'City alive with energy': Riverfest 2026 promises four days of family fun in Limerick

Limerick City and County Council has launched Riverfest Limerick 2026 and is inviting families, friends and visitors of all ages to come together for four days of celebration, creativity and community beside the River Shannon.

One of Ireland’s most family friendly festivals, Riverfest transforms Limerick city into a giant outdoor playground over the May Bank Holiday weekend, with entertainment, hands-on activities, live performances, on the water experiences, the Great Limerick Run, and a spectacular fireworks display. Many events are free to enjoy so get planning now to make the most of Limerick’s premiere festival.  

Here is just a flavour of what to expect: 

The Riverfestival Village offers the perfect jumping off point or an ideal place to soak up the atmosphere with family, friends or friends you haven’t met yet. The Riverfestival Village in Arthur’s Quay Park is at the centre of the festival, open daily from Friday to Monday. Enjoy a relaxed festival atmosphere with artisan food stalls, craft traders, vintage amusements, street performers and live music throughout the weekend, making it the perfect base for a day out in the city. 

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Whether you’re picking up a paddle and taking to the water or watching from the riverside, there’s plenty of water-based action to enjoy. There will be thrills and spills on the river with kayaking, dragon boats, fishing and swimming events all making a splash across the bank holiday weekend. 

Kicking off the festivities in style, FashionFest returns to Gardens International with an elegant evening showcasing cutting edge fashion, emerging design talent and a spectacular runway show curated by the Holman Lee Agency, in collaboration with LSAD and Austin Community College in Austin, Texas led by ACC Fashion Incubator Director Nina Means. 

A spectacular fireworks finale lights up the night sky over the River Shannon, bringing the city together for one unforgettable Riverfest moment. 

Internationally acclaimed aerialists Fidget Feet present captivating shows across multiple city locations from May 1 to May 4, combining aerial dance, Celtic myth, high energy performance and immersive storytelling. 

Get ready for an action-packed day at our HYROX Simulation event as part of Riverfest in Limerick city on May 2. Taking place in O’Brien Park on Clare Street, this exciting fitness challenge is open to doubles teams in both men's and women's categories, with divisions for under 40 and over 40. 

A walking music experience through the city, will bring live performances to multiple venues and public spaces on May 1 as festivalgoers follow the sound and discover Limerick’s vibrant music scene along the river. 

‘Dance Your Own Style’ - The Milk Market will host high energy street dance battles where talented dancers will go head-to-head on May 3 and the audience decides who moves on to the national finals. 

Cruises Street comes alive with outdoor bubble magic as expert performers create fog bubbles, foam and floating spectacles that delight children and adults alike on May 3.

Attendees can also enjoy a family day at the Milk Market combining local art, creative activities and swashbuckling pirate entertainment for young festivalgoers. 

Riverfest Limerick weekend coincides with major headline concerts at King John’s Castle, as Dolan’s presents synth pop's first international superstars, The Human League on Saturday, May 2 while Hermitage Green will celebrate 15 years with a special hometown concert on Sunday, May 3. It’s part of a packed programme of live music and late-night events across Limerick city, adding to the electric May Bank Holiday atmosphere. 

The Regeneron Great Limerick Run on Sunday, May 3 will draw thousands of participants and spectators into the city for Ireland’s largest mass participation sporting event outside of Dublin, featuring marathon, half marathon and 6mile races. The energy of race day continues into the evening, contributing to one of Limerick’s most vibrant nights of the year. 

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran is inviting people from near and far to attend, saying: 

“Limerick really does own the May Bank Holiday weekend. Riverfest Limerick encompasses everything we’re moving towards in terms of Limerick’s future - vibrant, inclusive and outward looking, and of course a welcome boost to our city centre retailers. It is all about providing opportunities for people to come together and create moments that families, groups of friends and even groups of strangers will enjoy long after the festival has ended. I’m looking forward to seeing our city alive with energy once again over the May Bank Holiday weekend.” 

Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery added: 

“As Limerick’s flagship festival, Riverfest is a highlight of the year for both locals and visitors. With so much happening across the four days, we’re encouraging everyone to start planning now, explore the full programme and make the most of everything the city has to offer over the May Bank Holiday weekend.” 

Director General of Limerick Council, Dr Pat Daly commented: 

“Each year Riverfest continues to grow and evolve, and 2026 is no exception with a fantastic mix of returning favourites and exciting new events to discover. Whether you’re coming for the first time or making your annual visit, there’s always something new to explore along the River Shannon.” 

Riverfest Limerick is an award-winning festival, having been nationally recognised for excellence in event delivery and sustainability at the Event Industry Awards for 2025. Building on this success, Riverfest 2026 will further strengthen its environmental focus by promoting ecofriendly travel options, advancing zero waste practices, and increasing the use of digital event materials to reduce environmental impact. These efforts reflect Limerick City and County Council’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the city’s culture and community while protecting and respecting its natural environment, particularly the River Shannon at the heart of the festival. 

With events running across four days and dozens of activities taking place citywide, Riverfest Limerick 2026 offers families the freedom to dip in and out, stay for an hour or make a full weekend of it. 

Limerick Council has issued a notice of temporary road closures to facilitate Riverfest Limerick 2026, taking place from Friday, May 1 to Monday, May 4. A series of streets and quays across the city will be closed to vehicular traffic and parking at specified times. 

Closures apply across multiple city centre locations. Local diversions will operate. 

The Great Limerick Run on Sunday, May 3 will also be supported through planned race related road closures.