Experience the best events in Galway—completely free! Explore This is Galway's Ultimate Budget-Friendly Events Guide and never miss out on top happenings without spending a cent.
Please note: This article will be updated as events take place meaning that this article can be your go-to no matter the day of week or time of year.
Workshop: Traditional Jack O' Lantern - FULLY BOOKED
When: October 30th + 31st, at 10.30am
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
The big, bright orange pumpkin, carved with facial features and known as a Jack o’ Lantern, is recognised the world over as a symbol of Halloween. Yet its origins lie in Ireland, where turnip lanterns were once made to frighten people at Samhain, when it was believed that otherworldly beings roamed the land. Jack, who lends his name to the pumpkin head, was an Irish blacksmith who squandered three wishes, tricked the devil three times, and was condemned to wander the earth for eternity, his only light a glowing ember carried in a hollowed-out turnip. Join Damien Donnellan, Education and Exhibition Assistant, as he shares the tale of Jack o’ Lantern. Afterwards, artist and educator Vicky Smith will guide participants in making their own traditional turnip lanterns. The collaborative workshop is designed for families with children aged 6 to 12 years. Each family group may include up to five participants, with a minimum of one adult and one child (aged 6+). One of the aims of the workshop is to encourage families to create together as a shared experience.
Music: International Uilleann Piping Day
When: November 1st, at 1pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
The uilleann (‘elbow’ in Irish) pipes or ‘Irish pipes’ are a sophisticated form of bagpipe with a history that can be traced back to the 1700s. In recognition of its cultural importance, uilleann piping was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017. To celebrate International Uilleann Piping Day (IUPD) 2025, join the pipers at Galway City Museum. This musical event is free of charge and no booking is required.
Illustrated Talk: The Jack O' Lantern & Other Halloween Traditions
When: November 4th, at 10.45am
Where: Westside Resource Centre
More information here
As part of its outreach programme, Galway City Museum has curated a special series of educational talks and events to be held at Westside Resource Centre, Seamus Quirke Road, during the darker months from November 2025 and March 2026. Developed in response to the interests of the local community, the programme spans a wide range of engaging topics – from folklore to built heritage and natural disasters. The Jack O’ Lantern – today mostly carved from a pumpkin – was traditionally made from a turnip or potato. Though now recognised worldwide, the tradition has deep roots in Ireland, linked to the eerie ghost lights said to move across bogs and to the legend of Stingy Jack and his dealings with the devil. Join Brendan McGowan of Galway City Museum to discover the fascinating origins of the Jack O’ Lanterns and explore other Halloween traditions. These events are free of charge, and all are welcome, but please book in advance by contacting Westside Resource Centre at (091) 528325.
Theatre: Between the Lines
When: November 6th, at 8.30pm
Where: Town Hall Studio
More information here
Between the Lines, a captivating evening of theatre presented by the students of Echo Acting. Under the direction of acclaimed actor and facilitator Áine Ní Laoghaire, this showcase features a rich selection of scenes from celebrated plays across a range of genres, from the comedic to the tragic, the classic to the contemporary. Each scene has been carefully chosen and developed to highlight the actor’s craft, exploring what happens both on the surface and beneath it — the subtext, the silences, and the emotional truths that make live theatre so powerful. They invite you to sit back, lean in, and experience what happens between the lines.
Music: the drive.
When: November 6th, from 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Dynamic and autonomous, Cork-based outfit the drive. have crafted a sound that fuses the dark, visceral energy of grunge with the reverb-drenched textures of shoegaze. A string of standalone singles first garnered international attention – earning the group US airtime, extensive press across Ireland and the UK, and features on Spotify’s ‘melomania.’ and the cover of ‘Alternative Ireland’. A band acclaimed for their captivating live performances of melancholic works, the drive. have built an impressive live résumé; with their stage successes including sold-out headline shows across Ireland – such as Whelan’s Upstairs and The Grand Social (Dublin), and Cyprus Avenue (Cork) – alongside festival circuits throughout the UK and Ireland. With a growing reputation and a unique sonic identity, the drive. have rightfully earned their place as one of Ireland’s most exciting emerging bands.
Music: Lynn Thizzy
When: November 7th, from 9.30pm
Where: Sally Longs
More information here
Sally Longs Rock Bar are delighted to welcome the incredible Lynn Thizzy, Irelands Ultimate Thin Lizzy Tribute Band as they take to their stage this coming November 7th. From “The Boys Are Back in Town” to “Jailbreak,” every note will transport you back to the height of rock’s golden era. With Philo-esque vocals, signature Lizzy guitar solos, and that unmistakable bass groove, this band does justice to Thin Lizzy’s legendary sound and stage presence. This is a free gig so be sure to get here early!
Music: Beauty Sleep
When: November 7th, from 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Known for serving up a maximalist blend of bewitching synth-pop and guitar-driven indie rock that’s sure to set your heart racing, Beauty Sleep’s lavish soundscapes and dizzying songwriting have drawn comparisons to New Order, Phoenix and Confidence Man, so far achieving over a million streams, performing at festivals such as SXSW, Electric Picnic and Other Voices and sustaining buzz from music press tastemakers in Ireland and the UK including Hot Press Get In Her Ears and plays on BBC R1, 6Music, Radio Ulster & RTE2fm since their debut album ‘Be Kind’ in 2019. The duo’s new album ‘The Whole Damn Cake’ was released via Alcopop! on October 17th 2025, with singles ‘Radical Happiness’ and ‘BIG + BAD’ showcasing the joyful rebellion that is their new record. As Cheylene Murphy & Ryan McGroarty are both songwriters, producers and multi-instrumentalists, they create a lush sonic world, writing songs that manifest the world they want to be in, with a dash of dreamy yearning, and a big sprinkle of 80s energy. Above all, it’s the sound of two people reclaiming their space in a world that often tells people like them—too loud, too queer, too sensitive, too much—to shrink. Beauty Sleep don’t shrink. Not anymore.
Steam Workshop: Then, Today & Tomorrow
When: November 11th-14th, at 10.15am, 11.30am, & 1pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
For this years Galway Science & Technology Festival, why not join award-winning science educator Jane McLoughlin for a hands-on journey through the wonders of science across the ages. This lively, interactive session invites young learners to explore how innovation has shaped our world – and where it might take us next! Activities may include: exploring how clocks have evolved through time, exploring travel through the ages with investigations, experiments and demonstrations with passenger boats, paper planes and rockets. This workshop promises an engaging and educational experience, sparking curiosity and a love for science in young learners. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to explore how science inventions of the past continue to shape our future!
Music: Ferdilicious & his Tasty Treats
When: November 12th, from 9.30pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Get ready for a feast as Ferdilicious teams up with WOMP Events for a series of DJ gigs in Róisín Dubh. Each gig will see Ferdilicious warm up the dancefloor before handing over to a rotating lineup of special guests – a mix of local heroes and fresh emerging talent. Expect a different flavour every time: new DJs, new sounds, and plenty of opportunities to discover the next wave of Galway’s underground talent. From club heaters to unexpected bangers, Ferdilicious & His Tasty Treats promises pure variety, big energy, and a whole lot of local love. Come hungry for tunes – you never know what you’ll get served.
Music: Edged in Blue
When: November 14th, from 9pm
Where: Sally Longs
More information here
Sally Longs Rock Bar are delighted to welcome the incredible Edged in Blue band from Limerick as they take to their stage this coming November 14th. It’s guaranteed to be an incredible night and this is a free gig so be sure to get here early!
Music: Paddy Hanna
When: November 14th, from 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
With a reputation as a theatrical live performer with a commanding voice and irresistible charisma, Paddy Hanna has curated a dazzling display of light, music and theatre, with a touch of the extraterrestrial to bring the audience into a celestial new dimension. Experience Hanna in full creative flight, closing out a landmark 2025 with a bold, genre-defying spectacle.
Biodiversity Workshop: Green(er) Spaces
When: November 15th, at 11.30am, & 1pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
This engaging workshop, delivered by Lindsay Deely of Toodlelou Creativity Lab and developed in collaboration with the Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water, invites young people to explore biodiversity and imagine how humans and nature can thrive together. Through lively discussion, and hands-on creativity, children learn about Irish wildlife, habitats, and the importance of balance in ecosystems. Working in small groups, they build their own “mini worlds” from paper and cardboard – adding rivers, forests, homes, and wildlife – while considering how people can share space with animals and plants. The session ends with group sharing and reflection, helping connect their creations to real actions they can take at home or in their community to support biodiversity.
Biodiversity Workshop: Biodiversity in our Backyards
When: November 15th, at 2.30pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Biodiversity in our Backyards is a workshop for local children and families that invites participants to learn more about the natural habitats right outside their own back doors. The workshop will hands-on science fieldwork with art creation, providing an opportunity to explore an area of the woods and to create a piece of temporal art that maps the local neighbourhood and environment. The aim is to empower participants to feel ownership and a sense of belonging in these spaces which are all of ours to use. This workshop will include a showcase of the artistic outputs created by from across Galway and is led by Baboró International Arts Festival for Children in collaboration with the Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water.
Steam Tour & Workshop: Seas, Shipwrecks & Seabed Mapping
When: November 18th-21st, at 10.15am, 11.30am, & 1pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
For Galway Science & Technology Festival dive into discovery with the Advanced Services Mapping Team from the Marine Institute and uncover the fascinating world of shipwrecks and seabed science. Learn how cutting-edge technology helps map the ocean floor and reveal hidden stories from the past. Explore why understanding our seas is vital – for protecting marine life, preserving history, and building a sustainable future. Perfect for curious minds with a passion for science, history, and the mysteries of the deep! On arrival, groups with be divided into two, with half doing a tour with Marine Institute Graduate Intern Léa Delhaise on the past, present and future of marine science in Ireland, and the other half doing the mapping workshop, before swapping over.
Shop: Galway Indoor Market
When: November 22nd, December 6th, from 11am
Where: The Cornstore
More information here
Outset Design welcomes you back to the Cornstore this Autumn/Winter for a diverse range of stalls that showcase the best of Vintage, Retro, Secondhand & Hand Made from Independent Businesses and Creative Individuals from Galway & beyond with live music from local musicians. Expect to discover new and retro vinyl, clothing, jewellery, furniture, crafts, originals art & botany. This is the perfect opportunity to select handcrafted & unique pieces from independent creatives, perfect for gifting in the run up to the festive season. And of course Outset Gallery will be open as per usual from 10am – 5.30m with a fresh restock of Art Books, Handcrafted Ceramics, Art Prints, Home Decor & More. See you there!
Literature: Oliver Jeffers Signing
When: November 23rd, at 1pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
More information here
Come and meet award-winning author and artist, Oliver Jeffers at Kennys for a book signing of I’m Very Busy – his stunning new picture book out in October – along with his other books. All are welcome! The signing is free to attend but booking is required. It will start at 1pm. World-renowned picture book maker Oliver Jeffers is a genre-busting creative force in the world of children’s books. His boy and the penguin books have sold over 1.2 million copies in the UK alone, with overall sales of Oliver’s publishing now exceeding 18 million copies worldwide, with translations in forty-nine languages. I’m Very Busy is a story about what happens when we are so busy, we sometimes forget the things – and people—that matter most. Featuring Jeffers’ bold, iconic illustrations and signature wit, it will resonate with readers young and old. If you have already pre-ordered I’m Very Busy, feel free to bring along your copy to be signed on the day as well as your other Oliver Jeffers books! Copies of I’m Very Busy and lots more of Oliver’s books will be available to buy at Kennys Bookshop on the day!
Music: In Athens
When: November 23rd, from 8pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Hailing from the rugged meeting point of Galway, Connemara and the Wild Atlantic, In Athens’ music boasts a powerful blend of fuzzy post-gaze nostalgia and razor-sharp post-punk energy. This creates an evocative soundscape that reflects the majestic beauty, raw power and shimmering tranquillity of their surroundings. Drawing on the untamed spirit of the Atlantic, In Athens channel this force into their debut EP “Mirrorism”. Recorded and produced at Darklands Audio Recording Studio by Dan Doherty (Fontaines DC, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Hope Sandoval), this 4 Track EP features expansive, intimate guitars, driving bass, hypnotic drums and hazy, 90s-inspired vocals. Their sound is both contemporary and timeless MIRRORISM which will be released on 12” Vinyl through Blowtorch records, will be available at the bands upcoming Irish Tour in November 2025.
Music: DIVE - Nirvana Tribute
When: November 28th, from 10pm
Where: Sally Longs
More information here
Sally Longs Rock Bar are delighted to welcome the incredible Dive – Nirvana Tribute as they take to their stage this coming November 28th. A tribute to a national iconic group, DIVE will make it worth your while to dig out those red and black stripey jumpers, combat shorts, and all the grunge gear you have, so come along to see DIVE perform their tribute to Nirvana, giving it their all. It’s guaranteed to be an incredible night and this is a free gig so be sure to get here early!
Music: Kippax
When: November 28th, from 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Kippax are an indie rock four piece born from a love of jangly 60s guitars and massive choruses. Weaving intricate, groovy instrumentals beneath observational bordering voyeuristic lyricism and taking further inspiration from Disco, Electronic and New Wave. The four lads, who met in school and having only released their debut single in February 2024 have played consistently packed out and sold out shows around Dublin. Notably a sold out headline upstairs in Whelan’s, supporting Getdown Services on the Irish leg of their UK/IE tour and making their first trip abroad, playing in London in August 2025. 2025 saw Kippax release their third single ‘New Orleans’ in May and begin recording of their debut EP ‘Voyeurism’.
Illustrated Talk: Galway's Tower Houses
When: December 2nd, at 10.45am
Where: Westside Resource Centre
More information here
As part of its outreach programme, Galway City Museum has curated a special series of educational talks and events to be held at Westside Resource Centre, Seamus Quirke Road, during the darker months from November 2025 and March 2026. Developed in response to the interests of the local community, the programme spans a wide range of engaging topics – from folklore to built heritage and natural disasters. Between 1400 and 1650, Gaelic and Anglo-Irish lords built as many as 3,000 tower houses across Ireland. Galway city and county are particularly rich in examples, including Lynch’s Castle, Aughnanure Castle, Claregalway Castle, Dunguaire Castle, and Thoor Ballylee. In this talk, Damien Donnellan of Galway City Museum will introduce Galway’s remarkable tower houses and highlight the museum’s detailed model of Kilcloonly tower house, once home to a famous bardic school. These events are free of charge, and all are welcome, but please book in advance by contacting Westside Resource Centre at (091) 528325.
above: Dungaire Castle, photo by Mark Flagler
Music: Kling Klang
When: December 4th, from 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Kling Klang are an artrock synthesizer band influenced by krautrock / noise / experimental / stoner music such as Neu!, Black Sabbath, Suicide, Trans Am and TwinKranes. The band are currently touring in support of their upcoming release on Wrong Speed Records, and the repress of their critically acclaimed debut LP “The Esthetik Of Destruction”. The current lineup features Joe McLaughlin, George McFall and Ricky White alongside Jon Hamilton from Part Chimp.
Music: Their Last Stop
When: December 5th, from 10pm
Where: Sally Longs
More information here
Sally Longs Rock Bar are delighted to welcome Their Last Stop to their stage for what is going to be an unbelievable gig. Their Last Stop is an atmospheric/depressive black metal from Dublin, Ireland. Their Last Stop seeks to create an extreme yet melodic sound layered with dark emotions. For fans of Agalloch, Thy Light, Nocturnal Depression, and Ghost Bath. Get ready for an incredible show, this is not something you’d want to miss.
above: photo by Sean Leslie Photography Adversary
Music: Undercover Martians
When: December 19th, from 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Undercover Martians are an indie rock band based in Galway. They are comprised of Dáithí McGloin as the frontman and guitarist, Michael McGloin on drums, Oisín McGloin on bass, and Killian Fox and Donnacha O’Dwyer, both on guitars. They have relentlessly gigged around Ireland for the past several years. Their Influences include The Strokes, Wallows, Arctic Monkeys, and The Academic. In 2022 they released their debut EP ‘Jigsaw’ which led to a sling of gigs across Ireland, including The Roisín Dubh (Galway), The Sound House (Dublin), and Fred Zeppelins (Cork). Their latest EP ‘I Don’t Want to Mention It’ (Produced by Dave Skelton) sees the band’s songwriting evolve to be more dynamic and heavy-hitting, whilst the lyricism delicately traverses the difficult phases of a romantic relationship. The band continues to perform across Ireland and is gearing up to release more music soon.
Illustrated Talk: Galway and the Night of the Big Wind
When: January 6th, at 10.45am
Where: Westside Resource Centre
More information here
As part of its outreach programme, Galway City Museum has curated a special series of educational talks and events to be held at Westside Resource Centre, Seamus Quirke Road, during the darker months from November 2025 and March 2026. Developed in response to the interests of the local community, the programme spans a wide range of engaging topics – from folklore to built heritage and natural disasters. On the night of 6 January 1839, a storm of unprecedented ferocity swept across Ireland, remembered ever after as the Night of the Big Wind. The Dublin Evening Post reported: ‘Ireland has been the chief victim of the hurricane – every part of Ireland – every field, every town, every village in Ireland have felt dire effects, from Galway to Dublin – from the Giant’s Causeway to Valentia.’ Join historian and author William Henry as he explores the impact of this legendary storm on Galway and its people. These events are free of charge, and all are welcome, but please book in advance by contacting Westside Resource Centre at (091) 528325.
Interactive Talk: Beyond Sushi - The Importance and Uses of Seaweeds
When: February 3rd, at 10.45am
Where: Westside Resource Centre
More information here
As part of its outreach programme, Galway City Museum has curated a special series of educational talks and events to be held at Westside Resource Centre, Seamus Quirke Road, during the darker months from November 2025 and March 2026. Developed in response to the interests of the local community, the programme spans a wide range of engaging topics – from folklore to built heritage and natural disasters. Traditionally in Ireland, seaweed was used for a variety of purposes, ranging from food and fertiliser to folk medicine. Join Julie Grivotte, a PhD researcher at the University of Galway, as she explores the importance and wide variety of uses of seaweed, both past and present, in this hands-on talk. These events are free of charge, and all are welcome, but please book in advance by contacting Westside Resource Centre at (091) 528325.
Illustrated Talk: Old Galway in Photographs
When: March 3rd, at 10.45am
Where: Westside Resource Centre
More information here
As part of its outreach programme, Galway City Museum has curated a special series of educational talks and events to be held at Westside Resource Centre, Seamus Quirke Road, during the darker months from November 2025 and March 2026. Developed in response to the interests of the local community, the programme spans a wide range of engaging topics – from folklore to built heritage and natural disasters. The story of photography began in 1839, and by the 1870s this new medium had reached Galway. From that point on, the town and county were captured through the lens, offering a fascinating a window into late-Victorian life in the West. Join Prof. John Breslin, avid collector of historical photographs and curator of the acclaimed Old Ireland in Colour book series, as he presents a rich selection of Galway images from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries from his and other collections. These events are free of charge, and all are welcome, but please book in advance by contacting Westside Resource Centre at (091) 528325.
Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang
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