Get ready, Galway – the Genevieve Ryan Dance Academy is taking over Eyre Square with a spine-tingling community dance spectacle! In partnership with Galway City Council’s Night-Time Economy, this event will bring Samhain to life with a spectacular reimagining of Michael Jackson’s legendary “Thriller” dance. This performance is a community ritual, weaving modern pop culture with the powerful magic of ancient Celtic folklore. As the veil between worlds thins at this ancient time, we invite Galway’s residents, community groups, and dance schools to step into a space “out of time” and embody powerful figures from Irish folklore.

Who will you become? The fearsome Cailleach (The Divine Hag), the mischievous Púca, the chilling Banshee, or your own haunting creation?

More than just a dance, this is a vibrant, inclusive street spectacle that encourages everyone—dancers, families, residents, and visitors—to dress up and participate. The Genevieve Ryan Dance Academy has created easy-to-follow instructional videos so you can learn the moves ahead of time, and professional dancers will be on hand on the night to guide everyone through the routine. Whether you are a seasoned performer or a first-time mover, you’ll be right at home.

This event is a fun, family-friendly way for the people of Galway City to come together and connect with the ancient, mystical heart of Samhain as part of the inaugural Gaillimh Ah-Boo, Galway City Home of Halloween Programme.

Learn the dance and join in, instructional video HERE.

The Samhain Community Dance Spectacle: A Thriller in Eyre Square, presented as part of the Galway City Home of Halloween Programme, is funded by Galway City Council, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and Fáilte Ireland.