Skip to content Skip to footer

St Patricks Day Schedule

Tuesday 17th Schedule

City of Waterford Brass

12pm The Mall 

City of Waterford Brass have been entertaining Waterford audiences since 1932. They continue to innovate brass band music by tailoring their repertoire to their audiences and collaboration with other enthusiastic artists and musicians has become a trademark speciality under musical director Julie Quinlan.

St Patrick’s Day Parade

Time: 1pm – 3pm

The 2026 parade is not to be missed. It promises to be bigger and better than ever before with a colourful and vibrant mix of people, cultures, sights and sounds. The parade commences 1pm at Waterford Bus Station and will proceed along the Quay finishing on The Mall. Watch out for Irish dancers, traditional Irish music, The Absurdist Pipe Band and Thomas Francis Meagher himself who has important business with the Mayor!

Osprey Viking Cruises

Take a river history cruise onboard the Osprey and you won’t be disappointed. For St. Patrick’s Festival the onboard history tour will cover local connections to the national public holiday. ospreyvikingcruises@gmail.com Call Captain Andy 085 196 7779 (ticketed €40)

City Centre Fairground

Time: John Robert’s Square 
A range of fairground attractions and amusements will be situated in the city centre for the duration of the festival and if you’re hungry you can get a taste of Waterford and try some authentic local produce from a wide range of food stalls in John Robert’s Square.

Derek Flynn

1pm Applemarket
Those not heading to the parade will be chilling in the Applemarket to the sounds of the multi talented Derek Flynn.

Let's Meet at O'Connell St.

2pm O’Connell St. Cultural Quarter
WCQ has been a hive of activity for the last few days, we’re finishing off this year’s festival in style with live music from Celtic Brew from 2pm and Cróga Duo from 4.30pm. 

Hi Definition

3pm Applemarket
Hi Definition are a five piece cover band who will blow the roof off the Applemarket with their high energy music performance. With songs ranging from Pop, Funk, Trad and Dance they are a real treat for St. Patrick’s Day.

Urban Greenway Self-Guided Tour

As a ‘city of light’ Waterford offers a unique experience to view historical monuments and city walls illuminated in green. Take a nighttime tour of the ‘urban greenway’ and discover the history behind some of Waterford’s most famous landmarks.

WHATS ON

Day 1

Friday 13th

Kick off the St Patrick’s Festival Waterford – with vibrant parades & centre celebrations as Ireland’s oldest city bursts into life!

Day 2

Saturday 14th

Move the celebration into full swing with family fun, dazzling street entertainment, live music, and nonstop festive vibes citywide! today!

Day 3

Sunday 15th

Delivers dazzling performances, cultural celebrations, live music, and unforgettable St Patrick’s Day atmosphere throughout the city!

Day 4

Monday 16th

Celebrate in style with high-energy entertainment, strong community spirit, live music, and unforgettable moments across Ireland’s oldest city

St Patricks

Tuesday 17th

St Patrick’s Day finale with a spectacular parade, live music, cultural celebrations, and an electric green atmosphere across Ireland’s oldest city!

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Frequently Asked Questions

The city is easily accessible for families to enjoy the festivities. We are here to help, with any questions.

The festival runs for four fun-filled days, typically starting before St. Patrick's Day. 

Events and activities generally run throughout the day and into the evening.

  • Day 1 (Friday): Events usually kick off in the evening, with walking tours and ticketed performances starting around 6:30 pm and live music continuing late.
  • Day 2 & 3 (Saturday & Sunday): Daytime activities, workshops, and markets often start around 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Live music and street performances continue through the afternoon and into the evening.

Day 4 (Monday – St. Patrick's Day): The main St. Patrick's Day Parade starts at 1:00 pm sharp. Daytime workshops and the city fairground typically begin around 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The full schedule detailing locations and specific times for each day can be found on the festival's dedicated Programme of Events page.