These might actually pass the teenage enjoyment test.

Rapping, beats, a viral hit and a parade through the city are among the free events taking place for Culture Night

Music Generation Cork City is bringing back Rock the Block on Friday, September 18th, with a programme of free music events in and around Cork City Library, including rap workshops, an intergenerational trad session and a showcase from the young performers behind one of the biggest Irish viral hits of recent years.

First up, teenagers aged 9 to 14 can head to the Rory Gallagher Music Library from 4pm to 5pm for a Rap & Beats Workshop led by GMCBeats and The Kabin Studio.

Participants will get the chance to have a go at songwriting, beatmaking, rap and recording – so, essentially, making music rather than being politely asked to listen to someone else talk about it.

Places are limited and must be booked in advance by text or WhatsApp on 089 267 0778 or by emailing info@thekabin.ie.

For anyone whose musical tastes lean more towards fiddles than beats, there will also be an Intergenerational Trad Session from 4pm to 5.15pm in the City Library Performance Space. Presented by Creative Tradition, Musical Neighbourhoods and Music Generation Cork City, the session is open to musicians and music fans of all ages.

Anyone with an instrument is encouraged to bring it along and join in. Under-16s will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Join the Rap-A-Mile parade

Then things get considerably louder.

At 5.30pm, the Rap-A-Mile parade will set off from Grand Parade, with The Kabin Crew leading a colourful procession of rap, rhythm and beats through the city before arriving at the City Library.

And if you’re wondering why The Kabin Crew might sound familiar, they are the Cork young people and performers behind The Spark, the viral song that became an unlikely international sensation.

The evening finishes with a Kabin Crew Showcase from 7.15pm to 8.30pm in the Carnegie Courtyard behind the City Library.

The showcase will feature performances from The Kabin Crew alongside young singers, songwriters, beatmakers and performers from Cork’s northside and beyond. The event is aimed at those aged 16 and over, with under-16s welcome if accompanied by an adult. Entry is free and access to the Carnegie Courtyard is via Tuckey Street.

So, if the prospect of spending Culture Night being dragged around a gallery while pretending to be interested in a particularly challenging installation isn’t doing much for the younger members of the family, this year there’s a few alternatives.

And, best of all, it’s all free.