Imagine Arts Festival 25th Anniversary Launch

The Imagine Arts Festival launch marks the opening of its 25th anniversary edition in Waterford. The official event takes place on Monday 19 October 2026 at 7pm, at the Festival Hub, 49B O’Connell Street.

The anniversary programme carries the theme In Memories We Grow. Festival week follows from 20 to 25 October, bringing theatre, music, dance, visual art and heritage to venues across Waterford city.

Imagine Arts Festival launch at the Festival Hub

This official opening is listed in the current Imagine programme. It takes place on the evening before the main festival week starts. Visitors should use the launch date and time above when planning to attend.

The Hub is also a home for visual art and installations during festival week. Those exhibitions have their own dates and opening hours. Check their individual listings if you want to return to explore the work on display.

Launch date, venue and entry information

Date: Monday 19 October 2026.
Start: 7pm.
Venue: Festival Hub.
Address: 49B O’Connell Street, Waterford.

Admission: The organiser’s current launch entry does not publish an admission price, a booking link or a finish time. Confirm entry arrangements with Imagine before travelling.

Consult the official Imagine Arts Festival programme for the opening event and the full week’s schedule. This launch listing is separate from the daytime exhibition programme that begins on Tuesday 20 October.

Food, drinks and getting there

Make your visit part of an outing in Waterford city. Options include The Reg for a drink and Bodega for food. Check service times and book ahead where needed.

For transport around Waterford, Rapid Cabs is a local option.

WIYP tip: The Imagine Arts Festival launch is on Monday 19 October, while the main programme runs from Tuesday 20 October. Check the date of each event when planning your festival week.