Waterford City and County will come alive with music, poetry, theatre and art next month as Culture Night returns for 2026.
A programme of free events will take place on Friday, September 18th, with performances planned across venues, streets and other spaces throughout Waterford.
Now in its 21st year nationally, Culture Night will include a late-night takeover of Theatre Royal, live performances on Waterford city buses and the return of an outdoor stage at the Apple Market.
Music and Poetry on the Move
One of this year’s more unusual additions will see local musicians and poets perform on board Bus Éireann services.
The Music and Poetry in Motion initiative will run across Waterford city bus routes between 6pm and 9pm.
Meanwhile, the Apple Market will host an outdoor stage featuring established Waterford performers alongside artists taking to the stage for the first time.
A new Festival Tasters strand is also being introduced this year.
Spraoi Studios will open its doors between 4pm and 6pm, giving visitors an opportunity to see behind the scenes at its workshop, rehearsal and costume spaces.
Imagine Arts Festival will also mark its 25th anniversary at Bank Lane from 6pm, with surprise guests and a preview of its festival programme.
Culture Night after Dark
Theatre Royal will remain busy into the early hours, beginning with performances from Music Generation Waterford between 5pm and 7pm.
From 10pm, the Stage Door Bar will host Slip of the Tongue, featuring spoken word, poetry, live music, drag and comedy.
A separate late-night event will run from 10.30pm until 12.30am, featuring The Slinkies alongside performances from Alien:Nation and The Haus of Goofy.
Events are also planned throughout Waterford’s Cultural Quarter, including exhibitions, open studios and workshops at Garter Lane Arts Centre.
Mayor of Waterford Metropolitan District Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan said the night provides an opportunity to connect communities through ‘music, poetry, art, and creativity’.
She encouraged people to ‘immerse themselves in Culture Night across the city and county.’
All Culture Night events are free to attend, although advance booking may be required for some activities.
