Waterford Harvest Festival: 5 Family Friendly and Inclusive Events not to Miss!
By 5 Family-Friendly & Inclusive Events Not to Miss at Waterford Harvest Festival This Weekend
Ireland’s Favourite Harvest Celebration Returns 5–7 September
Waterford’s streets, squares, and historic venues will come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of the season as the Waterford Harvest Festival returns from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th September 2025.
In addition to festival highlights such as Bridgerton Symphonic, Yoga Breakfast and the Food History of Waterford City Walking Tour with Jack Burtchaell, this year’s festival promises a vibrant celebration of food, music, arts, and community, with something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Some of the festival’s family friendly highlights include:
1. Junior Master Chef Showdown
Sunday 7th September | 15:00 | John Roberts Square
Calling all young culinary talents! Children aged 12 and under can compete in a live cook-off, mentored by professional chefs and judged by Michelin-starred pastry chef Tom Phelan. The winner will receive a fantastic prize, courtesy of ElectroCity. To enter, parents can submit their child’s favourite recipe via Instagram DM to @Harvest_Fest.
2. Dance, Drum, Jump with Waterford Academy of Music & Arts
Sunday 7th September | 12:00–17:30 | The Apple Market
Experience a feast for the senses with live performances, music workshops, and energetic shows. Children can participate in ukulele and drumming workshops, join beginner drama classes, and enjoy a flash mob performance of “Don’t Stop Believing” at 14:00.
3. ArtStorm Workshop
Sunday 7th September | 11:00–17:00 | O’Connell Street
Unleash your creativity at the ArtStorm Workshop, a hands-on arts and crafts session for children of all ages. Drop in and contribute to this year’s festival project, designed especially for young artists.
4. Marianne McShane Presents: A Menu of Tasty Stories
Saturday 6th September | 14:00–15:00 | Christ Church Cathedral
Children’s author and storyteller Marianne McShane presents a delightful collection of tales featuring apples, gooseberries, gingerbread girls, and a mischievous cat. Her storytelling, inspired by Irish folklore, is sure to captivate young audiences
5. Harvest Festival Market
Daily from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th September | 12:00–20:00 | Various Locations
The heart of the festival, the Harvest Festival Market, showcases the best of local and Irish-based producers. Explore a diverse array of food and crafts, including BBQ, Mexican, noodles, seafood, crepes, acai bowls, falafel, Indian street food, fresh pasta, Polish bruschetta, Afro-Caribbean, and baked potatoes.
More information and tickets for all events is available at waterfordharvestfestival.ie/whatson.
Inclusivity at the Heart of the Festival
This year, the festival is proud to partner with Autism Friendly Waterford and Nua Healthcare to ensure a welcoming and inclusive experience for all. A dedicated sensory space, courtesy of Nua Healthcare, will be available in Cathedral Square on Friday 5th, Saturday 6th, and Sunday 7th September. Additionally, the Senco Sensory Bus will be stationed in front of the Tower Hotel on Sunday only.
Families of children with additional needs can avail of fast-track queues at participating stalls by presenting a carer’s card, sunflower lanyard, or ASIAM card.
Additional needs parking is available at Bolton Street Car Park and opposite MacLeary’s on the Quay. These initiatives aim to make the festival accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
16 Years of Waterford Harvest Festival
Now in its 16th year, Waterford Harvest Festival celebrates great food and the people who produce it across venues city-wide. All this plus so much for the whole family – from food demos and talks, honey making, storytelling, and 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.
Now in their second year as Festival Directors, Mark Dunne and Martin Nolan bring over 50 years of combined experience to the table. Dunne, a Waterford native who has been involved with Harvest since its inception in 2010, says: “I’ve been fortunate to build a career in the events industry, working on some of Ireland’s leading festivals — but Harvest is hands down my favourite. It truly has something for everyone, whether it’s those who appreciate good produce, those who enjoy grazing through the city, or those seeking great family-friendly entertainment. Harvest has an a-la-carte menu to suit everyone’s palates and pockets.” Nolan, Co-Festival Director of Fáilte Ireland’s PÚCA Festival and representative of many of Ireland’s top musical talents, adds: “2024 was a huge success, with over 50,000 people coming into Waterford City, and we’re excited to build on that momentum for 2025. We’ll feature more food demos, expanded walking tours, and a new holistic element to the festival, giving visitors even more ways to explore the city’s incredible culinary culture.”
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.
Don’t miss out on this vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and culinary delights. Mark your calendars for 5th–7th September 2025 and join us in Waterford for a weekend of fun for all ages! Full programme and tickets: www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie