Curious about the cosmos?

This November, science goes supernova as SpaceFest transforms Cork city and county into a galaxy of imagination.

From DIY rocket launches to Venus-themed disco art and even cow-counting via satellite, the festival runs from November 8th to 15th, 2025, inviting more than 6,500 space dreamers to explore where art and astronomy collide.

Jack (7) and Zoe Lordan (5) point the way to this year’s fun-filled SpaceFest.

The week-long celebration — backed by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland and produced by Greywood Arts —  will include experiments, workshops, and wonder across Cork’s most inspiring venues, including Blackrock Castle Observatory, Marina Market, UCC, and beyond.

Here are this year’s coolest events:

• Build a Rocket in Your Own Back Garden: Learn how you can be the chief engineer and ground control crew for your own homemade rockets in this friendly workshop that makes rocket design accessible to everyone. November 11th, 6pm at UCC (FREE)
• Beyond the Visible: An Evening of Art, Astronomy & Alcohol: Astrophysicist and mixologist Dr Alfredo Carpineti leads audiences through a dazzling exploration of dark matter, radio waves, and Sagittarius B2 cocktails. Artist Helen O’Keefe responds in real time with live sketches and invites the audience to join in. November 9th, 6pm at Blackrock Castle Observatory (€25).
• Space Twist: The starship crew at music collective Audio Research Corporation (ARC) will bring together DJs, producers, and visual artists for a cosmic mix of music, dance, cocktails, and the chance to Adopt-An-Alien. November 14th, The Liberty Bar, South Main Street, Cork (FREE).
• Out of This Zine! Workshop: Blast off into DIY publishing and create your own pocket-sized universe on paper. From the punky history of zines to hands-on folding, collage, and storytelling, learn how to beam your ideas into orbit. November 15th, 10am, Greywood Arts, Killagh (€20).
• UCC Crawford Observatory Tours: Enjoy a private tour of UCC’s historic 1881 Crawford Observatory, a monument to Victorian ingenuity and a testament to the golden age of astronomy in Ireland. November 11th, 6pm and 7pm (FREE).

Ticketing and the full schedule can be found at spacefest.net.