Murder mystery dining, river cruises, foraging adventures and more are all on offer as the Waterford Harvest Festival celebrates the Déise’s rich culinary culture.

Waterford Harvest Festival has today (Friday July 3) announced a packed programme of ticketed events for this year’s three-day celebration, taking place September 4 – 6, 2026. Tickets are now on sale for large number of events at the festival which will showcase the region’s local produce, artisan food producers and culinary culture through street food, cooking demonstrations, with a wide variety of family entertainment.

Among the highlights of this year’s innovative programme are interactive dining experiences, scenic river cruises featuring top chefs, guided foraging walks, comedy nights and live music from one of Ireland’s most acclaimed vocalists.

Programme Highlights

Sheer Luck Holmes – The Case of the Floating Fiancée: Sunday, September 6 | Dooleys Hotel | 7pm

From the creators of Faulty Towers The Dining Experience comes a laugh-out-loud murder mystery dinner show. Guests will join Holmes, Watson and Mrs Hudson for a fully interactive evening of comedy, mystery and a three-course meal — complete with deadly twists and dastardly turns.

Mary Coughlan in Concert: Friday, September 4 | Christchurch Cathedral

Ireland’s greatest jazz and blues singer brings 40 years of raw, powerful performance to one of Waterford’s most stunning venues.

River Cruises aboard the Barrow Princess

The festival’s hugely popular river cruises return with three unique experiences along the River Suir:

  • Sunset Voyage with Kyoto Sushi Masters — Friday, 5 September, 6–8pm
  • Afternoon Disco Brunch on the Water — Saturday, 6 September, 2.30–4.30pm
  • Elegant Afternoon Tea with Michelin-starred pastry chef Tom Phelan of The Lady Helen Restaurant, Mount Juliet Estate — Sunday, 6 September, 2.30–4.30pm

Comedy, Cocktails & Canapés: Friday, September 4 | Zanzibar Cocktail  Bar | 8.30pm

An evening of hilarious stand-up comedy curated by Kilkenny Comedy Club , paired with expertly crafted cocktails and delicious canapés.

Global Taste Trail: Saturday, September 5 | 1.30pm | Waterford City

A guided walking tour led by Sinéad Reil of Tasteful Tours, taking food lovers through six outstanding ethnic restaurants — spanning India, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil and Italy — without ever leaving the city.

Foraging at Mount Congreve Gardens: Saturday, September 5 | 11am

A guided foraging experience through the historic woodlands and gardens of one of the Great Gardens of the World, exploring edible plant species and sustainable foraging practices.

Yoga Breakfast: Friday, 5 September | St Patrick’s Gateway Centre | 10am

A gentle morning yoga session followed by a nourishing health breakfast featuring overnight oats, organic herbal tea, organic fresh fruit and organic fresh juice.

Tasteful Walking Tour: Friday, September 4 | 11am–2pm

Discover Waterford’s gastronomic delights on a guided food tour from the Quayside to the Viking Triangle, sampling local specialities including the renowned Blaa, artisan treats and craft beverages.

Tickets and Information

Full event details and tickets are available at waterfordharvestfestival.ie

About Waterford Harvest Festival

Waterford Harvest Festival is an annual celebration of the Deise’s rich food heritage, bringing together local producers, artisan food makers, chefs and food lovers for a weekend of culinary discovery, entertainment and community.