Poking holes in the universe, stargazing with alpacas, pairing wine with planets and celebrating Star Trek are just some of the stellar events on offer at SpaceFest 2026, a week-long celebration of the cosmos and its wonders running from November 7th-15th, across Cork city and county.
Now in its fifth year, the SpaceFest programme has its roots in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths (STEAM) and will take visitors on a journey from twelve venues across Cork to the far reaches of the universe.
PLENTY VARIETY
The festival’s main exhibition, Cosmic Cartography, is a free event at Marina Market from Saturday 7th to Wednesday, 11th November, featuring a galaxy of art and science. Through more than a dozen exhibits, visitors can discover how different cultures have mapped the stars, make their own mark on the universe, see a reproduction of Neil Armstrong’s famous footprint on the Moon, and explore the geological wonders of space through work by art and geology collective, The Fold. Younger audiences can enjoy Professor Tony Baloney’s Space Science Show and space-themed reading sessions for tiny astronauts with Cork City Library.
For adults, Planets, Plates & Pairings will bring an astrophysicist and a sommelier together at Cork County Cricket Club for an exploration of the galaxy through food and wine tastings.
At Blackrock Castle Observatory, Dr Alfredo Carpineti will explore the science of the search for extraterrestrial life in Boldly Going… on the Hunt for Aliens, asking whether alien civilisations (including Klingons and Vulcans!) might already know we’re here. Meanwhile, at O’Sho on Barrack Street on Tuesday, 10th November, artist K.A. Jagai will lead a hands-on workshop inviting participants to create their own cosmos-inspired lanterns.
The festival also offers opportunities to experience space through movement and observation. Participants can join a Space Walk movement workshop, learning to move as though there is no gravity, before parading through the Market in giant space helmets created by Lumen Street Theatre. In East Cork, visitors can learn the basics of stargazing from UCC astrophysics lecturer Dr Mark Kennedy and a pair of Alpacas at Saunas and Stargazing.
BOOKING ADVISED
Other venues across the city and county include University College Cork (UCC), Blackrock Castle Observatory and National Space Centre near Midleton in East Cork.
Many SpaceFest 2026 events are free to attend, but some events are already sold out and early booking is advised.
For the full programme and booking information, visit www.spacefest.net.
