Huge crowds expected as popular festival gets underway in Waterford city
The Waterford Harvest Festival is taking place this weekend
Huge crowds are expected as a popular festival gets underway in Waterford city today.
The Waterford Harvest Festival is taking place from Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6.
Taking place across the city and some of the county this weekend, Harvest Festival 2026 will showcase the region's local produce, artisan food producers and culinary culture.
To do this, there will be street food, cooking demonstrations and a wide variety of family entertainment.
Among the highlights of this year’s 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.
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. A true Irish musical legend, Mary's stunning back catalogue will be brought to life with her fantastic live band and expect a story or two thrown in for good measure.
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.
Tickets and full programme can be found at www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie.