Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Waterford Festival of Food, as excitement builds for what promises to be the festival’s most expansive and dynamic programme to date.
Returning from 23–26 April 2026, the festival will once again bring together leading chefs, producers and food lovers across Dungarvan and, for the first time, a range of new venues in Waterford City. Following strong early interest after the programme launch, organisers are encouraging those planning to attend to explore the programme and secure tickets early.
Tickets are being released in two phases to manage demand. The first release will go live on Friday 20 March at 2pm, followed by a second release on Tuesday 24 March at 10am, giving audiences further opportunities to access some of the festival’s most anticipated events.
The ticket release will include a number of standout dining experiences from this year’s programme, including a special Ashford Castle collaboration dinner with Eric Matthews at the House of Waterford, Tiger Balm Club at The Old Bank, Sham Hanifa at Cass and Co, Eamon and Ro at St. Mary’s Church in Dungarvan.and Jean-Baptiste Du Bois’ garden-to-plate dining experience at Mount Congreve Estate. These sit alongside a broader programme of one-night-only chef collaborations, guided tastings, hands-on workshops and curated food trails, while a wide range of additional events across the weekend remain free to attend and explore, from markets and demonstrations to family-friendly activities and community gatherings.
The 2026 programme reflects the festival’s continued evolution, now in its 17th year, with an expanded footprint stretching from Dungarvan and surrounds into Waterford City and a growing series of immersive food experiences that connect visitors with the producers, landscapes and communities that define the region. While the festival is rooted in strong, authentic food credentials, it remains grounded in a sense of community and fun, with experiences designed to be welcoming, social and accessible to all. From intimate dining to large-scale gatherings, the festival continues to balance innovation with its strong sense of place.
For more information and to secure tickets, visit www.waterfordfestivaloffood.com/
