Brought to you by Cork Midsummer. 

Ah, Cork Midsummer.

The event that transforms the “real capital,” into a rambunctious, 16-day celebration of the arts is almost ready for this year’s instalment.

Cork Midsummer Festival brings captivating theatre performances, mesmerising music, dazzling street spectacles, ambitious visual art, daring dance and so much more to Cork for 12 days from June 12th – 23rd, 2024.

And there’s more good news, frugal friends! Nestled amongst the ticketed events are a surprising number of freebies.

Here’s your guide to navigating the festival on a budget.

THIS YOUIIYOU 

The details: June 18th to 23rd, Millennium Hall, City Hall. Showtimes here.

Renowned artist Tino Sehgal’s This youiiyou pays tribute to the bonds of care and love between generations – between child and guardian – in this fleeting constructed situation between infants and their parents.

Parents and infants will participate together with voice, rhythm, body language and affections creating an inspiring live encounter between the spectator and those enacting the work.

THEATRE FOR ONE: THIS IRELAND

The details: Emmet Place, June 15th – 23rd. Showtimes here. 

Head for the purpose-built booth on Emmet Place where one actor will perform 12 short plays for one audience member at a time. Part confessional, part peep-show booth, the idea is conceived and created by the Olivier and Tony Award-winning designer Christine Jones, and constructed by LOT-EK architects.

Each original five-minute play is written specifically for this specially designed, state-of-the-art theatre. It’s completely free – no tickets required – just rock up and join the queue.

THE SUN AND ONLY!

The details: June 15th and 16th, 2024 (4pm) TEST SITE, Kyrl’s Quay

A new performance and outdoor exhibition by artist Isadora Epstein, this 40-minute experience combines weather lore and classical mythology, presented as a weather report with a surprising forecast.

Curated by Chris Clarke and commissioned by the Glucksman, music and visual art bring together forgotten and familiar stories of the sun – from Icarus’ melty wings to the shepherd’s delight at a red sky at night.

CORK MIDSUMMER PARADE

The details: June 16th (3pm) Oliver Plunkett Street

Join The Family Shenanigan, an eccentric troupe of more than 150 makers and performers, and rejoice in their spectacular antics, weird contraptions, dazzling floats and stunning costumes in a unique Cork celebration of Midsummer for all. Cork Community Art Link is back on the streets of Cork with their renowned creative vision and unique take on creative collaboration.

An Accessible Area will be available during the parade at 7 Cook Street next to Murphy’s Ice Cream. Ear defenders are recommended for those sensitive to loud noise and you can also join the grand finale on the Grand Parade.

Photo: Jed Niezgoda

KAMCHÀTKA

The details: June 16th (2pm) St Patrick’s Street. More here. 

After an iconic debut in 2018, exhilarating and inspiring street theatre company Kamchàtka returns to Cork once more with their acclaimed and anarchic performance.

Here’s the gist: Seven characters are lost in the city, each carrying their own suitcase. Are they simply passers-by, or immigrants to this place? Naïve but curious and wearing their hearts on their sleeves, they interact with passing citizens to interrupt and disrupt what we may otherwise take for granted.

UROBOROS La Casa Oscura

The details: June 15th and 16th, Cornmarket Street and Grand Parade. Showtimes here. 

Two dancers perform this contemporary dance on the street, moving through the different but universal stages of life.

Using diverse elements from different dance styles, physical theatre and performance, Uroboros is a playful and fun creation that contrasts with the intensity of movement – reflecting the human journey from birth, youth, adulthood and death.