Joy In The Park returns to Cork this summer, with a full day of fun planned for July

The whole gang will love this one.
The people behind Joy In The Park have announced the one-day festival will return for its second year this July, bringing a host of music and entertainment to the city centre.
A fun-filled family afternoon, named in honour of a close friend of one of the organisers, the event promises a quirky and eclectic mix of live music, spoken word, storytelling, children’s entertainment, circus, workshops, wellness activities alongside a delicious food market in Fitzgerald’s Park on the afternoon of Sunday, July 23rd, 2023.
It’s all free too so you can pack a picnic and enjoy a day out with the gang, even if you’re on a budget.
“In June of 2021, event organiser Linda Plover sadly lost a close family member; her name was Joy and she was everything her name represents; she loved music and the arts and wrote poetry and short stories. Her favourite colour was purple,” they told us.
Organised in partnership with Cork Mental Health Foundation, Joy In The Park is a celebration of life, whilst highlighting the importance of minding our mental health and wellbeing.
This year promises another stellar lineup with headliners, The Frank and Walters joined by Cork’s own soul queen, Karen Underwood and her band, award-winning traditional folk artist, Aoife Scott and ska favourites, Pontious Pilate and The Nail Drivers.
View this post on Instagram
The Mad Hatters’ tent will feature some of Cork’s finest grassroots artists including Elly O’Keeffe, Hank Wedel, Victoria Keating and Aine O’Gorman, Leah Sohotra and Martin Leahy, Alan Tobin and Justin Grounds and Clare O’Mahony, whilst the Joy Sylvie Stage will host a mix of spoken word and hip-hop, with acts yet to be announced.
A day of free fun for kids
Families will be spoilt for choice with a full programme of entertainment throughout the afternoon including the return of the Circus Factory and infamous clown Circus Fanzini’s Professor Plunger.
Afternoon activities include arts and crafts, giant outdoor games, Kinderama’s movement for kids under six and meditation for all ages with Kelsang Drolma and games in the Rose Garden.