Cork Jazz Festival 2025
The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival 2025 returns from
Thursday October 23rd to Monday October 27th and set to be bigger and better than ever. With a host of entertainment, events and shows along with our very own Guinness Jazz Brunch on Sophie’s Rooftop, The Cork Jazz Festival is not to be missed.
Cork Jazz Festival History
The Cork Jazz Festival is one of the longest-running and most prestigious jazz festivals in the world. The festival was founded in 1978, and what started out as a handful of gigs has entertained a growing audience every year since then.
The festival is celebrating its 46th year and will see its biggest programme yet, with an extra date added and more ticketed shows than ever before. Plus, its killer lineup features top musicians such as Cymande, JP Cooper, Orchestra Baobab, and The Pharcyde and more.
So the buzz is going to be mighty for 2025!
What Date Is The Cork Jazz Festival On?
The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is set to return to the city during the October Bank Holiday weekend – from Thursday October 23th to Monday October 27th.
Guinness Jazz Brunch at Sophie’s Rooftop – TBC
Join us at Sophie’s Rooftop at The Dean Cork for the funkiest afternoon of jazz paired with a delicious three course brunch. Soak up the lively atmosphere of the Cork Jazz Festival as you indulge in a sumptuous spread of delectable dishes.
Be prepared for an afternoon of Guinness, food, entertainment and lots of jazzy surprises as you raise a glass to the Guinness Cork Jazz celebrations.
Tickets now on sale here
Is the Cork Jazz Festival family-friendly?
Yes, the Cork Jazz Festival is family-friendly because in addition to the night-time gigs there there’s usually lots for families to do during the day. In the past, there’s been the Jazz Parade, kids’ activities in the City Library just off Grand Parade, and lots of street performers for the whole family to enjoy.
The good news is that you’re never too far from The Dean, so when the kids get too pooped to party, you can retire back to the comfort of your hotel room.
What Happens at the Cork Jazz Festival?
Basically, some of the very best jazz musicians from all over the world come to Cork – around 1,000 of them in total. And we do mean the biggest names, including jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Rich, Yasiin Bey, Sonny Rollins, and Chick Corea.
They then play gigs in over 80 different venues dotted throughout Cork City, with a mixture of indoor and outdoor events combined with street performances. Cork is already a vibrant and exciting city, but the Jazz Festival makes it feel even more alive – if that’s even possible.
But hey, you’ll pick up on the vibe once you’re here.
Cork Jazz Festival Line-up
Check out this year’s line up here
Jazz Festival Pubs
Here’s a list of pubs well worth visiting during your stay in Cork for the Jazz Festival.
Crane Lane
This venue is something of an institution in Cork and a popular place for locals and visitors alike to drop in and catch some live music from local and international acts. Being surrounded by all the retro decor is just a plus. Crane Lane has 3 different bars, including a late night craft beer bar that serves until 2 am.
Coughlans Bar
Coughlan’s Bar is located on Douglas Street in Cork City and has been serving the people of Cork since the 1860s – no, that’s not a typo. The pub is popular with locals and tourists alike and offers a great selection of drinks and food. It’s also a great venue for live music.
Old Town Whiskey Bar
There’s a lot to like about the Old Town Whiskey Bar in Cork. For starters, it’s the largest whiskey bar in Ireland. Then you have the award-winning food to go along with that – including some amazing steaks. Oh, and there’s a nightclub for the night owls.
Dwyers
This Cork gastropub has a lively atmosphere and has developed a reputation for great food and excellent customer service. The pub has been in operation since the 1800s, making it one of the oldest in the city. Dwyers is also a popular spot for live music, so make sure to check it out during the Jazz Festival itself.
Where to stay during Cork Jazz Festival
Now, we know there are lots of great places to stay in Cork, but being a resident at The Dean offers you a number of perks. The first is that we’re centrally located, so you won’t have to worry about trying to find a taxi because your hotel is miles away from anything.
Our hotel is also literally a stone’s throw from Kent train station, so you can travel to Cork by train, hop off, and be unpacking in your room a few minutes later. And then when you’re settled you can chill out with a drink at the Dean Bar or grab some amazing grub at our rooftop restaurant.
So why not check out our Jazz Festival accommodation package?
Thanks for stopping by to check out our guide to the 2025 Cork Jazz Festival – we’re as excited to see the final lineup of artists as you are.
Also, don’t forget to book your tickets and hotel rooms well in advance to avoid disappointment.
We don’t want to miss out on meeting you!