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.
Music: Def Nettle
When: October 10th, at 11.59pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Def Nettle is the Punk Funk band fronted by prolific musician Glen Brady. The band combines uptempo Punk/Post-Punk rhythms and classic Emo soundscapes with danceable beats and hard hitting tongue in cheek visions of contemporary life. Brady is backed up by Damien Fox on Drums, Ely Siegel on Bass, Ronnie Carroll on guitar and Raps/Backing Vocals by Lisa Doyle Taaffe. Their debut album ‘DN001’ was released to much critical acclaim in 2024. Recent single ‘Get Me Here’ & their latest “Head Wrecker’ have seen airplay on BBC Radio 6, RTÉ 2FM, Red FM, Louder ThanWar and Total Rock, and coverage in the likes of The Daily Star and HotPress and various online publications. Their song ‘Invisible’ spent 8 weeks in the German Indie Top 10 and previous single ‘Architecture’ spent 8 weeks at #2 on German Indie charts,. Their tracks ’The Pills’ & ‘War Machine’ featuring Andy Rourke of The Smiths on Bass guitar received extensive plays on radio around Ireland, UK, France & Germany and the act have had considerable press coverage in The Sunday Independent, The Sunday Business Post, The Golden Plec as well as being featured on countless UK based Indie blogs like Rough UK, Flex Magazine & more. Recent appearances include 2 episodes of Virgin Media One’s Fanning Live @ Whelan’s and live recordings for 2XM’s Sessions form Oblivion as well as performing a 2FM Live session and The Irish Times recently included Def Nettle in the 20 ‘Bands to Watch’.
Tasting: Coffee Cupping with Calendar Coffee
When: October 12th, at 10am
Where: Kali Coffee Bar
More information here
This Sunday, join Kali Coffee Bar in the garden for a special cupping with the lovely people of Calendar Coffee after their trip to Peru last month! Hear all about their travels, the producers they met and taste the coffee they brought back. Coffee lovers, this event is for you!
Talk: Galway Green Drinks
When: October 14th, at 6.30pm
Where: Hole in the Wall
More information here
This event is a fun gathering to talk about all things "green," intended for anyone working, volunteering, studying or just interested in environmental issues. Join them for networking, info, gossip, or just for the craic! This month they'll be joined by Dr. Nóirín Burke and Dr. Maria Vittoria Marra from Galway Atlantaquaria. They will speak about ocean literacy and the multiple ways they foster it through their work in the aquarium. Cost is free (donations welcome) but RSVP's are requested through the link above.
Workshop: Dancehall Memories
When: October 23rd, at 7pm
Where: Town Hall Studio
More information here
Do you remember the old Dancehalls? Maybe you have a story shared by a parent or a grandparent? Tell them about the love stories, the rows, the showbands… they want to hear all about it! Join them for some movement, followed by a cup of tea and a chat.
Shop: Galway Indoor Market
When: October 25th, 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!
Workshop: Repair Café
When: October 25th, at 1pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Ready to tackle those pesky clothing repairs but maybe need some help? Or perhaps just do the repairs with some other menders in a relaxed social space. Repair Cafe Galway is coming back to Galway City Museum. Repair your own garments. From broken zips to fixing rips, the volunteers will have their needles, threads, and sewing machines to advise and help if needed. Repair Cafes are a free meeting place where people can repair things together. It’s a place to build community and a more sustainable future. Booking is essential as space is limited – email Museum@GalwayCity.ie or phone 091 532 460 and secure your space today!
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.
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: 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.
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: 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’.
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.
Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang
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