Galway is bursting with exciting events every month! To help you make the most of what’s happening, we’ve put together a must-read guide featuring the top 15 events you won’t want to miss this month. From festivals to live entertainment, there’s something for everyone - so dive in and start planning your next great experience in Galway!
Please note; Below is just a snippet of everything Galway has to offer event-wise in the month ahead. If you would like a full and inclusive look at everything Galway has going on, please check out our website at; https://thisisgalway.ie/events/.
Festival: TULCA Festival of Visual Arts
When: November 7th - 23rd
Where: Galway City
More information here
This November, Galway will transform into a city-wide gallery as TULCA Festival of Visual Arts returns for its 23rd edition. Audiences are invited to explore “Strange lands still bear common ground,” a rich and imaginative exhibition journey curated by Beulah Ezeugo. This year’s festival gathers 26 artists and collectives from Ireland and beyond, working across installation, film, performance, and sound. Festival-goers can expect gallery tours, processions, screenings, talks, and participatory events designed to spark conversation and connection. With its blend of curiosity, critical thought, and creative energy, TULCA 2025 offers both a celebration and an invitation; to find common ground, even in the strangest of places.
above: Spoil Shelter by Mair Hughes, at TULCA 2025
Seasonal: Christmas Markets
There will be tons of fantastic Christmas Markets popping up across Galway over the upcoming weeks and we simply can’t wait to see all of the goodies they have to offer. Making its return to the City of Tribes, the Galway Christmas Market on Eyre Square opens on the 7th of November running through until Christmas Eve. Get ready to enjoy delicious treats, festive browsing, a spectacular 32m observation wheel and vintage amusements. Later in the month, we’re delighted to see the Tiny Traders Village’ Christmas Market return to Edward Square bringing with it a whole host of local vendors. This year, the much-loved local market will also have two pop ups in Eyre Square Shopping Centre from November 21st, with its second location in Edward Square opening shortly after. It’s an exciting return for the team after a busy summer of outdoor events across the city. And, of course we will see loads of other community-ran and held Christmas markets taking place across the county, so be sure to follow along with new updates on our Facebook and Instagram pages so you never miss out on any updates.
Music: Newdad
When: November 2nd, at 8pm
Where: Leisureland
More information here
The beauty and bite of NewDad’s debut album ‘Madra’ made the Galway band one of the biggest new hopes around. Their live performances so far have equally left an indelible mark, including standout sets at Koko, Glastonbury and groundbreaking shows in China and Japan. Vocalist and guitarist Julie Dawson fondly recalls the magic of 1,600 fans singing along in Shanghai, a testament to the band’s global resonance. The upcoming new live tour is a celebration of NewDad’s journey so far and a showcase of their future. Audiences can expect highlights from their debut album Madra, recent ‘Safe’ EP and of course songs from their recently-released second album Altar.
above: Newdad, photo by Alice Backham
Dining: Kitchen Take Over with Trisha Lewis
When: November 6th, at 7pm
Where: Brasserie on the Corner
More information here
Chef, author, entrepreneur and social media star Trisha Lewis (aka Trisha’s Transformation) joins the culinary team in Brasserie on the Corner, for one night only as the award-winning restaurant hosts a special Kitchen Take Over, and you’re invited to join in the fun! On the night guests are in for a real treat; savour an exclusive 6-course tasting menu created by Trisha, featuring a selection of her favourite dishes and some of the finest local produce from land and sea, it's going to be a truly delicious occasion. Enjoy a welcome reception on arrival with drinks and live music, along with a meet & greet with Trisha herself to catch-up with all her transformers! You’ll also receive an impressive gift bag brimming with tempting food, drinks and lifestyle products. Not to mention, there will be a host of fabulous spot prizes to be won as well.
Festival: Going Coastal 2025
When: November 7-9th
Where: Galway’s Westend
More information here
Going Coastal, the festival celebrating contemporary original music from Ireland’s western edge, returns for its third consecutive year with the Going Coastal Weekender. Going Coastal continues to support emerging artists, foster collaboration between promoters, and offer audiences a chance to engage with Galway’s thriving independent music scene. The Weekender kicks off on Friday the 7th with a two-floor takeover at Róisín Dubh, curated by A Modern Movement and Shark School. The night brings together some of the most exciting emerging artists from across the western edge of Ireland, spanning indie, experimental, and alternative sounds. Saturday will welcome music and markets during the daytime and evening time in both Massimo and The Blue Note, whereas Sunday will feature live music in Club Áras na nGael from Field Trip, Back To Winnipeg, Eoin Dolan, Sulk Hogan and TransAtlantic.
above: Sulk Hogan - Going Coastal
Music: Airneánach | Nightbird - A Series of Evening Performances
When: November 7th + 27th (final event taking place on December 13th)
Where: St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church
More information here
Airneánach | Nightbird is a new series of performances taking place at Galway's oldest building, St Nicholas' Collegiate Church. The live performances weave together the past, present, and future of Galway by uniting sound and visuals to showcase the incredible talent of Galway and Ireland, honouring the building's deep history while placing it firmly within modern-day life. Join Airneánach for three nights in 2025, starting with tessio on Nov 7th, at 8pm. tessio is a singer-songwriter duo from Derry, made up of Callum Feeney and Jude McCandless. They write, record, and produce their own songs, which feature acoustic guitars and close harmonies. The second Airneánach event will welcome Cathedral aka Shampain to perform on Nov 27th. Cóilí Collins aka Shampain is a Galway-born DJ and Producer known for his eclectic mix of ambient, bass-driven, club and cinematic electronic sounds. Having spent years toying with ambient and ominous sounds, Cathedral is the new experimental alias from Shampain. Having already soundtracked silent classics such as Man Of Aran, Nos Feratu, Faust and Irish Destiny in celebrated venues such as The Pepper Canister Church, The Complex, An Taibhdhearc, The Galway Town Hall & The Sugar Club, he is now soundtracking a whole new experience within St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church. Sounds, images and lights will all be woven together to help bring the City’s remarkable story to life, from pre-history to present. Expect the unexpected.
Tasting: Autumn Wine Tasting Series with Anke from Vinostito
When: November 19th, at 7pm
Where: La Viña
More information here
The final instalment of La Viña’s three part wine tasting series falls on November 19th with special guest Anke from Vinostito. On the evening, you’ll enjoy an exceptional guided tasting adventure that will deepen your appreciation for Old World Wines. For only €70, you’ll receive up to seven glasses of various wines alongside exquisite pairing platters for each. This is your chance to go on an unforgettable journey through some of Europe’s most iconic wine regions, so book your place by calling them at +353 85 745 6217 today. Limited availability, make sure you don’t miss this one night only experience.
Comedy: Bernard O’Shea - Desperate House Husband
When: November 21st, at 8pm
Where: Clifden Station House Theatre
More information here
Bernard O’Shea, the ‘Desperate House Husband,’ invites you on a hilarious escapade into the stay-at-home parenting world. Brace yourself for comical tales of domestic appliances with sinister intentions, yearning for a peaceful night’s rest, and even covert playground reconnaissance operations. It’s a laugh-out-loud journey through the trials and tribulations of modern family life! This event is the perfect way to brighten up the dark November nights, so come along and join this rollercoaster evening of live comedy.
Dining: Christmas Hits Brunch
When: November 15th, at 1pm
Where: The Hardiman
More information here
Start your festive season in style at Galway’s iconic The Hardiman Hotel. This month, their Christmas Hits Brunch brings together seasonal flavours, sparkling drinks, and all your favourite holiday tunes in a setting filled with festive décor and cheer. With the Christmas Markets opened right outside its front door, this magical afternoon is the ideal way to begin your 2025 Christmas celebrations. Enjoy a Christmas Brunch, a glass of prosecco and an afternoon of Christmas Hits!
Theatre: Jesus Christ Superstar
When: November 19th-22nd, at 8pm
Where: Town Hall Theatre
More information here
Showing in Galway’s Town Hall Theatre this November, Jesus Christ Superstar is a sensational rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice that portrays the final week of Jesus’s life through the eyes of his disciple, Judas Iscariot, who becomes increasingly concerned about Jesus’s growing influence and its potential consequences for the Jewish people. The story focuses on the psychological struggles and interpersonal conflicts between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and the Jewish and Roman authorities, culminating in Jesus’s betrayal, trial, and crucifixion. The musical is known for its blend of emotional and passionate rock music with biblical themes, its use of contemporary language, and its controversial yet influential approach to the traditional narrative.
Fundraiser: The Sunflower Sessions
When: November 8th, 3-6pm
Where: Massimo
More information here
The Sunflower Sessions are back this November with an afternoon of live music, art, and good vibes for a great cause. Expect acoustic music, and vibrant local vendors selling a mix of crafts, clothing, prints and artwork. There will also be someone doing lino printing so you’re welcome to bring your own clothes to print on, and sunflower project merch will be available as well. All donations will go towards funding care packages for young people in eating disorder treatment during the Christmas period, with any extra proceeds supporting Bodywhys. If you or anyone you know would like to get involved in fundraising/organising a sunflower sessions event, contact siobhan.kelleher892@gmail.com.
Comedy: Cornelius Patrick O’Sullivan - Pull Hard
When: November 6th, at 7.30pm
Where: The Kings Head
More information here
Award-winning comedian, writer and podcaster Cornelius Patrick O’Sullivan is furious. If he had his time back again, he would do it all differently. Alas this is not an option so as he looks his forties firmly in the face he has hatched a new plan. To live his life vicariously through his seven-year-old son Harvey. What possibly could go wrong?!? Pull Hard is a brand-new stand-up comedy show that deals with fatherhood and middle age and the lingering disappointment of lost opportunity. The hour is seasoned with tales of GAA matches, failed diets and expensive babysitters. Above all it’s a show about hope and endeavour. A stand-up performance not to be missed see him live for yourself this November by getting your tickets at the above link.
Festival: Galway Science and Technology Festival
When: November 9th, from 10am
Where: University of Campus
More information here
Now in its 28th year, the Galway Science and Technology Festival returns on Sunday the 9th with a full day of interactive fun at the University of Galway. Meet the people behind groundbreaking research, take part in experiments, and discover how science shapes everyday life. It’s educational, inspiring, and ideal for curious minds of all ages. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of science and engineering as you meet the brilliant minds behind groundbreaking innovations. Don't miss it!
Theatre: A Modest Proposal
When: November 11-13th, at 8.30pm
Where: Town Hall Studio
More information here
Based on a 1729 essay by Jonathan Swift, A Modest Proposal is a satirical comedy starring Jed Murray and directed by Andy Crook. Set in the boardroom of a strategic government task force who have been assembled to deal with challenging social issues, Our main character, Johnny is a very convincing presenter who has applied blue sky thinking, shifted the mindset and has come up with a solution where everyone wins. But will the board agree with his modest proposal? The production of Glens Arts Centre’s A Modest Proposal opened at the New Theatre, Dublin in February 2024, where it garnered excellent reviews from audiences and critics alike and is now touring nationally, secure your tickets for its Galway dates now at the link above.
Music: Leon Stax Equation x Chief Keegan - Double Headliner
When: November 14th, doors at 8.30pm
Where: The Cellar
More information here
Galway, The Leon Stax Equation is gonna be back in our fair city this November and this time they are bringing company. The Dublin based legends that are Chief Keegan will be playing with them as part of a double header tour. Shake off the winter blues and come see two of Ireland’s funkiest and most soulful bands in person. This is going to be a totally unforgettable night so get your tickets today!
Main photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
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