The annual Waterford Harvest Festival returns this September, following a hugely successful 2025 edition that welcomed over 200,000 attendees to the city. A firm favourite on the South East’s festival calendar, Waterford Harvest Festival celebrates exceptional food and the passionate people behind it, taking place across Waterford City from Friday, September 4th to Sunday, September 6th.
 

Some of the programme highlights for 2026 include The Murder Mystery Dining Experience, Sheerluck Holmes, Mary Coughlan, while there will also be free outdoor entertainment from Mick Hanly, The Glitterbugs, Brian Kennedy and free storytelling events with renowned story teller, Eddie Lenihan. Waterford Harvest Festival River Cruises return bigger and better as does the popular Yoga Breakfast.  
 

This year will see new events on a packed programme, including Waterford Harvest Festival Food Lovers Global Taste Trail, The Big Breakfast Swap (in support of Waterford Foodbank) and Comedy, Cocktails & Canapés, bringing together the very best of comedy and culinary excellence for a truly memorable evening. A welcome and hugely anticipated addition is a new guided foraging experience through the historic woodlands and gardens of Mount Congreve Gardens, one of the Great Gardens of the World.
 

A key feature of this year’s Waterford Harvest Festival will see a portion of the programme return to Ballybricken Green, one of Waterford City’s most historic and culturally significant locations. Once the city’s bustling livestock and trading centre, Ballybricken played a vital role in Waterford’s commercial heritage and will now be reimagined as “The Old Quarter” during the festival. The area will celebrate the rich history, character and community spirit of this iconic district while creating a vibrant festival hub filled with food, music, culture and local enterprise. 

Waterford Harvest Festival Co-Director, Mark Dunne, said “Our city centre is the beating heart of Waterford, and the Harvest Festival is an opportunity for people to come together and enjoy everything it has to offer. From local food producers and talented musicians to family attractions and vibrant streets filled with activity, there’s something for everyone. We want people to take pride in their city, spend time in the heart of Waterford, support local businesses, and enjoy a festival that showcases the very best of our community.”

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Acclaimed chef Keith Boyle continues his role on the festival’s management team for 2026 as Culinary Director. As one of Ireland’s most respected culinary talents, Keith brings a wealth of experience, passion, and creativity to the table. Known for his award-winning work at The Bay Tree Bistro and his commitment to showcasing the best of local and seasonal ingredients, Keith’s involvement marks an exciting new chapter for the festival. 

Meanwhile, Michelin-starred pastry chef Tom Phelan from The Lady Helen Restaurant at Mount Juliet Estate will host an intimate Afternoon Tea Cruise.

 

Autism Friendly Waterford are set to collaborate with Waterford Harvest Festival again this year to make it an accessible and inclusive event. A new Sensory Hub in City Square Shopping Centre is an additional facility for families with autistic members, ensuring they can enjoy all that the festival has to offer. The festival is supported by Waterford City and County Council, which specified that the festival deliver a green, environmentally sustainable event, while minimising food waste and carbon emissions.

 

Waterford Local Enterprise Office which has been a supporter of Harvest Festival continues its association again in 2026. “Our involvement with Harvest Festival reflects that ongoing commitment by creating opportunities for local businesses not only to trade, but to showcase the quality, innovation and diversity of what is produced locally. Festivals such as this provide an important platform for businesses to connect directly with customers, test products, build confidence and generate new commercial opportunities," said Jacqui Gaule, Local Enterprise Office Waterford. 

 

There is a mix of free and ticketed events across the weekend, with ticketed events on sale at 10am on Friday, July 3. Food and drink producers interested in participating in this year’s Harvest Festival Market can submit their applications via the website from 5pm on Thursday, July 9.

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🌾 Introducing The Old Quarter – A New Addition to Waterford Harvest Festival 🌾

 

This year we’re excited to unveil The Old Quarter, a brand-new part of the Waterford Harvest Festival, rooted in the historic heart of Ballybricken Green.

 

Set around the iconic Ballybricken Bull Post, this special festival area will celebrate community, culture and the rich heritage of Waterford. The Old Quarter will bring together local food, music, stories, and traditions in one of the city’s most historic gathering places.

 

For generations, Ballybricken has been a meeting point for the people of Waterford — and during Harvest Festival it will once again come alive with local flavour, community spirit and celebration.