3 May 2026, 1-5pm, Fitzgerald’s Park

Inspired by the global traditions of Mela — gatherings that bring people together in celebration — the inaugural Cork Mela brought thousands of people together in Fitzgerald Park for a vibrant afternoon of music, dance, food and cultural experiences from around the world.

Produced by ArtsEkta, Cork Mela marked an exciting new chapter as the organisation expanded its work into the Republic of Ireland for the first time, building on the success of Belfast Mela, Ireland’s largest celebration of cultural diversity.

From live performances and creative workshops to global flavours and family-friendly activities, Cork Mela celebrated the creativity, resilience and imagination of the many cultures and communities that make Cork such a vibrant and welcoming city.

Highlights

Throughout the day, Fitzgerald Park came alive with:

• Live music and dance performances from local, national and international artists
• Colourful cultural showcases and interactive experiences
• Global street food and artisan traders
• Storytelling, crafts and creative workshops
• Family-friendly activities and wellbeing experiences
• Community performances celebrating cultures from across Cork and beyond

The festival featured performances and participation from more than 20 community groups and artists, creating a joyful shared space where people could connect, discover and celebrate together.

Thank You Cork

A huge thank you to all the artists, performers, community groups, partners, volunteers and audiences who helped make the very first Cork Mela such a special day.

Special thanks to our supporters and partners including Cork City Council, Rethink Ireland and Cork’s 96FM.

This was just the beginning, and we look forward to continuing to grow Cork Mela in the years ahead.

Download the Cork Mela Event Guide

Explore the full festival programme, stage schedules and site map from Cork Mela 2026. Download here