Events in Waterford cater for all tastes, from music, food & culture to drama, art and heritage.
The “Sunny South East” county of Waterford has a vibrant, culturally diverse community with a thriving festival calendar and a bursting arts and culture scene.
All throughout the year, events in Waterford are hosted by a wide variety of community driven bodies, aiming to bring a sense of togetherness and family spirit to the “Déise”.
These events and activities are one of the benefits of living and being a part of the welcoming community that exists in Waterford. Check out some of our recent developments and the benefits of living in these areas.
Here is a list of some of the amazing events in Waterford you can enjoy with family and friends this summer:
Spraoi
[4th - 6th August]
A weekend of thrilling entertainment and artistic performances will be featured at the Spraoi International Street Arts Festival in 2023. This is an easily accessible event in Waterford suitable for all ages and interests.
Simply arrive along by bike, bus, train or car and explore what you can find. Spraoi International Street Arts Festival began in 1993, showcasing contemporary local, national and international artists.
Spraoi offers an amazing free street party by day and night, featuring: street theatre, music, contemporary circus and spectacle. Most of the events in Waterford over the weekend are free and easily found across the city.
The celebrations end with the Spraoi Parade, which is produced specifically for the festival and features hundreds of costumed performers, exotic floats, live music, and special effects.
Find out more about Spraoi here.
Summer In The City
[June 2nd - 26th August]
Continuing from its launch last summer, this exciting event in Waterford City will host their FREE outdoor Music and Arts Festival every weekend. A great family experience with live music, family entertainment, workshops, and street performances taking place every weekend June to August.
The best local and national live music acts can be found at The Churchyard Sessions, a free outdoor concert series held as part of “Summer In The City” every Saturday from June 2 through August 26.
Located in the vicinity of the 15th-century French Church on Baileys New St in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle and Hosted by venues The Reg and The Munster in a joint project as a part of this event in Waterford.
With acts such as Paddy Casey, Mundy, The Papa Zitas, Liam O’Maonla, and many other performers will perform in this summer.
Find out more about SITC here.
All Together Now
[4th - 6th August]
Returning for its fourth chapter, taking place on the stunning grounds of Curraghmore house on the August Bank Holiday Weekend, ATN is a not to miss event in Waterford this summer.
This year’s festival promises a mix of music, comedy, and entertainment across 16 stages for all ages. Acts such as Iggy Pop, Sugababes, Jamie XX, Caribou and more will perform throughout the weekend.
The festival puts an emphasis on creating a family friendly event where people of all walks of life can come and enjoy themselves.
With camping options for families to have their own specific camping area away from the general attendants along with campervan tickets available. Don’t miss out on this gem of a festival, with so much offer.
To purchase tickets or to find out more, click here.
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival
[29th - 5th June]
Running since 2010. “Ireland’s summer opera festival” The Blackwater Valley Opera Festival returns with 21 events at 12 venues over eight days, including opera, concerts, recitals, and free events.
At the most breathtaking locations and elegant venues for events in Waterford and Cork, enjoy performances by Irish artists and performers from around the world.
One of the main features of this year’s festival will be four evening performances of the opera Macbeth, by Giuseppe Verdi, in the grounds of Lismore Castle, Waterford.
The famous Lismore Castle and Gardens on the banks of the Blackwater River serve as the festival’s focal point and HQ. Each year, a small-scale, up-close opera is performed here.
Find out more here.
Comeragh’s Wild Festival
[7th - 10th July]
With a focus on nature and adventure, the Comeragh’s Wild Festival will use “Walks and Talks”, traditional music, poetry, and film to highlight the natural beauty, diversity, and uniqueness of the region.
One of the events in Waterford throughout July, this festival will celebrate the Comeragh’s culture, heritage, and associated activities.
The festival, which will celebrate its ninth anniversary in 2023, will feature a nighttime outdoor concert in the mountains as its centrepiece.
The festival will see communities all over the Comeragh’s working together to collectively market the area to visitors from home and abroad.
Find out more here.
Waterford Walls
[11th - 20th August]
This is Ireland’s largest International Street Art Festival. In 2022, over 30 national and international artists created large scale mural artworks around Waterford City and the surrounding areas.
As one of the keynote events in Waterford, the Walls festival consisted of 10 days of live art, music, workshops, guided tours and much more.
Entering into its ninth year, the international street art festival has drawn artists from all over the world to Waterford City, to showcase their amazing talents
Activities for individuals and families, such as live art workshops, walking tours, and music are happening all over the city for this event.
Find out more here.
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