Yes, there is such a thing as a free lunch.

If you’re looking for a family day out in Cork this August, the Blackpool Block Party should be firmly on your radar.

Returning on Sunday, August 23rd, the much-loved city celebration will transform Great William O’Brien Street into a lively festival space packed with live music, workshops, street performances, food and family fun – and it won’t cost you a bob.

Running from 1pm to 5pm, the event promises a carnival atmosphere, with everything from céilís and acrobatics to craft workshops, community art and sustainable fashion activities.

One of the biggest draws of the day will be a free community lunch, prepared by the Tiger Balm Supper Club using ingredients grown in community gardens across Cork City.

Afterwards, visitors can tuck into an afternoon tea party under the marquee, with sweet treats baked by Blackpool residents for everyone to enjoy.

Take home free plants and fresh produce

Green thumbs are in for a treat too.

Gardeners from the Health Action Zone and Blackpool Men’s Shed will be giving away fresh seasonal produce grown in local community gardens, along with free planters, pots, compost and seeds to help people start growing at home.

The live music line-up includes Two Time Polka, Arundó, The Hepsters Jazz Trio and The Spangle Hill Band, while the packed programme also features flash fiction workshops, street acrobatics, repair cafés, clothes swaps, knitting sessions, gardening demonstrations, smoothie bikes, children’s games, craft stalls and community art displays.

The event is organised by Cork Community Art Link as part of Cork City Council’s Open Streets programme, which sees roads temporarily transformed into welcoming public spaces for community events instead of traffic.

With free food, free activities and even free plants to bring home, this is shaping up to be one of Cork’s feel-good family events of the summer.