From street feasts to classical concerts, Ireland’s favourite harvest celebration returns 5th –7th September.
Now in its 16th year Waterford Harvest Festival returns this September 5th to 7th celebrating great food and the people who produce it. Taking place in venues across Waterford City, this Harvest Festival promises to be a treat for the senses with food demos and talks, honey making, storytelling, fine dining experiences, fantastic food offerings from local restaurants, live music and lots of free family entertainment across the city.
All this plus so much for the whole family – from a curated city-wide Food Trail showcasing Waterford’s finest restaurants, to free live music in the streets and immersive experiences like the brand-new Harvest Tea Cruise along the River Suir. Last year’s festival welcomed a record 55,000 visitors, with many events selling out in advance, and this year promises even more flavour, fun, and entertainment.
Food lovers will be overcome with options as Harvest Festival 2025 boasts a diverse range of mouthwatering events to get your taste buds excited. On the September 7 a selection of Taste Waterford members will present cooking demos. Enjoy curated dining experiences celebrating harvest season curtesy of multi-awarding winning Momo and MICHELIN guide featured Everette’s.
A highlight of the Harvest Festival this year is Beat, Bites & Bubbles, a vibrant street dining celebration of flavour, funk and fizz, featuring music, street food, and sparkling surprises.
Beats, Bites & Bubbles
Waterford’s Biggest Ever Communal Outdoor BBQ
Beats, Bites & Bubbles hits John Roberts Square with a one-night-only, 80s-themed feast on Sunday 7th September, blending retro revelry, communal dining for 60–70 guests and live-fire cooking from a stellar chef line-up.
A spectacular five-course dinner crafted by five extraordinary chefs – each bringing their own unique style, flavours, and fire to the closing night of Harvest Festival.
Pat & Jim – Smokin’ Soul, Wexford
Masters of the pit, champions of open-fire cookery, and purveyors of deep, smoky flavours that linger long after the last bite.
Alistair “JD” Jeje – Afro-Caribbean Flair
A true matriarch of vibrant island cooking, serving dishes that sing with the colours, heat, and soul of his motherland.
Luis Martin – Mediterranean Maestro
One of Waterford’s most beloved chefs, bringing authentic Spanish magic with dishes rich in tradition and bursting with flavour.
Keith Boyle – French Precision Meets Flame
Waterford’s own culinary craftsman, reimagining refined French classics over open fire with precision, flair, and a little wizardry.
A fiery wildcard with a devilish twist – expect something wickedly unforgettable.
Five chefs. Five courses. Five styles.
One extraordinary evening of live music, free-flowing bubbles, and unforgettable flavours under the open sky.
Harvest Festival’s grand finale – bold, brilliant, and absolutely unmissable.
Enjoy live music from Mick Flannery, Bridgerton Symphonic, John Spillane and many more free concerts as well as lots of free family entertainment across the city.
After Dark presents Bridgerton Symphonic
Step into the opulent world of the Bridgerton family as Bridgerton Symphonic brings the hit Netflix series to life in a spellbinding live performance on Saturday September 6th. Known for their mastery of both classical and contemporary repertoire, the ensemble will perform exquisite arrangements from the show’s acclaimed soundtrack – reimagining modern hits with a Regency-era twist. Set against the stunning backdrop of Christ Church Cathedral, this concert promises a rich sensory experience that blends elegance, romance and musical brilliance. Tickets
The Food History of Waterford City – Walking Tour
Experience a one hour tour of the City combining history, food history, humour and lots of things you never knew about Waterford and its fascinating web of historic connections. The tour which departs at 5pm on September 5th will be hosted by Jack Burtchaell, who has been conducting Walking Tours of Medieval Waterford for over 25 years. Tickets.
Fine Dining Experiences & City Select Taste Tour
Savour the flavours of Waterford with three unforgettable dining experiences at this year’s Harvest Festival. On Friday, September 5th, Momo invites you to an Irish Sea & Polish Wines evening, where six stunning courses of fish, seafood, and seaweed, paired with the finest local produce, are perfectly matched with six glasses of Polish wine (€120pp). Also on Friday, immerse yourself in the City Select Taste Tour, a three-hour guided journey through Ireland’s oldest city. Explore Waterford’s rich food heritage and today’s culinary highlights with tastings at award-winning restaurants, artisan markets, and cafés, including the iconic Waterford blaa (€85pp). On Sunday, September 7th, Bodega hosts a spectacular Harvest Lunch, celebrating the best of local butchers, fishmongers, and markets. Each dish is perfectly paired with exclusive cocktails crafted by Blackwater Distillery’s expert mixologists, who’ll be shaking, stirring, and sharing their secrets on the day, a true feast of Waterford’s finest.
Harvest Festival Market
The Festival Market is core to what Harvest Festival is about and our team have worked tirelessly to select traders whose produce celebrates local produce and Irish based Producers.
The array of quality food and crafts include, Barbeque, Mexican, Noodles, Seafood, Crepes, Roast, Acai Bowl’s, Falafel, Indian street food, Fresh Pasta, Polish Bruschetta, Afro-Caribbean, Baked Potatoes.
The Tasteful Tour
Explore Waterford’s culinary heritage with The Tasteful Tour, a three-hour walking tour of Ireland’s oldest city and best-kept secret. From the Quayside to the Viking Triangle and the vibrant Cultural Quarter, guests meander through charming streets, stopping at independent cafés, lively gastro-bars and artisan bakeries. Along the way, you’ll meet passionate local owners and discover the stories behind their offerings, from the iconic Waterford blaa and handcrafted chocolates to locally roasted coffee and artfully-prepared lunch dishes, all paired with a glass of craft beer, stout or cider. More than a tasting experience, this tour is a flavourful introduction to Waterford’s rich food culture and history, guided by the enthusiastic and knowledgeable Sinéad of Tasteful Thinking.
A Menu of Tasty Stories
Children’s author and storyteller Marianne McShane serves up a delicious selection of tales featuring apples, gooseberries, gingerbread girls, and a hungry cat with an insatiable appetite. Drawing on the richness of Irish legend and folklore, Marianne captivates young audiences with her warm, engaging storytelling style. From Bangor, Co. Down, Marianne is the author of the award-winning Rónán and the Mermaid (Best Book of 2020, Arts Council of Northern Ireland) and The Fog Catcher’s Daughter (longlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration 2023). An accomplished performer who has entertained audiences of all ages at schools, libraries and festivals, Marianne’s love of stories was nurtured through her work as a children’s librarian and in primary education. Expect a magical hour where imaginations will be fed, hearts warmed, and little readers inspired to pick up their next great book. Free events on Saturday 6th September from 2pm to 3pm in Christ Church Cathedral, Waterford
About Waterford Harvest Festival
Now in their second year as Festival Directors, Mark Dunne and Martin Nolan bring over 50 years of combined experience to the table. Adding to the excitement, acclaimed chef Keith Boyle joins the festival as Culinary Director for 2025. Known for his award-winning work at The Bay Tree Bistro and his dedication to showcasing the best of local and seasonal ingredients, Keith brings his passion, creativity, and expertise to shape the festival’s food programming, ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience for visitors.
The festival will spotlight the best of local and Irish producers and the region’s food heritage, with a strong emphasis on taste, enjoyment and sustainability. Supported by Waterford City and County Council, it aims to minimise food waste and carbon emissions while delivering a green, environmentally conscious event. The festival also partners with Autism Friendly Waterford and Nua Healthcare Services, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming experience for all.
Full programme and tickets: www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie
