Blackpool Block Party 2026

Blackpool Block Party is a free, family-friendly street festival on Great William O’Brien Street in Blackpool, on Cork City’s northside, running from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday 23 August 2026. Organised jointly by Cork Community Art Link and Blackpool Community Centre, it’s built as a genuine community celebration rather than a ticketed event, with the whole street given over to music, food and local talent for the afternoon.

What to expect

The afternoon’s live music lineup includes the Ceili All Stars, Kabin Crew, The Heppsters Jazz Trio and the Tomas Mac Curtain Pipe Band, alongside street dancing, arts activities, games and storytelling aimed squarely at families. Organisers are providing free lunch and afternoon tea for everyone attending, plus giveaways throughout the day. A highlight of the 2026 event is the unveiling of a new sculpture created through the Growing Creative Communities initiative, which will go on permanent display in the Cork Foyer garden after the party - so this edition doubles as the public debut of a piece of community art the neighbourhood has been working toward.

Getting there

Blackpool is just north of Cork City Centre, about a 15 to 20 minute walk from the Grand Parade area, or a short bus ride on routes serving the northside. Great William O’Brien Street is close to the Blackpool Shopping Centre, which has parking available, though expect road closures on the street itself for the event. Cork Kent Railway Station is around a 15 minute walk away, making the train a reasonable option for anyone travelling into the city for the day.

Good to know

• Date: Sunday 23 August 2026, 1pm to 5pm
• Venue: Great William O’Brien Street, Blackpool, Cork City
• Price: Free, including lunch and afternoon tea
• Highlights: Live music from four acts, street dancing, family activities, sculpture unveiling
• Organised by: Cork Community Art Link and Blackpool Community Centre