Waterford Harvest Festival is back from Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6, with another packed weekend celebrating the very best of local food, drink, music and community.

After welcoming more than 200,000 visitors in 2025, this year’s festival promises an even bigger programme, with a mix of free and ticketed events taking place across Waterford City.

One of the biggest additions for 2026 is The Old Quarter, a new festival area at Ballybricken Green. Centred around the historic Bull Post, the space will celebrate the area’s rich history while bringing together local food producers, live music, storytelling, crafts and community events. Once the city’s famous livestock market, Ballybricken will once again become a lively meeting place during the festival weekend.

Festival favourites are also returning, including the popular River Cruises and Yoga Breakfast, while this year’s programme introduces several new events such as the Food Lovers Global Taste Trail, The Big Breakfast Swap in aid of Waterford Foodbank, and Comedy, Cocktails & Canapés.

Entertainment will feature performances from Mary Coughlan, Mick Hanly, Brian Kennedy and The Glitterbugs, along with storytelling sessions by Eddie Lenihan. Visitors can also enjoy the Murder Mystery Dining Experience, Sheerluck Holmes, and a new guided foraging experience through the gardens and woodlands of Mount Congreve.

Chef Keith Boyle returns as Culinary Director, continuing to showcase the best of local and seasonal produce. Michelin-starred pastry chef Tom Phelan will also host a special Afternoon Tea Cruise during the weekend.

The Waterford Harvest festival continues its partnership with Autism Friendly Waterford, with the introduction of a new Sensory Hub at City Square Shopping Centre to help make the event more accessible for families.

Speaking about this year’s festival, Co-Director Mark Dunne said the event is all about bringing people together and encouraging them to enjoy everything Waterford city has to offer while supporting local businesses.

Waterford Harvest Festival is supported by Waterford City and County Council, with sustainability remaining a key focus through measures aimed at reducing food waste and lowering carbon emissions. Waterford Local Enterprise Office also continues its support, helping local food producers and businesses showcase their products to thousands of visitors.

There will be a wide range of free activities across the weekend alongside ticketed events, making it a festival with something for all ages.

Waterford Harvest Festival takes place from September 4 to 6, with the full programme available on the festival website.