Harvest Festival 2025: Five fun things for kids and families to do in Waterford this weekend

Waterford's streets are set to fill with flavour, fun and festive cheer this weekend as the Waterford Harvest Festival returns from Friday, September 5 to Sunday, September 7.

Now in its 16th year, the city-wide celebration will feature more than 50,000 visitors, food trails, demos, markets, live music and family-focused events. And with inclusivity at its heart, this year's programme ensures everyone can join the fun.

Here are five family-friendly highlights to catch in Waterford this weekend:

1. Junior Master Chef Showdown

John Roberts Square, Sunday 7th, 3pm
Budding chefs aged 12 and under will take to the stage for a live cook-off, mentored by professionals and judged by Michelin-starred pastry chef Tom Phelan. The winning dish will scoop a prize sponsored by ElectroCity.

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2. Dance, Drum, Jump with WAMA

The Apple Market, Sunday 7th, 12–5.30pm
Expect energy and colour with live performances, drama, ukulele and drumming workshops - plus a flash mob belting out Don't Stop Believing at 2pm.

3. ArtStorm Workshop

O’Connell Street, Sunday 7th, 11am–5pm
A drop-in arts and crafts space where kids can unleash their creativity and help build this year's community art project.

4. Storytelling with Marianne McShane

Christ Church Cathedral, Saturday 6th, 2–3pm
The acclaimed children's author will spin tasty tales of apples, gooseberries, gingerbread girls and mischievous cats, drawing on Irish folklore.

5. Harvest Festival Market

Various city locations, daily 12–8pm
The beating heart of Harvest, showcasing everything from BBQ and seafood to falafel, crepes and Afro-Caribbean flavours.

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Inclusivity at the festival

This year, the festival has partnered with Autism Friendly Waterford and Nua Healthcare. A dedicated sensory space will run in Cathedral Square across the weekend, while the Senco Sensory Bus will be stationed at the Tower Hotel on Sunday. Families with additional needs can also avail of fast-track queues at stalls by showing a carer's card, sunflower lanyard or ASIAM card.

More to explore

Festival Director Mark Dunne says Harvest is "hands down my favourite" event, offering something for everyone. New this year is the Harvest Tea Cruise on the River Suir, alongside expanded walking tours and a wider food demo programme led by Culinary Director Keith Boyle.

With everything from yoga breakfasts to Bridgerton-inspired music, plus a bustling market and free live music, Harvest 2025 is set to be a feast for all the senses.

More information on the full programme and tickets can be found at winterval.ie/whatson