processing pet loss while contributing to animal welfare causes. Dogs (current companions) typically welcome—verify before bringing yours along. Walk details

ARTS & CULTURE

Beatles' Secretary Freda Kelly - Film Screening Kinsale venue Documentary screening about Freda Kelly, the Beatles' secretary whose unique perspective shaped the band's story. Kelly and family attend this West Cork screening. For Beatles fans and anyone interested in the untold stories behind cultural phenomena. Screening details

UNTIL NEXT WEEK

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