The Harvest Festival 2026

Waterford Harvest Festival returns from Friday, 4th to Sunday, 6th September 2026 for a vibrant weekend celebrating the very best of the city’s food, culture, and community.

Taking place across Waterford City, the festival will showcase Waterford’s exceptional places to eat, drink, explore, and enjoy. Visitors can look forward to a packed programme of culinary experiences, live music, family entertainment, river cruises, wellness activities, storytelling, and opportunities to discover local and seasonal produce.

Taste Your Way Through Waterford

Food lovers can explore the city’s contemporary culinary scene on the Tasteful Walking Tour, meeting the people behind some of Waterford’s local food businesses while enjoying a selection of tastings along the way. Those looking to connect with nature can also join a guided foraging experience at Mount Congreve, learning to identify edible plant species and discover more sustainable foraging practices.

New for 2026, a section of the festival will return to the historic Ballybricken Green, which will be transformed into The Old Quarter. Centred around the iconic Ballybricken Bull Post, this lively festival hub will celebrate the area’s rich heritage and community spirit through food, music, culture, stories, and local enterprise.

Throughout the weekend, local food and drink producers, hospitality businesses, chefs, performers, and independent enterprises will take centre stage, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the quality, creativity, and diversity found across Waterford. A mix of free and ticketed activities will be available, with something to suit visitors of all ages.

Music, Mystery and Memorable Experiences

The festival’s entertainment programme will include a performance by acclaimed Irish jazz and blues singer Mary Coughlan at Christchurch Cathedral, along with the interactive Sheer Luck Holmes murder mystery dinner show, where guests can enjoy an evening of dining, intrigue, and entertainment.

Visitors can also take to the River Suir for Afternoon Tea aboard the Barrow Princess, featuring a specially curated afternoon tea by Michelin-starred pastry chef Tom Phelan during a scenic two-hour cruise.

An Inclusive Festival for Everyone

Waterford Harvest Festival is committed to creating an accessible, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable event. Autism Friendly Waterford will once again collaborate with the festival, with additional sensory facilities available to help more families to enjoy the weekend.

Check out the full Waterford Harvest Festival programme and start planning your visit!