From riverside celebrations and high-energy performances to family favourites and standout sporting moments, Riverfest Limerick 2026 is packed with unforgettable experiences across the city!
1. Riverfestival Village: Running from May 1–4, the Riverfestival Village offers a lively yet relaxed riverside setting filled with food stalls, crafts, roaming entertainment and live music throughout the day. It’s the perfect place to spend time by the river with family and friends over the long weekend.
2. Fashionfest: Taking place on Friday, May 1 at 6:00pm at Gardens International, Fashionfest brings bold design and standout style to Riverfest. Curated by the Holman Lee Agency, with collaborations involving LSAD and Austin Community College (Texas) led by Nina Means, the evening features a drinks reception followed by a striking runway show. Ticketed event.
3. Fidget Feet: From May 1–4, Fidget Feet presents aerial dance and circus theatre at Honan’s Quay and the Redemptorist Church. Expect powerful movement, live music, fire effects and dream-like storytelling inspired by Celtic myth and modern circus.
4. Limerick City Riverfest Music Trail: On Friday, May 1 from 4:00pm–11:00pm, the Music Trail guides audiences through the city with live performances across multiple venues. Stops include Limerick City Art Gallery, Dolans Warehouse, Savins Music, Lucky Lane, O’Mahony’s Bookshop, Steamboat Music and The Commercial, featuring local, national and international artists. Ticketed event.
5. On Water Activities: From May 1–3, the River Shannon becomes a stage for kayaking, paddleboarding and boat tours with Nevsail, alongside open-water swimming, rowing parades, dragonboat displays and races. Cruiser arrivals, fishing competitions and the Blessing of the Boats highlight Limerick’s strong river heritage.
6. Great Limerick Run Weekend: Across Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, the city hosts one of Ireland’s largest participation sporting events. Saturday features the Kids Fun Run at the University of Limerick, followed on Sunday by the Regeneron Great Limerick Run, including the marathon, relay, half marathon and 6-mile race.
7. Riverfest Wellness: On Saturday May 2, Riverfest Wellness takes place at O’Brien’s Park, Clare Street, featuring a HYROX-style simulation event. Designed for everyday athletes, it combines endurance and functional fitness in a competitive yet inclusive setting. Spectators attend for free.
8. Riverfest Street Party: Happening on May 2 and 3, the Riverfest Street Party moves to George’s Quay, outside the Locke Bar. Live DJs, great food and a buzzing atmosphere transform this riverside spot into a lively evening destination.
9. Red Bull – Dance Your Own Style Competition: On Sunday, May 3 at 1:00pm, the Milk Market hosts the Limerick qualifier, where sixteen dancers compete in one-on-one battles with the audience voting live for who advances.
10. A Whimsical Night with the Disco Pigs: Set in a 300-year-old cornstore, this imaginative event blends music, interpretive dance and Pigtown lore. With costumed performers, DJ-led dancing, puppetry and craft-making, it’s a playful celebration of creativity and community.
To learn more about these events and book your tickets to some today, go here.
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