3 Non-Jazz Events for Cork Jazz Weekend 2026
Looking for something a little outside the usual in Cork for Jazz Weekend? We've found three events bringing a little pizzazz beyond the jazz. From late-night cabaret and nostalgic emo anthems to an immersive theatre experience that gets very personal.
Whether you're looking to dance until the early hours, revisit your emo phase (let's face it, it was never a phase) or experience something completely outside your comfort zone, there's plenty happening in Cork beyond the jazz fest activities.
Here are three under-the-radar non-jazz events worth knowing about.
A Cabaret with Live Music
Cork Jazz Weekend isn't just about jazz! If you're looking for something a little more outrageous, Climb Walls Cabaret is getting down and dirty with the blues this October.
With not one but TWO shows to catch on Sunday, 25 October (technically the second is October 26th), expect a mix of live music, scintillating cabaret performances and plenty of surprises.
Betty Beour Showgirl by Rafal Kostrzewa
Hosted by the fabulous Betty Beour Showgirl, the night brings together some of Cork’s favourite cabaret artists, with live music from Martin Cummins setting the mood.
From circus and burlesque to pole, drag and dance, Climb Walls Cabaret is bringing a little bit of everything to the Jazz Weekend celebrations.
When: Sunday, 25 October 2026 | Wilde: 8pm–10pm and Clancy's: 12.30 am–2.30 am
Where: Wilde and Clancy's, Cork City
Who's it for? Adults 18+
Is booking required? No, €5–€10 cover charge at the door.
Why it's worth checking out this live music cabaret
Jazz Weekend in Cork is always a bit of an adventure, and this is a great excuse to explore something beyond the traditional jazz sessions. Live music, circus, drag and burlesque all in one night? Yes, please!
Cork's Emo and Alternative Club Night
IT WAS NEVER A PHASE!
Calling all former (and current) emo kids who continue to march in the Black Parade. Cork's alternative club night MMRS (pronounced "Memories") is here to bring back the music, the memories and probably a few questionable hair choices (was that just me?)
Specialising in emo, pop-punk, nu-metal and alternative music, MMRS is all about celebrating the songs that got us through our teenage years (and, let's be honest, still feature heavily on our playlists).
Expect a night of nostalgia, big singalongs and plenty of opportunities to scream your favourite lyrics alongside fellow emos.
When: Friday, 23 October 2026 | 9 pm–1 am
Where: The Kino, 2 Washington Street West, Cork City
Who's it for? Adults 18+
Is booking required? Yes
Why it's worth checking out this Emo Night in Cork
If your playlists still feature My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Fall Out Boy or Linkin Park, this one's probably right up your street. I went to MMRS a few months ago, and there was something so cathartic about screaming along to these songs with a room full of people who knew every word.
An Immersive Theatre Experience at BOLT Studios
How comfortable are you with vulnerability? And what happens when there's nowhere left to hide?
Bare is an intimate, immersive theatre experience at BOLT Studios that invites audiences into a living gallery of human vulnerability.
Nude by Merritt Chase (1888)
This production transforms the performance space into a museum-style exhibition featuring real, live performers, each dealing with their own personal struggles, emotions and inner conflicts.
And in keeping with the title, the performers are completely nude.
But this isn't nudity for shock value. Instead, it represents the idea of stripping away the masks, expectations and barriers we often hide behind.
What makes Bare particularly interesting is that the audience helps shape the performance.
You decide which character's story unfolds, ask questions, start conversations or simply observe. Each one-hour session is limited to just ten audience members, meaning no two performances will be quite the same.
It's theatre that asks you to do more than watch. It invites you to connect.
Content warning: Full nudity.
When: 24–25 October | Sessions at 4pm, 5pm, 7pm and 8pm
Additional dates available
Where: BOLT Studios, 4 St Patrick's Quay, Cork City
Who's it for? Ages 16+ (ID required)
Is booking required? Yes
Why it's worth checking out Bare
I love when theatre challenges the usual performer-audience relationship, and Bare takes that idea to a whole new level. With such a small audience and the opportunity to influence how the performance unfolds, it's a chance to experience something genuinely different. If you're curious about immersive theatre, this is definitely one to look into.
Discover More Under-the-Radar Events in Cork
From cabaret and alternative club nights to experimental theatre, Cork has plenty happening beyond the events you hear about every day.
And that's exactly why Craic agus Cork exists! We're here to shine a light on the wonderful and sometimes overlooked arts and events happening across Cork City and County.
Looking for your next night out? Discover more under-the-radar events worth knowing about at Craic agus Cork.
