LIMERICK continues to build on its reputation as Ireland’s premier summer festival destination, with the much-loved Riverfest set to return this May Bank Holiday weekend.
Running from May 1–4, the city will once again come alive as families, food lovers, and fitness enthusiasts gather to enjoy a packed programme of events across multiple locations.
Highlights include Riverfest on the Shannon, Riverfestival Village in Arthur’s Quay Park, the Regeneron Great Limerick Run, and the much anticipated fireworks display on Sunday night.
Celebrations will kick off earlier this year as well with the return of Twilight Thursday for the month of April, which has taken place on the last Thursday of every month since last May.
With over 50 events planned, it lays the groundwork for an extended May Bank Holiday weekend as part of Limerick’s Night-Time Economy pilot initiative.
Events on the night include a special Riverfest edition of SeanchoÃche storytelling, Twilight Tales at the Hunt Museum, and some smooth sounds to celebrate International Jazz Day on Bedford Row.
A full-line up of all events for this month’s Twilight Thursday can be found online at limerick.ie/discover/whats-on/community/twilight-thursdays-april.
People can also enjoy up to 40 per cent off taxis with Uber and Free Now on all rides on the night, using codes ‘TwilightThursdayApril’ on FreeNow and ‘TWILIGHTTHURSDAYSAPR’ on Uber.
Kickstarting Riverfest 2026 on Friday, the popular Riverfest Street Party will also return with a new location George’s Quay, with the return of Riverfestival Village at Arthur’s Quay with food stalls, crafts, and street performances.
A ‘Sitting Room Outside’ at Nicholas Street invites visitors to unwind in a reimagined open-air living space beside Treaty City Brewery, combining music, food, and creativity across Saturday and Sunday.
Also on Saturday, ‘A Whimsical Night with the Disco Pigs’ transforms the Old Cornstore on Roches Street into a playful, high-energy spectacle of folklore, music, and imagination.
The Great Limerick Block Party on Catherine Street will build from an afternoon celebration into the largest silent disco the city has ever seen.
Other highlights include Riverfest Fashionfest (ticketed event) at Gardens International, an evening of contemporary style and creativity; a special Riverfest Recital by the Irish Chamber Orchestra Youth (ticketed event) at King’s Island Community Centre; and the Fidget Feet Aerial Spectacle performance of The Song of Amairgen, invoking Celtic myths and legends at the Redemptorist Church.
And for music fans, Dolan’s brings synth-pop legends The Human League to the stage on Saturday (May 2) followed by a special 15-year hometown celebration with Hermitage Green on Sunday (May 3).
For fitness fanatics, a Hyrox event will take place on Saturday, along with the Great Limerick Run: Kids Fun Run for the smallies.
The Great Limerick Run will get underway on Sunday, returning for its 17th year, with thousands to take to the street for one of the highlights of the Limerick sporting calendar. Last year alone, the Great Limerick Run raised over €300,000 for various charities. The Limerick Post is a proud sponsor of this year’s run.
An outdoor bubble walkabout and a Red Bull Dance Your Own Style Competition, as well as the return of Fidget Feet Circus Shows all get underway on Sunday.
Details of the full line-up for Riverfest 2026, can be found at limerick.ie/riverfest.
With live music and late‑night events lighting up venues across the city, Limerick will be buzzing all weekend long.