Looking for the best festivals in Galway? Dive into This is Galway’s ultimate events and festival calendar - your new go-to guide for everything happening in this vibrant city and beyond. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or you’re a local searching for something new to attend, you’ll find all the top festivals, events and community celebrations right here.
Galway is famous for its lively festival spirit. From world-renowned festivals like the Galway International Arts Festival and Galway Races, to intimate music sessions, food markets, and creative workshops, there’s always something happening. Every season brings fresh opportunities to experience Galway’s charm - rain or shine!
In addition to this, our events calendar is updated regularly with new listings, so you can easily plan your nights out, family weekends, or cultural adventures in advance. Check out the full Galway events lineup HERE and start exploring what’s on in Galway today!
Winter Festivals in Galway (November, December & January)
above: photo of Galway Christmas Market by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Blas na Samhna / A Taste of Galway
The Month of November
website link here / Location: Galway City + County
Indulge in Galway’s diverse culinary culture with Blas na Samhna, a month-long celebration of global flavours and local talent. From traditional Irish feasts to cutting-edge dining experiences, this winter festival is a must for food lovers.
TULCA Festival of Visual Arts
7th - 23rd November 2025
website link here / Location: Galway City
TULCA Festival of Visual Arts is a multi-venue, artist-centered festival of contemporary art that works with Irish curators to present innovative exhibitions that provoke and energise audiences into the world of the visual arts. TULCA Festival champions Galway as central to the contemporary visual arts community and as a hub for artists, audiences and culture. While promoting the development of contemporary visual arts culture through a national and international network of artists, audiences, curators and art critics.
Galway Tradfest
13th - 16th November 2025
website link here / Location: Galway City & County
The Galway TradFest brings together Ireland’s rich traditional music heritage. Organised by Music Generation Galway County, this festival features concerts, masterclasses, instrument taster sessions, a session trail, and performances that celebrate Irish song, dance, and storytelling.
Galway Christmas Market
7th November - 31st December 2025
website link here / Location: Eyre Square
Experience the festive magic of the Galway Christmas Market in the heart of Galway city. Wander through over 50 wooden chalets filled with local crafts and seasonal treats, enjoy the 32m observation wheel, and sip mulled wine at the Après Ski Bar - a perfect holiday outing for all ages.
International Galway Tattoo Show
31st January - 1st February 2026
website link here / Location: The Galmont Hotel
Celebrate tattoo artistry at the International Galway Tattoo Show, featuring world-renowned tattoo artists alongside Ireland’s finest talent. The event includes live entertainment, market stalls, and music - a must-visit for tattoo enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
Spring Festivals in Galway (February, March & April)
above: photo of Cúirt International Festival of Literature by Brid O' Donovan
tonnta
29th January - 1st February 2026
website link here / Location: Galway City
One of the latest additions to Galway’s cultural scene, tonnta celebrates the Irish language and Galway’s bilingual identity. Organised by Gaillimh le Gaeilge and supported by Galway City Council and Fáilte Ireland, the festival showcases Irish arts, music, and community through workshops, performances, and cultural events.
M.Fest
Dates for M.Fest 2026 undetermined
website link here / Location: Galway City
M.Fest is a multidisciplinary arts festival in Galway that explores themes of menstruation, womanhood, and gender through creative expression. Expect bold performances, panel discussions, exhibitions, and conversations that challenge and inspire.
Tedfest
5th - 8th March 2026
website link here / Location: Inis Mór
A cult favourite, TedFest celebrates the legacy of Father Ted and comedian Dermot Morgan. Expect hilarious themed events like Lovely Girls Contest, Toilet Duck Awards, Nuns vs. Priests Football, and plenty of craic across Inis Mór.
Clifden Piano Festival
15th & 16th March 2026
website link here / Location: Clifden
Launching in 2026, the Clifden Piano Festival brings world-class pianists to Connemara for a weekend of unforgettable performances and musical celebration leading up to St. Patrick’s Day.
Cúirt International Festival of Literature
21st - 26th April 2026
website link here / Location: Galway City
One of Ireland’s longest-running literary events, Cúirt International Festival of Literature celebrated its 40th year in 2025. Its programme will once again feature a variety of events including poetry readings, fiction and memoir sessions, writing workshops, exhibitions, and family-friendly gatherings - uniting writers and readers from around the world.
Clifden Traditional Music Festival
Dates for Clifden Traditional Music Festival 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Clifden
Experience the heart of Irish culture at the Clifden Traditional Music Festival, a weekend filled with free concerts, lively sessions, workshops, and outdoor entertainment. Join musicians, singers, and dancers as Clifden comes alive with authentic Irish music and community spirit.
Summer Festivals in Galway (May, June & July)
above: photo courtesy of GIAF by Up in the Éire, of Pegasus 2024
Blas na Bealtaine / A Taste of Galway
The Month of May
website link here / Location: Galway City + County
Indulge in Galway’s diverse culinary culture with Blas na Bealtaine, a month-long celebration of global flavours and local talent. From traditional Irish feasts to cutting-edge dining experiences, this festival is a must for food lovers.
Fleadh na gCuach
Dates for Fleadh na gCuach 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Kinvara
Celebrate Ireland’s rich musical heritage at Fleadh na gCuach (the Cuckoo Festival), a much-loved traditional music and community arts festival in the picturesque village of Kinvara. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional talent, this festival brings together musicians and visitors from across Ireland and beyond for a weekend of music, culture, and connection.
Inishbofin Arts Festival
1st - 3rd May 2026
website link here / Location: Inishbofin Island
Experience the creativity of Ireland’s western isles at the Inishbofin Arts Festival. This weekend celebration features visual arts, theatre, literature, comedy, and live music, all set against the breathtaking Atlantic backdrop of Inishbofin Island.
Galway Theatre Festival
Dates for Galway Theatre Festival 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Galway City
For nine days each year, Galway Theatre Festival transforms the city into a hub of storytelling, performance, and creativity. Discover innovative new works from emerging and established artists showcasing the very best of Ireland’s theatre scene.
An Tóstal
Dates for An Tóstal 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Salthill
Dive into Galway’s maritime heritage with An Tóstal, a weekend filled with sea adventures and family fun. Watch the traditional Galway Hookers race along the Salthill coastline, enjoy currach competitions, and take part in lively onshore activities.
Headfest
Dates for Headfest 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Headford
Launched in 2017, Headfest celebrates music, sport, arts, and community in North Galway. Expect live performances, workshops, and family-friendly events that highlight the best of Headford’s creative spirit.
Kinvara Plein Air
Dates for Kinvara Plein Air 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: South Galway towns
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way at Kinvara Plein Air, a four-day outdoor painting festival that invites artists to capture the stunning landscapes of South Galway and the Burren.
Salthill Fives
30th & 31st May 2026
website link here / Location: Salthill Park
Galway’s legendary five-a-side football tournament returns! The Salthill Fives brings together top talent and local teams for a weekend of sport, food, and family-friendly entertainment along the Salthill seafront.
Éalú Le Grá
29th May - 1st June 2026
website link here / Location: Ballinderry Park, Killconnell
An immersive camping, music, and arts festival that celebrates creativity, connection, and self-expression. Éalú Le Grá (meaning, Escape with Love) combines music, workshops, and community experiences in a truly magical setting.
Galway Folk Festival
3rd - 7th June 2026
website link here / Location: Monroe’s Tavern, Galway’s Westend
The Galway Folk Festival unites music lovers for a celebration of folk traditions from Ireland and beyond. With over 50 acts performing across multiple venues, this event showcases both beloved legends and exciting emerging artists.
Clifden Summer Music Festival
Dates for Clifden Summer Music Festival 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Clifden Showgrounds
Enjoy three days of unforgettable live music in the heart of Connemara. The Clifden Summer Music Festival features top Irish acts and a wealth of incredible local performers.
Galway Uke Festival
Dates for Galway Uke Festival 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Galway City
Get ready to strum, sing, and smile at the Galway Uke Festival. Three jam-packed days of concerts, workshops, and street performances celebrating the joyful ukulele.
Corrandulla Agricultural Show
28th June 2026
website link here / Location: Corrandulla
A classic family day out in the countryside! The Corrandulla Show features horse jumping, livestock displays, food markets, and funfair attractions that celebrate Galway’s rural traditions.
Galway Skate Fest
Dates for Galway Skate Fest 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Galway City
Join the action at Galway Skate Fest, a celebration of skate culture featuring competitions, skate jams, lessons, and community events across the city.
Galway Film Fleadh
7th - 12th July 2026
website link here / Location: Galway City
Ireland’s premier film festival, the Galway Film Fleadh, screens a mix of international features, shorts, and documentaries, it’s a must for film lovers looking to discover fresh cinematic voices.
South Galway Bay Music Festival
Dates for Galway Bay Music Festival 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Ballinderreen GAA Club
A three-night festival of live music, dance, and community fun. South Galway Bay Music Festival is perfect for families and fans of traditional Irish entertainment.
Galway International Arts Festival
13th - 26th July 2026
website link here / Location: Galway City
One of Europe’s leading multi-arts festivals, the Galway International Arts Festival or GIAF celebrates theatre, music, dance, circus, visual arts, and more over 14 extraordinary days. Expect world-class performances and spectacular citywide installations.
WTAF!? (Westend Theatre & Arts Festival)
Dates for WTAF!? 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Galway's Westend, Galway City
One of Galway’s newest creative celebrations, WTAF!? the Westend Theatre & Arts Festival, is a riot of theatre, drag, visual art, and live music. Expect laughter, surprise, and a touch of mayhem in the heart of the Westend.
Galway Race Week
27th July - 2nd August 2026
website link here / Location: Ballybrit Racecourse
One of Ireland’s biggest racing festivals, the Galway Race Week, combines thrilling horse racing, fashion, food, and entertainment over seven unforgettable days - from the iconic Galway Plate Day to Ladies Day and the Mad Hatter’s family finale.
Autumn Festivals in Galway (August, September & October)
above: photo from Macnas 2025 by @emjcamera
Galway Pride Week
Dates for Galway Pride Week 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Galway City
Celebrate love, diversity, and inclusion at Galway Pride Week, one of Ireland’s longest-running LGBTQ+ festivals. With over 30 events across the city (from parades and performances to workshops, talks, and club nights) this is a week of colour, community, and pride.
National Heritage Week
Dates for National Heritage Week 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Galway City + County
Discover Galway’s stories and traditions during National Heritage Week, celebrating Ireland’s shared history and culture. Each year offers a different theme for exploration and invites cultural spaces across Galway to embrace our heritage through a series of events.
Connemara Pony Show
Dates for Connemara Pony Show 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Clifden Showgrounds
A highlight of Galway county’s calendar, the Connemara Pony Show celebrates Ireland’s beloved native pony breed with four days of competitions, showcases, and family-friendly fun. As part of the festival you'll get to enjoy the best of Connemara hospitality in the heart of the region’s stunning landscape.
Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds
Dates for Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Ballinasloe
Immerse yourself in traditional Irish music and culture at Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds, honouring the legacy of one of East Galway’s great musicians. Expect lively sessions, workshops, storytelling, and plenty of “ceoil, craic, cultúr agus spraoi!”
Galway Climate Inspirations Festival
Dates for Galway Climate Inspirations Festival 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Galway City
An innovative and creative festival that is reimagining climate action, the Galway Climate Inspirations Festival blends art, music, theatre, and food to inspire community-led change. This initiative by Galway City Council highlights how creativity can spark real environmental action.
Shorelines Arts Festival
Dates for Shorelines Arts Festival 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Portumna
Held on the scenic shores of Lough Derg, the Shorelines Arts Festival celebrates visual arts, music, film, theatre, and literature. Featuring exhibitions, workshops, and performances, it’s one of the most beloved boutique festivals in County Galway.
Galway Culture Night
18th September 2026
website link here / Location: Nationwide
Join the nationwide celebration of creativity during Culture Night Galway. Museums, galleries, theatres, and heritage buildings open their doors to free events, offering a night of live performances, talks, and interactive experiences across Galway city and county.
Clifden Arts Festival
Dates for Clifden Arts Festival 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Clifden
Ireland’s longest-running community arts festival, the Clifden Arts Festival, offers a world-class programme of music, theatre, literature, and visual arts. Experience the creative heart of Connemara through concerts, readings, and workshops with local and international artists.
Galway International Oyster Festival & Galway Dockland Festival
25th - 27th September 2026
website link here / Location: Galway City
The Galway International Oyster Festival is one of the world’s most iconic seafood celebrations. Enjoy oyster-shucking championships, food trails, tasting events, live music, and family fun by the bay, all honouring Galway’s rich maritime and culinary traditions. Organised by the local community, this festival is a celebration of Galway's rich maritime connections and heritage.
Architecture at the Edge
Dates for Architecture at the Edge 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Galway City
Explore the relationship between people and place at Architecture at the Edge, a festival dedicated to promoting responsible, innovative design. Expect guided tours, exhibitions, and talks showcasing how architecture shapes life in the West of Ireland.
Gaillimh Ah-Boo!
Dates for Gaillimh Ah-Boo! 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Galway City
Bursting with local talent, Celtic magic, and a dash of mischief, Gaillimh Ah-Boo! Is Galway’s own Samhain spectacular, where ancient folklore meets modern craic. Part of Fáilte Ireland’s Home of Halloween Pilot Destination Development Scheme, Gaillimh Ah-Boo! reclaims Ireland’s roots as the true Home of Halloween.
Galway Cartoon Festival
Dates for Galway Cartoon Festival 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Galway City + The Aran Islands
Prepare for laughter and creative thought at the Galway Cartoon Festival, an international celebration of political satire, caricature, and humour in art. Enjoy exhibitions, live cartoon sessions, workshops, and family-friendly events across Galway and the Aran Islands.
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children
Dates for Baboró International Arts Festival for Children 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Galway City
Ireland’s flagship children’s arts festival, Baboró International Arts Festival for Children brings together inspiring performances, exhibitions, and creative workshops for young audiences. Expect world-class theatre, music, and storytelling that spark imagination and wonder.
Generation Fleadh
Dates for Generation Fleadh 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Galway City
Generation Fleadh is the youth branch of the Galway Film Fleadh for people aged 12-24 years. The festival comprises film screenings, an educational film programme, an annual outreach programme in Galway City and County, collaborations with festivals and events, all informed by the youth voice through the Generation Fleadh Council and youth review panels.
Food on the Edge
Dates for Food on the Edge 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: ATU Galway Campus
Bringing the world’s leading chefs and food innovators to the west of Ireland, Food on the Edge is a two-day global symposium focused on the future of food. The next edition includes talks, masterclasses, tastings, and the much-loved Producer Food Village.
Galway Comedy Festival
Dates for Galway Comedy Festival 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Galway City
Get ready for a week of laughs as Galway Comedy Festival transforms the city into Ireland’s comedy capital. With seven days of stand-up, improv, and late-night shows, this is the biggest comedy event in the country; packed with both Irish stand-up legends and international stars.
Macnas Halloween Parade
Date for Macnas 2026 tbc
website link here / Location: Galway City
The world class Macnas parade is returning to the streets of Galway every Halloween with another edition of their show-stopping parades. Known worldwide for its breathtaking street theatre and giant puppetry, Macnas delivers a spellbinding experience that delights all ages.
Discover the day-to-day events taking place in Galway by hitting the link HERE for access to Galway's ever-evolving events lineup.
Feature photo courtesy of Fáilte Ireland.
Published on Updated on
