For the next three days, the Spraoi International Street Arts Festival will transform Waterford City’s medieval streets into a vibrant stage for a three-day celebration of street theatre, music, dance, and spectacle. Held during the August Bank Holiday weekend, this free, family-friendly event, organised by Spraoi, a renowned street arts company, attracts nearly 100,000 visitors annually. Set against the historic backdrop of Ireland’s oldest city, the festival offers an accessible and engaging experience, showcasing both local and international performers.
The programme begins on 1 August with DancingxCrossroads, a new street dance performance choreographed by Waterford native Rachel Ní Bhraonáin, starting at 9:30pm. This community-driven show, featuring local dancers, celebrates the city’s nightlife and cultural heritage.
Over the weekend, visitors can expect contemporary circus acts, street performances, and music across venues like the Cultural Quarter on O’Connell Street, Wyse Park, and Adelphi Quay.
The festival’s highlight, the Spraoi Parade, takes place on 3 August at 9:30pm, starting from Johnstown and ending at the Quays. Approximately 200 costumed performers, accompanied by elaborate floats, live music, and special effects, will present a theme of mythical and hybrid creatures, curated by a fictional character, Madam Cavalcade. A fireworks display over the River Suir follows, concluding the festival.
The SprÓg children’s programme runs alongside, offering arts and science-themed activities, including street events tailored for younger audiences. All events are free, with performances running from lunchtime to late evening.
Spraoi was founded in 1993 by a group of Waterford artists and community members, including Richard Connors and JJ O’Connell, with the aim of creating a platform for street arts that would reflect the city’s cultural identity. Initially a modest event, it has grown into Ireland’s premier street arts festival, supported by Waterford City and County Council, The Arts Council, and Creative Ireland. The festival’s signature parade, developed with a core team of professional artists and volunteers, has become a hallmark, blending local creativity with international influences. Spraoi’s NEST mentoring programme, launched in recent years, supports emerging Irish street performers, further enriching the festival’s offerings. Its commitment to accessibility and community engagement has made it a cherished tradition, often referred to locally as “Spraoi Weekend.
The current Artistic Director, Phil Kingston, has guided the festival oversees its creative direction and fostering collaborations like the 2025 DIVE#3 event with Circostrada, a European network for street arts. Kingston’s leadership has maintained the festival’s focus on inclusivity, with initiatives like the ACT environmental awareness project, in partnership with SETU and Waterford Council. Visitors can expect a lively yet welcoming atmosphere, with Waterford’s narrow streets, historic quays, and proximity to attractions like the Waterford Crystal showroom enhancing the experience. Easily accessible by bus, train, or bike, the festival offers a chance to explore the city’s heritage while enjoying a diverse range of performances.
