Building DIY rockets, turning Venus into a disco ball, and counting cows from space are just some of the fun-filled events lined up for this year's SpaceFest, running across Cork city and county from 8th to 15th November 2025.

Funded by Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland and run by Greywood Arts, SpaceFest encourages more than 6,500 visitors each year to explore space through science, technology, engineering, art, and maths. The adventure-packed week features experiments, tours and workshops across Cork city and county, in venues including Marina Market, Blackrock Castle Observatory, Liberty, Greywood Arts, and UCC.

The main exhibition, titled Lunar Distance, is a free event at the Marina Market from Saturday, 8th November through Wednesday, 12th November, featuring a galactic array of art and science. Through more than a dozen varied exhibits, visitors can learn what cows have to do with satellites; listen to voice notes from space and record their own message for the stars; and see a tiny sculpture on its way to the first art gallery on the moon!

"This year's SpaceFest is set to ignite curiosity and creativity, showing how art and science together can bring the wonder of the cosmos closer to home," explained Jessica Bonenfant, Creative Director at Greywood Arts.

"From rocketry workshops to an immersive installation of myriad moons, the Festival brings together incredible scientists and acclaimed artists to make space accessible, exciting, and educational for festival-goers. Whether visitors want to come explore Lunar Distance at the Marina Market or book in for tours and workshops in Midleton and the city, SpaceFest offers something for everyone who's ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what's out there."

A sampling of events is listed below. Ticketing and the full schedule can be found at spacefest.net

Build a Rocket in Your Own Back Garden: Learn how you can be the chief engineer and ground control crew for your own homemade rockets in this friendly workshop that makes rocket design accessible to everyone. 11 November, 6 pm at UCC (FREE)

Beyond the Visible: An Evening of Art, Astronomy & Alcohol: Astrophysicist and mixologist Dr Alfredo Carpineti leads audiences through a dazzling exploration of dark matter, radio waves, and Sagittarius B2 cocktails. Artist Helen O'Keefe responds in real time with live sketches and invites the audience to join in. On 9 November, at 6 pm, at Blackrock Castle Observatory (€25).

Space Twist: The starship crew at music collective Audio Research Corporation (ARC) will bring together DJs, producers, and visual artists for a cosmic mix of music, dance, cocktails, and the chance to Adopt-An-Alien. 14 November, The Liberty Bar, Cork (FREE).

Out of This Zine! Workshop: Blast off into DIY publishing and create your own pocket-sized universe on paper. From the punky history of zines to hands-on folding, collage, and storytelling, learn how to beam your ideas into orbit. 15 November, 10 am, Greywood Arts, Killagh (€20).

UCC Crawford Observatory Tours: Enjoy a private tour of UCC's historic 1881 Crawford Observatory, a monument to Victorian ingenuity and a testament to the golden age of astronomy in Ireland. 11 November, 6 pm and 7 pm (FREE).