MPI Artists Returns as Festival Director of Waterford Harvest Festival 2026

Waterford Harvest Festival Returns This September Following a Record Breaking 2025

MPI Artists is delighted to return as Co-Festival Director of Waterford Harvest Festival, which takes place across Waterford City from Friday, 4 September to Sunday, 6 September 2026.

One of the South East’s most popular annual festivals, Waterford Harvest Festival celebrates great food, local producers, music, entertainment and the people who contribute to Waterford’s thriving food and cultural scene.

Following a hugely successful 2025 festival, which welcomed more than 200,000 attendees to Waterford City, the 2026 programme will once again fill the city centre with three days of food, music, culture, entertainment and family activity.

For MPI Artists, the festival is an opportunity to bring together an exciting programme of ticketed experiences and free events while creating a vibrant city centre festival that showcases Waterford, its businesses, its producers and its people.

A Packed Programme for 2026

This year’s festival programme brings together familiar favourites with a host of new experiences.

Among the headline events is The Murder Mystery Dining Experience, Sheerluck Holmes, offering guests an evening that combines dining, mystery and entertainment.

Music will play an important part in the weekend too, with Mary Coughlan joining the programme, alongside free outdoor performances from Mick Hanly, The Glitterbugs and Brian Kennedy.

Renowned storyteller Eddie Lenihan will also bring Irish folklore and storytelling to Waterford with a series of free events across the festival weekend.

Popular experiences including the Waterford Harvest Festival River Cruises return for 2026, alongside the much loved Yoga Breakfast, combining a gentle morning yoga session with a nourishing breakfast.

New Experiences for Waterford Harvest Festival

One of the most exciting elements of developing Waterford Harvest Festival each year is introducing new experiences to complement the events audiences already know and love.

For 2026, the festival will launch the Waterford Harvest Festival Food Lovers Global Taste Trail, inviting visitors to explore flavours, cuisines and food businesses across the city.

The new Big Breakfast Swap, in support of Waterford Foodbank, will bring a strong community element to the programme, while Comedy, Cocktails & Canapés will combine comedy and culinary creativity for a lively evening in the city.

Another major addition for 2026 is a guided foraging experience at Mount Congreve Gardens. Set among the historic woodlands and gardens of one of Ireland’s most celebrated garden destinations, the event will invite participants to discover edible ingredients in the landscape while learning more about nature, seasonality and sustainable food.

The Old Quarter Comes to Ballybricken

A particularly important development for 2026 is the return of part of the festival programme to Ballybricken Green.

One of Waterford City’s most historic and culturally significant areas, Ballybricken was once at the centre of the city’s livestock and trading activity.

During Waterford Harvest Festival, it will be reimagined as The Old Quarter, creating a festival hub celebrating the history, character and community spirit of Ballybricken.

Food, music, culture and local enterprise will come together in the area throughout the weekend, reconnecting one of Waterford’s most important historic spaces with its tradition as a place of trade, gathering and community.

Waterford Harvest Festival Co Director Mark Dunne said:

“Our city centre is the beating heart of Waterford, and the Harvest Festival is an opportunity for people to come together and enjoy everything it has to offer. From local food producers and talented musicians to family attractions and vibrant streets filled with activity, there’s something for everyone. We want people to take pride in their city, spend time in the heart of Waterford, support local businesses, and enjoy a festival that showcases the very best of our community.”

Celebrating Waterford’s Food Culture

At its heart, Waterford Harvest Festival is a celebration of food and of the chefs, growers, producers and businesses behind it.

Acclaimed Waterford chef Keith Boyle continues his role on the festival management team in 2026 as Culinary Director.

One of Ireland’s highly regarded culinary talents, Keith is known for his award winning work at The Bay Tree Bistro and his commitment to working with high quality local and seasonal ingredients.

His involvement helps shape a food programme that celebrates both Waterford’s established culinary reputation and the creativity of those working within the sector today.

Another highlight will see Michelin starred pastry chef Tom Phelan of The Lady Helen

Restaurant at Mount Juliet Estate host an intimate Afternoon Tea Cruise, bringing together fine pastry, afternoon tea and a unique experience on the water.

Across the weekend, visitors will also be able to explore the Harvest Festival Market, discover local food and drink producers and enjoy a wide selection of tastes throughout Waterford City.

Supporting Local Producers and Enterprise

Supporting local businesses remains a central part of Waterford Harvest Festival.

Waterford Local Enterprise Office continues its association with the festival in 2026, helping provide an important platform for food, drink and other local enterprises to meet customers and showcase their products.

Jacqui Gaule of Local Enterprise Office Waterford said:

“Our involvement with Harvest Festival reflects that ongoing commitment by creating opportunities for local businesses not only to trade, but to showcase the quality, innovation and diversity of what is produced locally. Festivals such as this provide an important platform for businesses to connect directly with customers, test products, build confidence and generate new commercial opportunities.”

The festival market provides an important opportunity for participating businesses to reach large audiences over the weekend while adding to the diversity and quality of the overall festival experience.

An Inclusive Festival for Everyone

Waterford Harvest Festival continues its collaboration with Autism Friendly Waterford in 2026, helping to make the event as welcoming and accessible as possible.

This year, a new Sensory Hub at City Square Shopping Centre will provide an additional facility for families with autistic members, offering a quieter environment during what can be a busy festival weekend.

Accessibility and inclusion remain important considerations in the planning and delivery of the event, ensuring more people can comfortably enjoy the programme.

Sustainability at the Heart of Festival Planning

Environmental responsibility is also a key part of how Waterford Harvest Festival is delivered.

The festival is supported by Waterford City and County Council, with sustainability built into its planning and management.

The event aims to minimise food waste and carbon emissions while delivering a greener and more environmentally responsible festival.

This approach complements the festival’s wider emphasis on local produce, seasonality and supporting businesses from Waterford and the surrounding region.

Bringing Waterford City to Life

For MPI Artists, the strength of Waterford Harvest Festival lies in the combination of food, entertainment, community and place.

The programme is designed to encourage people to explore the city, discover local businesses, enjoy performances and experiences, and spend time together in Waterford’s streets and public spaces.

From a morning yoga session to an afternoon river cruise, a visit to The Old Quarter, an evening of music or comedy, a market filled with local producers or a guided foraging experience at Mount Congreve, the programme offers many different ways to enjoy the weekend.

Following the tremendous response to the 2025 festival, the MPI Artists team is looking forward to once again working with Waterford City and County Council, local businesses, producers, artists, performers, partners and communities to deliver Waterford Harvest Festival 2026.

Waterford Harvest Festival 2026

Friday, 4 September to Sunday, 6 September 2026

There will be a combination of free and ticketed events throughout the weekend.

Tickets for festival events are available at waterfordharvestfestival.ie, where the full programme and latest festival information can also be found.

Waterford Harvest Festival returns this September for another weekend celebrating food, culture, community and the people who make Waterford such a special place to visit, eat and enjoy.