Cork is alive and swinging for this year’s Guinness Cork Jazz festival. Photo: Clare Keogh

10 things to see and do at the jazz festival

The long wait for the jazz weekend is finally over and as excitement builds on Leeside, Guinness has put together the ultimate jazz bucket list to get the most out of the festival.

Follow the jazzy brick road

The Jazz Music Trail sees the city come alive as it spans over 60 Cork venues. With music to suit every appetite, you’ll discover everything from ska to swing to jazz and brass as the trail leads you to every corner of the city.

The Big Fringe

The most interesting things that happen during the jazz weekend often take place at The Fringe. Once again, a packed programme of free Fringe Festival events is set to take place across Cork, and in Kinsale, all aimed at extending the festival experience for locals and visitors.

Visiting international bands will tour across the city as part of the Beat on the Street and will perform on the super dome stage at Emmet Place as part of Jazz on the Plaza.

For the first time ever this year, the city’s Victorian Quarter will stage a curated Jazz Street Festival while the open top Big Jazz Bus also makes a welcome return this year.

See Naked Animals

Punk Rock band Naked Animals will be taking to the stage at Coughlan’s as part on Saturday afternoon. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Prince, Talking Heads and Republic of Loose, the band are known for their high-octane and gripping stage show. These guys were born to entertain!

Enjoy the craic

Boasting one of Cork’s biggest and best beer gardens, Deep South is always, always good craic. Jazzers are encouraged to get there early and grab the perfect spot to enjoy a cold pint at dusk with some music to go with it.

Check out HousePlants

HousePlants is the exciting full-fledged creative vision of two Bell X1 frontman Paul Noonan and innovative atmospheric producer Daithí who are two of Ireland’s most respected artists today.

Soak up some jazz beats

The popular South Mall bar and restaurant underwent a major overhaul recently and unveiled a swish new Cocktail Room paired with gorgeous river views and highly Instagrammable décor.

Relax like a local

The River Club at The River Lee is one of Cork’s best spots to grab a bit to eat after a busy weekend. The New York style bar along with their relaxed Mediterranean feel throughout makes it the perfect spot for some people-watching. Non-residents are welcome for dining in the terrace too, so get booking.

Discover a great goujon

Sober Lane is home of the world’s greatest goujon! If that’s not enough of a reason to drop in, then check out the bespoke Guinness artwork that will be unveiled this weekend.

See something new

Tuckey Street is the new kid on the block with its new three-storey venue. Formally The Bowery, Tuckey Street will be serving delicious street food and drinks all weekend long.

Add a little bit of quirkiness

The stunning Imperial Hotel recently launched its vibrant new cocktail bar SKETCH just in time for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival. For that little extra bit of quirkiness, you can indulge in their famous ‘Birdcage’ sharing platters.

To find out more about Guinness Cork Jazz Festival 2021, visit guinnessJazzfestival.com.