Foodies, assemble!

If your calendar isn’t already marked, consider this your official reminder to clear your schedule: the Cork on a Fork Festival Markets are making a return for 2026, and honestly, they’re looking bigger, better, and tastier than ever.

If there’s one thing we love more than a good weekend market, it’s a car-free street full of incredible food vendors – and the real game-changer this year is the location swap.

A whole new layout

For 2026, South Main Street is getting fully pedestrianised for an Open Streets takeover on Saturday and Sunday, August 15th and 16th. Imagine a completely traffic-free, sun-soaked (fingers crossed!) stretch dedicated strictly to strolling, snacking, and soaking up the vibes.

The Festival Market footprint isn’t stopping there either – it’s stretching out onto Tuckey Street and Grand Parade, creating a massive foodie hub right in the heart of the city.

What to expect
Heading down to graze your way through the stalls? Here’s a quick glance at what’s lined up:

• Food & Craft Stalls: Local Cork producers taking centre stage with everything from artisan treats to handmade local crafts.
• Live Music & Street Theatre: Entertainment popping up across the site all day long to keep the buzz going.
• Family Fun: A pop-up Rumleys Farm (yes, actual animals!) plus giant board games and free face painting to keep the little ones happy while you hunt down the best street food option.

Vendors include:

• Afro Caribbean Food

• Lokma Lane

• Hanna’s Bees

• Bó Burgers and Steak Sandwiches

• Churros

• Between Flavours

• Ali’s Bakery

• Wooden Kitchen Craft

• Akel at Home

• Ardsallagh Goats Cheese

• Caro’s Juices

• Mama Bear & Ballymaloe Relish

• Brazen Chilli

• The Cookie Coop

• Gidi’s Great on the Grill

• Sow Diverse

• Irish Seaweed Products

• Little Catch Seafood

• Imonsu

• Derrynane Pottery

• Keith’s Cones

• Spice Genie

• Anraí Farmhouse

• Annie’s Roasts

• Burritto Addict

• The Hartrey Kitchen

• Shelly’s Bakery

• House Of Wild Collective

• Coffee Lab Creative

• Dfudge Delights

• Sweet Art Cupcakes

The whole thing is part of the Open Streets net-zero city pilot project – meaning you can enjoy a full day of food, community, and entertainment knowing it’s making the city centre just a little bit greener.