Are you feeling well?
Well Festival of Arts and Wellbeing 2026 launches exciting lineup – lots of FREE arts events
- Music, art, dance/theatre, poetry, film and stories to lift people’s spirits
- Dedicated activities for younger audiences through the Wellies programme
- Festival dates: Monday 16 – Saturday 21 February
Taking place in venues across Waterford from Monday 16 to Saturday 21 February, the Well Festival of Arts & Wellbeing features an inspirational line-up of almost 40 fun, sociable arts events for all ages, the majority of which are FREE. Presented by Réalta (Waterford Healing Arts), Waterford Libraries and Garter Lane Arts Centre, festivalgoers will experience the joy of creativity through music, art, dance/theatre, literature, film, talks, workshops and interactive opportunities for all ages. The programme also includes Wellies, with events designed especially for younger audiences including music and art workshops, storytelling and more. See www.wellwaterford.com
The 13th Well Festival of Arts and Wellbeing celebrates how the arts make us feel good and inspire us. Echoing nature’s journey from winter into spring, with the evenings getting a little brighter and new life beginning to appear, the Well Festival invites people to venture out, explore and make new connections. In addition to events across the city, the festival has a special focus on arts for people in healthcare settings with a range of activities and immersive experiences planned for patients and staff at University Hospital Waterford.
Some Highlights
- Fancy a lift? A daily postcard with poetry, curated by Waterford poet Joanne McCarthy, delivered on meal trays to patients at University Hospital Waterford (UHW), and available to all through all Waterford Libraries, Garter Lane Arts Centre and online via www.wellwaterford.com from 9am each day.
- Why Arts? The Annual Réalta-Well Festival Keynote conversation, featuring Regius Professor Rose Anne Kenny, champion of positive ageing, with Irish Times feature writer and Waterford woman Jennifer O’Connell, Monday 16 Feb, 6pm at Réalta Centre for Arts + Health, UHW. Prof Kenny will talk about the value of the arts in her life. She is Chair of Medical Gerontology at Trinity College Dublin, the founder of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) and the bestselling author of Age Proof – The New Science of Living a Longer and Healthier Life.
- New Shoots: A beautiful exhibition of images, relating to wellbeing, personal growth and positive change, created by budding photographers on the New Shoots programme 2021 to 2024. At Central Library, Lady Lane, Waterford throughout February. Launch event Wednesday 18 February at 6pm. All welcome.
- Other Worlds – an immersive dance and live music event with Jess Rowell Dance, where performers and audience embark on a journey together through curious worlds and new dimensions. A sensory-rich theatrical experience, especially for local adult day service members and their companions. At Garter Lane Arts Centre, Thursday 19 February.
- Re-fashion Revolution – Love your clothes for longer by learning how to creatively upcycle and repair with sustainable fashion experts Blast Store. At Central Library, Lady Lane, Waterford, Saturday 21 February. Booking essential. Suitable for 13-15 year olds.
- Shake, Rattle & Reminisce: Celebrate Waterford’s Showband greats with WLRFM’s John Keane in the DJ Booth for this evening of song, dance laughter and shared memories. Thursday 19 February, 6.30pm at Carrickphierish Library, Carrickphierish Road, Gracedieu, Waterford. Booking essential.
- Yes, but do you care? – This short film by artist Marie Brett reimagines family caregiving, the ethics of autonomy and the implications of Ireland’s new capacity legislation. The film screening will be followed by a discussion with the artist. At Garter Lane Arts Centre, Saturday 21 February at 2pm.
- The Grúagach’s Lair – A stunning exhibition of intricate stained-glass works, inspired by the landscapes and coastline of County Waterford by An Rinn-based artist Rayleen Clancy. At University Hospital Waterford from Monday 16 February.
- Make Some Noise – Creative Arts Therapist Catherine Sweeney leads this fun music workshop, encouraging imagination, listening, movement, connection and expression. At Ardkeen Library, Ardkeen Shopping Centre, Waterford on Thursday 19 February at 10am. Suitable for 8-12 year olds. Booking essential.
- Sunshine – Sharing writings to brighten our souls: A friendly evening of poetry and song at The Book Centre, Waterford. With Guest MC artist, writer and photographer Catherine Drea. Friday 20 February at 6pm – all welcome.
Thanks to generous funders and supporters, including the Arts Council, the HSE and Waterford City and County Council, almost all events this year are free of charge. Some events still need to be booked to ensure a place. Detailed listings from www.wellwaterford.com