The countdown is on for Riverfest Limerick 2026, as the city prepares to come alive for one of Ireland’s most anticipated summer festivals. From the first note of live music to the final burst of fireworks over the River Shannon, Riverfest is a celebration of connection, creativity and community
This May Bank Holiday Weekend, festivalgoers are invited to experience it all through a new lens with an open invitation to capture the fleeting, beautiful, and unexpected moments that make Riverfest truly special.
If you are the one always reaching for your phone, chasing the perfect shot or making your friends or family wish they were there too, embark on a Riverfest photo hunt and share your memories with those that matter to you.
There’s no sign-up, no rules and no pressure. Whether you’re out with family during the day or soaking up the atmosphere after dark, every image becomes part of the festival’s shared story.
Get snapping a day earlier this year as Twilight Thursdays on 30 April provides an early curtain-raiser to the weekend of exciting moments that will become lasting memories.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran is looking forward to Limerick’s biggest festival weekend, saying:
“People keep telling me last year was one of the best Riverfests ever. We want this year to be even better. But more important than all the events, Riverfest is about bringing people together. So, this year we’re really encouraging people to slow down, spend time with family and friends and notice the moments that make the weekend so special. The photo hunt is not a competition, it is an invitation to capture those real, unfiltered memories and celebrations of community as they happen. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone from near and far as we all celebrate the start of the summer with Ireland’s hottest festival this weekend.”
Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery commented:
“There’s something magical about Limerick during Riverfest. The energy, the colour, the sense of connection to a wider community. I love the festivals diversity, from enjoying a quiet moment by the river to being part of a crowd gathered, every experience adds to the festival atmosphere and I can’t wait to be part of it.”
Director General, Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly said:
“With the festival fast approaching, we’re inviting everyone to come along, explore the city and make memories that will last well beyond the weekend. I want to congratulate our Festivals and Events team at Limerick City and County Council for delivering a vibrant and diverse programme, featuring a range of new experiences to enjoy this year. I also wish to thank our stakeholders, An Garda Síochána, local businesses and residents, whose collective support helps ensure Limerick remains the most exciting place to be this May Bank Holiday weekend.”
Picture Perfect
Download the Riverfest Limerick 2026 Events Map and visit Limerick.ie/Riverfest to plan your photo hunt and make your Riverfest experience postcard worthy. There you will find details on Riverfest Fashionfest, which returns to Gardens International this Friday with bold looks, runway energy and striking detail. It’s a polished and camera-ready highlight of the festival.
At the Riverfestival Village in Arthur’s Quay Park, live performances, vibrant dishes, sweet treats and riverside drinks create moments worth capturing from Friday to Monday.
On Friday afternoon The Riverfest Music Trail brings the city to life with performances from Kíla, Duke Special, Felann, Robert Dawson, M50 Indian Band and Oonagh Mc, while the Riverfest Street Parties on Georges Quay will provide beats, great vibes, and a buzzing crowd on Saturday and Sunday.
Check out Lively Limerick for more live music and other performances providing fun times and exciting photo opportunities.
It’s Play Time
Riverfest is filled with playful, joy-filled scenes for families throughout each day. Visit the Family Fun section to guide you toward an Outdoor Bubble Walkabout, games, music and more in the Hunt Museum Garden, family fun at Limerick’s Milk Market, the Great Limerick Run: Kids Fun Run, supported by Limerick City and County Council, Fidget Feet Circus Street Shows, along with spontaneous dancing and hands-on creativity.
Riverfest on the River provides opportunities to have fun on the water or enjoy from a distance with boats, kayaking, paddleboarding, dragon boat racing, swimmers and cruise boats all animating the city’s scenic waterways.
Find tasty photo prospects at Riverfest Markets and Fairs and explore budget friendly Free Events that won’t break the bank but allow you to bank some memories.
Set cameras to sports mode to avoid motion blur at the Regeneron Great Limerick Run while night mode will help capture crisp images as the spectacular Riverfest Fireworks, illuminate the skyline on Sunday night.
From lively celebrations to relaxed evening meetups, Riverfest’s energy creates a vibrant backdrop in every direction.
However you capture it, every photo tells a small part of the weekend’s story, a shared collection of memories that will last long after the festival ends.
Riverfest Limerick 2026 takes place over the May Bank Holiday weekend, with Twilight Thursdays kicking off the celebrations early on 30 April.
Feel free to tag Riverfest Limerick 2026.
@riverfestlimerick on Instagram and Tik Tok, and Riverfest Limerick on Facebook
Riverfest Limerick 2026 is brought to you by Limerick City and County Council and produced by Grooveyard.
Riverfest Limerick 2026 Festival Friends are: Re-Turn | Mr Binman and Citylink.
Media Partners are | Live 95 | Limerick Leader | Limerick Post | Spin Southwest
For full details of all events and times visit Limerick.ie/Riverfest
Stay up to date on Riverfest Limerick 2026 social media: Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok
#RiverfestLimerick #LimerickEdgeEmbrace
