Riverfest Limerick celebrates milestone 21st anniversary

RIVERFEST Limerick 2025 will present a diverse range of activities and events designed to delight visitors of all ages from water activities on the River Shannon to dancing at a street party to mark its 21st year. 

Limerick City and County Council have announced the launch of the event, set to lift spirits and bring the community together from Friday, May 2 to Monday, May 5.

From water activities on the mighty River Shannon to the mouth-watering sizzle of the National All-Ireland BBQ Competition. Soar high on the Panoramic Wheel, dance the night away at the Riverfest Street Party, and marvel at the spectacular fireworks display. With live music and street performers, this year's Riverfest offers non-stop excitement.

The Riverfest Limerick 2025 Events Map is available to download to help you navigate your way through all the activities across the weekend.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, is looking forward to the upcoming festival, saying:

"The May Bank Holiday Weekend belongs to Limerick as we kick off the summer festival season in style. Riverfest Limerick showcases our commitment to enhance quality of life, promote social inclusion, and foster economic growth. Riverfest brings our community together and showcases Limerick and its majestic river to locals and visitors alike. I invite everyone to join in the 21st anniversary celebrations!"

Príomh Comhairleoir Cllr Dan McSweeney added:

"Riverfest is always a blast, welcoming people from near and far to join in the fun. Whether you're paddling on the River Shannon or dancing at the street party, Riverfest brings our community together for a weekend of celebration and laughter. Let's make this 21st anniversary one for the history books."

Head of Tourism, Festivals and Events at Limerick City and County Council, Eileen Coleman commented:

"Organising Riverfest Limerick is a labour of love for our team each year and this year is no exception. We have an incredible line-up of activities that will keep people entertained and coming back for more. Riverfest Limerick 2025 is set to be an unforgettable experience."

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Attendees can enjoy an array of events and activities including the following:

Enjoy riverside revelry at Riverfest HQ: Arthur’s Quay Park transforms into Riverfestival Village, featuring street performers, crafts, artisan food stalls, vintage amusements, and live music; Unleash your inner daredevil at Adrenaline Freefall: Jump from a high tower onto a giant airbag for an exhilarating free-fall experience; Get fired up for the ultimate BBQ showdown: The National All-Ireland BBQ Competition heats up Howley’s Quay with delicious grilled fare; Soar sky high on the Panoramic Wheel: Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Limerick from the 38-metre Panoramic Wheel ;Soak up the vibes at the Regeneron Great Limerick Run: Cheer on participants in the marathon, half marathon, and six-mile events; Eyes to the skies for Riverfest Spectacular Fireworks: A dazzling fireworks display will light up the night sky, providing a fitting finale to Sunday’s festivities; Make a splash with Riverfest on the Shannon: Enjoy activities like freestyle kayaking, dragon boat racing, swimming and more water-based fun; Test your skills with Games in the Garden at the Hunt Museum: Enjoy Boules, Chess and Croquet in the beautiful surroundings of the museum garden with a live musical performance; Join a pair of batty inventors from Symmetry Circus for the What's Watt Symmetry Circus Show: a show for all ages featuring acrobatics, hula hooping, escapology, juggling and lots of laugh out loud comedy; Get your fashion fix at Fashionfest with Ireland’s queen of style, Celia Holman Lee: A glamorous runway show featuring stunning collections and latest trends from the best of Limerick’s fashion houses and designers; Enjoy DJ beats on the street: Dance the day and night away at the Riverfest Street Parties with live DJ performances and Gaze at amazing aerial acrobatics: 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.

Riverfest Limerick 2025 is setting a new standard for eco-conscious festivals with a range of sustainability initiatives. The festival will promote eco-friendly travel options, zero-waste practices, and the use of digital event materials to minimise environmental impact. These efforts reflect Limerick Council’s commitment to celebrating Limerick's culture while protecting its natural environment.

ASD Ireland will be providing their Mobile Sensory Unit at Sarsfield House car park (beside Arthur’s Quay Park) from 11pm to 4pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. This will offer a space to relax and escape the city noise for children and adults with autism. The space includes a sensory room. No advance booking required.

A number of road closures and diversions will be in place to facilitate the safe and smooth running of Riverfest Limerick activities and events. Full details can be found here.

Details of road closures to facilitate the Regeneron Great Limerick Run on Sunday, May 4 can be found at Limerick.ie.

For full details of all events and times visit Riverfest | Limerick.ie.