Cork on a Fork Fest Preview Ahead Of This Week’s Full Programme launch

The first hint of summer’s tastiest week arrives this Wednesday (6th May) as the programme for Cork on a Fork Fest 2026 (12-16th August), a Cork City Council festival, is officially unveiled. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the standout events in this year’s celebration.

Tickets go on general sale this Thursday, 7th May, so don’t miss out! There is one notable exception - the popular VQ Shared Table, which opens for booking earlier on Monday at 9am. With weather-proofing in place this year, tickets are expected to fly.

Cork on a Fork Fest is Cork’s biggest celebration of food, taking place from 12–16th August 2026, and promises its most ambitious edition yet. Organisers at Cork City Council are planning more than 150 events across the city, a significant expansion on last year, transforming Cork into a five-day showcase of the people, produce, and passion that define its unique food culture.

The festival is delivered by Cork City Council in partnership with local hospitality businesses and producers, and supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Visit Cork, Cork Airport, the Irish Hotels Federation, MTU, LEO Cork City, Cork Business Association, and is sponsored by Musgrave.

From chef collaborations and pop-up dining in unexpected spaces to producer tastings, street feasts, talks, and family-friendly events, the festival continues to balance accessibility with culinary ambition. Many events remain free, reinforcing its strong community ethos.

Cork’s food reputation continues to grow well beyond Ireland. Travel publication Big 7 Travel, after attending last year’s festival, noted that Cork on a Fork “puts Cork among Europe’s great food destinations,” praising its blend of heritage, innovation, and deep-rooted local connections.

The inside scoop

While many events will be revealed on Wednesday, here are a few early highlights to look forward to:

VQ Shared Table, sponsored by Birra Moretti - now weatherproof

One of the festival’s headline events returns in spectacular fashion, bigger and better than before. This year, the VQ Shared Table, sponsored by Birra Moretti, will once again stretch along MacCurtain Street, bringing together nearly 500 diners (up from 400 last year) for a long-table feast celebrating the Victorian Quarter’s vibrant food scene.

And there is no need to keep one eye on the sky. In a significant update, organisers have confirmed investment in full weather-proofing with a stretch marquee, ensuring the event goes ahead rain or shine. Only in cases of severe weather will it move indoors to the Metropole Hotel.

Guests can expect a welcome drinks reception featuring Birra Moretti, PepsiCo, and West Cork Whiskey, followed by a four-course sharing menu created by a standout line-up of local venues including The Glass Curtain, The Metropole, Greene’s, Paladar, The Dean, Isaacs Restaurant, The Address, Da Mirco, Thompsons, and The Shelbourne Bar. Wines will be curated by MacCurtain Wine Cellar. Sponsored by Birra Moretti and supported by PepsiCo, TS Events, SuperValu, and Clonakilty Blackpudding, this remains one of the festival’s most sought-after tickets. With added weather protection, demand is expected to be even higher.

Tickets go on sale Monday 9am at €155 plus booking fee.

Chef Collaboration at Goldie Chapel

For a more intimate experience, Sunday evening brings a standout culinary collaboration at Goldie Chapel in Nano Nagle Place for just 60 diners.

In a rare coming together, Rob Krawczyk (Chestnut, Michelin-starred), Aishling Moore (Goldie, Bib Gourmand), and Good Day Deli will create a one-night-only dining experience celebrating seasonal Irish produce.

The evening begins with a garden drinks reception before guests are guided through a carefully crafted menu in the atmospheric surroundings of Goldie Chapel. With very limited availability, this is expected to be one of the festival’s fastest sell-outs.

The Big Table Mixer - an alcohol-free social night minus the awkwardness

A new addition for 2026, The Big Table Mixer takes place at Marina Market on Friday, 14th August, reflecting Cork’s growing appetite for alcohol-free social experiences.

This relaxed communal dining event for 100 guests pairs a three-course feast from some of the market’s most popular traders, including Nua Asador, Okra, The Greek, Eco Fish, MKT Burger, Kura, Just Wing It, and Sweet Spot, with non-alcoholic cocktails from SAOR Zero Alcohol Bar and Heineken 0.0.

With music from Stevie G and a format designed to encourage conversation between courses, it offers a sociable alternative to traditional nights out, ideal for solo diners or anyone keen to meet new people in a relaxed setting. Tickets are €45, offering strong value.

Beyond the headline events, Cork on a Fork will once again invite locals and visitors to taste their way through the city with guided food trails, pop-up markets, brewery and distillery tours, demonstrations, and family-friendly programming.

With its expanding programme and growing international reputation, Cork on a Fork continues to strengthen the city’s status as one of Europe’s most exciting food destinations, as key stakeholders work towards securing the title of World Region of Gastronomy.

The full programme launches Wednesday, but if these early highlights are anything to go by, planning ahead - and booking quickly - will be essential. Tickets go on sale at www.corkonaforkfest.ie this Thursday at 9am, with the exception of the VQ Shared Table, which opens Monday at 9am.

Slán go fóill.