In its 45th year, the festival is expected to draw over 100,000 attendees.

With a 23 percent increase in passengers, Cork Airport is anticipating one of its busiest bank holiday weekends. Full intercity rail service between Cork and Dublin will be available during the weekend, and there will also be additional late-night commuter trains between the city and Cobh, Midleton, and Mallow.

Over 500 Irish and international musicians will perform throughout the five-day event, which also offers about 100 paid shows on an extended schedule.

In addition to the 74-venue music trail, the hugely famous Big Fringe is bringing both classic and contemporary jazz tunes to the city's streets. Tomorrow night, local and visiting marching bands will take over Oliver Plunkett Street for a jazz stroll.

In addition to several community outreach initiatives, such as jazz visits to childcare facilities and schools, St. Peter's is hosting the "Evolution" exhibition, which honours 50 years of hip-hop via a jazz lens.

Grammy winner Kurt Elling, trumpeter, producer, and composer Matthew Halsall—who just sold out the Royal Albert Hall—Corinne Bailey Rae, Morcheeba, and Macy Gray—who surprised festivalgoers with a surprise performance at Coughlan's in the city last night—are some of this year's headliners.

This weekend, according to festival organiser Mark Murphy, there will be something for everyone, including fans of jazz as well as those who just want to take in the mood on the streets.

It starts at 6 p.m. tonight and continues through Monday, the bank holiday.