Waterford Festival of Food returns for its 17th year from 23–26 April 2026.
This year's programme was officially unveiled at a launch event in Dungarvan yesterday (Thursday).
For the first time in the festival’s history, Waterford City will become an integral part of the festival story.
The weekend opens with Food Sparks at SETU Waterford Campus, a symposium exploring collaboration, sustainability and innovation within the Irish food sector.
Beyond the headline dining experiences, the programme continues to move across rivers, orchards and mountains.
Bus Bia tours will travel through the Blackwater Valley to meet cider makers, distillers and artisan cheesemakers, while foraging experiences in the Comeraghs and apple blossom walks at Cappoquin Fruit Farm will place seasonality centre stage.
River cruises departing from Villierstown Quay will pair local produce with heritage and landscape, and wellness events - from sunrise yoga and sauna sessions at Clonea Beach to retreat-style experiences in Ardmore and seasonal workshops in Tourin Gardens.
In Dungarvan, the festival markets remain the defining heartbeat of the weekend.
Saturday sees Davitt’s Quay animated by the Quayside Market and the annual RNLI Duck Race, while Sunday transforms Grattan Square into Ireland’s largest outdoor food market, with more than 80 producers and makers filling the town centre.
Demonstrations and talks at Dungarvan Courthouse and surrounding venues feature a mix of nationally recognised chefs and respected local voices, maintaining the festival’s longstanding balance between profile and authenticity.
Sustainability and accessibility remain embedded throughout the weekend, from reusable cup systems and refill stations to autism-friendly programming, quiet hours and inclusive design delivered in partnership with Autism Friendly Dungarvan.
Speaking ahead of the festival, Waterford Festival of Food CEO Eunice Power said the 2026 edition reflects both continuity and confident growth: “While Dungarvan will always be the heart of this festival, expanding into Waterford City allows us to explore new venues and new collaborations, while staying true to the producers and communities that have shaped us for 17 years. What excites me most this year is the depth of collaboration across the county, from established restaurants to new talent, and the way the programme moves naturally between landscape, heritage and contemporary cooking. It feels like a confident step forward for the festival and for Waterford’s food culture. We look forward to welcoming people to experience it with us this April.”
Waterford Festival of Food takes place from 23–26 April 2026. For tickets and updates, visit www.waterfordfestivaloffood.com
