Riverfest 2025 is the 21st edition of Limerick’s biggest festival. Over the May Bank Holiday weekend, the streets of Limerick will come alive. More information about Riverfest will become available closer to the event. In the meantime, here’s a little of what you can expect.
Riverfestival Village
The Riverfestival Village returns to Arthur’s Quay Park with tasty street food and fabulous crafts stalls as well as stunning vintage amusements and live musical entertainment all set against the backdrop of the glistening River Shannon. More info here
- Friday 2nd May @ 12.30pm – 9pm
- Saturday 3rd May @ 10am – 9pm
- Sunday 4th May @ 10am – 8pm
- Monday 5th May @ 10am – 5pm
Panoramic Wheel
The Panoramic Wheel is back in the Potato Market from Friday 25th April to Monday 5th May, running from 12pm to 9pm daily.Soar above the city and take in the stunning 360-degree views across Limerick’s skyline on the spectacular 36 metre panoramic wheel. More info here
Fashionfest
Ireland’s queen of style, Celia Holman Lee hosts FashionFest, a night of style and elegance, at Gardens International on Henry Street from 6pm. The runway show includes stunning collections and latest trends from the best of Limerick’s fashion houses and designers. In addition, some of the budding fashion students from LSAD and Limerick College of FET will showcase their own pieces on the catwalk. Kick off the night with a drinks reception from 6pm, followed by a spectacular runway show at 7pm. More info here
Riverfest on the Shannon
Several events will take place on the River Shannon over the weekend. The Riverfest Fun Swim takes place on Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm from the Curraghgour Boat Club to slipway on Clancy Strand. After your Swim/Dip, enjoy some rolls and soup and well as a Sauna by Serenity Saunas. Then stay around for a chat or head into town to the Milk Market or watch the other actitives on the river or head to the BBQ’s and many more wonderful and exciting events being held this weekend. More info here
Nevsail will be offering kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding, and Boating Tours from the Hunt Museum each day. Boat Tours: Adult €20/ Child €15. Kayaking Tours: Adult €35/ Child €30. Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tours: Adult €35/ Child €30. They’ll also be running a Walking Tour each day at 2pm More info here
- Friday 2nd May at 9am –
- Saturday 3rd May at 10am
- Sunday 4th May at 11.30am
- Monday 5th May 1.30pm
A Recreational Rowing Regatta Between the Bridges takes place at St Michael’s Rowing Club on Monday from 11.30 am to 3pm. More info here
Riverfest Art Fair
The Riverfest Art Fair will take place in the Potato Market on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Featuring Blacksmith Demonstration by Eric O’Neill of LCETB Cappamore Campus. More info here
Barbeque Competition
One of the highlights of Riverfest every year is the National Barbeque Competition, which takes place on Saturday afternoon from 12pm to 3pm on Howley’s Queue (outside House Limerick). Companies and communities battle it out to be crowned Limerick’s Barbeque Champions. More info here
Symmetry Circus Show
The What’s Watt Symmetry Circus Show comes to the Hunt Museum Garden on Saturday at 3pm and 4.30pm. Gather around for the grand unveiling of a new-fangled, obtuse-angled, slightly mangled kinetic motion machine! Join a pair of batty inventors from Symmetry Circus as they attempt to repair and construct their contraption. Will the calamitous duo get their machine going in the end? What’s Watt is a show for all ages featuring acrobatics, hula hooping, escapology, juggling and lots of laugh-out-loud comedy! Free event. More info here
Riverfest Street Parties
The Riverfest Street Party takes place on Howley’s Quay on Saturday and Sunday from 6pm to 10pm. imerick’s scenic riverfront will become an outdoor party area where the Red Bull DJ Jeep will provide infectious beats to get you on your feet! Dance, laugh, and soak in the fun-filled atmosphere – it’s a party you won’t want to miss! More info here
Fidget Feet: The Dreaming Heart
Get ready for a mesmerising performance as Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre take flight through the night skies with their magical tale, The Dreaming Heart, a fantastic fusion of aerial circus, spectacular special effects, music and fire, takes place in the Redemptorist Church car park at 9.30pm. Look up the sky is our stage as Fidget Feet performers soar through the Limerick night skies from two cranes flying 35meters in the air!!! More info here
Great Limerick Run
On Sunday, the streets of Limerick will be overtaken by runners for the Great Limerick Run. There are four events taking place – a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay and Six Mile. The Full Marathon (26.2 miles) and the Marathon Relay kick off at 9am from Pery Square. More info here
The Half Marathon (13.1 miles) kicks off at 10.30am. More info here
The Six Mile Run starts at 12.30pm. More info here
Garden of Games
Riverfest Games in the Garden take place on Sunday from 11am to 4pm in the Hunt Museum Garden. Games include boules, chess and croquet. Trevor Gyves from Gramophone Social will be performing at 12pm. More info here
Live at the Castle Concerts
Over the Riverfest weekend, several concerts take place in King John’s Castle during the Riverfest weekend.
British singer-songwriter David Gray will play a SOLD-OUT gig in the Castle on Thursday, 1st May, as part of his Past & Present Tour. Gray will be joined by special guest Talia Rae, an 18-year-old singer/songwriter from London. More info here
Qween, Ireland’s number one Queen tribute act, will be Live in the Castle on Saturday 3rd May. They will be joined on stage by the Dublin Gospel Choir. Tickets €39.50. More info here
Finally, The Coronas will be playing on Sunday 4th May to round off a great weekend of music. Tickets €39.50. More info here
Riverfest Spectacular Fireworks Display
The Riverfest Spectacular Fireworks Display will be lighting up the sky on Sunday night from 10.15pm. Viewing Points: Clancy’s Strand and Sarsfield Bridge. More info here
Other information
Other Events
Don’t forget to check out our full event listing for the week.
Accommodation
We recommend booking accommodation early. Check out our guide to Limerick Hotels
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