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. For Galway’s full events calendar, visit thisisgalway.ie.
From the Artist's Studio of Jerry Marjoram
When: Running until September 22nd, regular gallery opening hours
Where: The Kenny Gallery
More information here
A new exhibition of over 40 landscapes by Jerry Marjoram (1936-2024) is now on at The Kenny Gallery in Liosbán, Galway and on thekennygallery.ie. The exhibition marks the return of Jerry’s work to The Kenny Gallery, celebrating the life and legacy of an artist whose paintings continue to resonate with those who know and love the Irish landscape. Bringing together a wide selection of his final paintings, the show reflects the breadth of Jerry’s vision, from the quiet stillness of bog and river to the movement of sea and sky. All of the artworks are for sale. Born in Dublin’s Liberties in 1936, Jerry Marjoram developed his love of painting under the guidance of Maurice McGonigal and Seán Keating. Over time, the West of Ireland, and particularly Connemara, became an enduring source of inspiration. Its boglands, rivers, mountains and coastal waters were subjects he returned to again and again, building a visual record of a landscape that is both familiar and deeply personal. Admission is free, all are welcome and the artworks are for sale. Any queries can be sent to Dean at art@kennys.ie.
Culture Night
When: September 18th
Where: Nationwide
More information here
The twenty-first edition of Culture Night/Oíche Chultúir returns to Galway City on Friday, 18th of September, with free cultural events taking place across the city from 4pm until late. This year's programme invites people across Galway to come together and enjoy a wide range of free cultural experiences that celebrate the city's creativity, identity and communities. From music and visual arts to heritage, performance and community-led events, the programme reflects the richness and diversity of Galway's cultural life. Hit the link above for the full programme.
Culture Night: Split the Bill - All Ages Show
When: September 18th, at 5pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Split the Bill is proud to bring you Culture Night 2026 at Róisín Dubh, presenting a stacked, all-ages lineup of the best young acts around, live on the big stage. Featuring: Copernicus II, Big Nothing (pictured), Cats!, Infared, and Mentality. All ages. Free in. Bring a mate. In partnership with Strange Brew Presents.
Culture Night: Authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony hosted by WA Cafe
When: September 18th, at 6pm
Where: The Mick Lally Theatre
More information here
Join Architecture at the Edge Festival on Culture Night in the Mick Lally Theatre and experience a real Matcha Tea Ceremony hosted by Yoshimi Hayakawa who is a director of WA CAFE and she has being learning Tea Ceremony 茶道 for 7 years in Japan. She will showcase and share her knowledge and skill of the Japanese tea ceremony. Tea ceremony 茶道 can be counted one of “Tao” (technic, ,method and spirits).
Culture Night: Acoustic Originals with Sinéad Murphy
When: September 18th, at 6pm
Where: West of the River Gallery
More information here
This September 18th, Culture Night, come on over to West of the River Gallery in Athenry and sit back and enjoy the beautiful songs that local musician Sinéad Murphy has written and composed. Not to be missed! This FREE of charge event requires only a booking to secure your space – An ideal event for a group of pals to attend in the stunning gallery space.
Culture Night: Harvest of Light Piano Performance
When: September 18th, at 7.30pm
Where: The Connacht Hotel
More information here
Enter an enchanting evening of piano music celebrating Culture Night through light, warmth, and artistry. Harvest of Light is a gentle, atmospheric solo piano recital that captures the quiet beauty of early autumn — from soft morning light to the golden glow of evening. Through Irish airs, luminous classics, and contemporary reflections, this performance invites listeners of all ages into a space of stillness, colour, and renewal as summer fades and autumn begins. Whether you’re a frequent concert‑goer or attending your very first recital, It’s a celebration of community, creativity, and culture, offering a moment of calm and connection in the heart of Galway.
Culture Night: Dogz Bol Ukes
When: September 18th, at 9.30pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Born in Galway and raised on good craic, Dogz Bol Ukes are living proof that all you really need to rock is attitude. Dogz Bol Ukes take on the rock songs nobody else plays: the weird ones, the sweaty, heavy ones, the forgotten classics, and the absolute bangers that somehow work ridiculously well with four strings. Raw, loud, unexpected, and totally unapologetic. High energy. Eclectic mix. Ukuleles plus. 7 people. No brakes. PREPARE to be spoiled.
Interactive Demonstration: Weaving Traditions
When: September 19th, at 12pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Join textile weaver Jean Moran for a live demonstration of traditional weaving and yarn spinning using a floor loom and spinning wheel. Visitors will have an opportunity to try weaving and spinning for themselves and learn about the rich history of weaving in Ireland, the Claddagh Shawl, and related textile traditions. Jean Moran is a textile weaver and a 2014 graduate of Centre for Creative Arts and Media at ATU Galway. Inspired by Ireland’s textile heritage, she has developed her own interpretation of the traditional Claddagh Shawl. On display during the event will be two Claddagh Shawls woven by Jean in 2026 on her floor loom using Donegal yarn from Kilcar. Woven in soft beige and fawn tones, with white patterned borders and tasselled finishes, these contemporary interpretations celebrate the craftsmanship and legacy of this distinctive textile tradition. No booking required – simply drop in anytime between 12pm and 2pm. All materials will be provided.
Family: Silent Saturday
When: September 26th, 10am-12pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Silent Saturdays are sensory-friendly mornings at Galway City Museum, designed to offer a calmer and more comfortable visit for neurodivergent visitors, people with sensory differences, and anyone who would benefit from a quieter environment. These sessions take place on the last Saturday of each month. They run from 10am to 12pm. During this time, sound levels throughout the building are reduced or turned off where possible, large groups visits are discouraged, and the Education Room on Level 2 is available as a designated Quiet Space.
Shop: Galway Indoor Market
When: September 26th, October 24th, 11am - 5pm
Where: The Cornstore
More information here
Outset Design welcomes you back to the Cornstore this Autumn 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, ideal for gifting loved ones too.
Literature: Louise Kennedy in Conversation with Sarah Kenny
When: September 26th, at 3pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
More information here
Award-winning Irish author Louise Kennedy will be at Kennys Bookshop on September 26th, joining Sarah Kenny in conversation about Stations, her new novel. Stations is a devastating story of love and friendship, and a tender portrait of the choices we blithely make when we are young, unaware that the consequences will reverberate throughout our lives. Signed copies of the book will be available on the night.
Sport: Be Active Night 2k & 1k Colour Run
When: September 26th, from 6pm
Where: Ladies Beach, Salthill
More information here
Come join Galway Sports Partnership for an exciting night filled with vibrant colors and fun at Ladies Beach! Get ready to run, walk, or dance your way while being splashed with colourful powders. This event is perfect for all ages and fitness levels, so bring your friends and family along for a memorable evening. Don’t miss out on this unique experience – sign up now and let’s light up the night together!
Nature: Farm Forestry Action Open Day
When: September 27th, 10am-5pm
Where: Slieve Aughty Centre
More information here
Join Slieve Aughty Centre for a practical day exploring the many ways trees can be integrated into a working farm — from producing valuable timber and firewood to fruit, nuts, mushrooms, honey, livestock shelter and biodiversity. The emphasis is on practical experience and discussion rather than classroom presentations. Come along to see what is being done, ask questions and explore the opportunities and challenges of incorporating trees into a working farm. For a full list of the practical demonstrations and guided walks that will take place on the day, please see the above link for more information.
Film: Little Cinema & Galway City Film present 48 Hour Challenge
When: September 27th, 7pm
Where: Town Hall Theatre
More information here
The Little Cinema & Galway City of Film present their 10th 48 Hour Challenge: an evening of 5-minute films, all made in Galway City and County, and all written, shot and edited within just 48 Hours! The 10 filmmaking teams involved must adhere to strict criteria in their films, which they only learn about at the start of the Challenge! All films will be introduced by their teams on stage! Tickets are FREE but limited & will be released in the lead-up to the event on thelittlecinema.com.
Outdoors: Dips for Health
When: October 1st, at 12.30pm
Where: Ladies Beach
More information here
Looking to boost your mood, meet new people, and feel more connected? Join Dips for Health for a free sociable sea dip between 12.30pm and 1.30pm. Come along at 12.30pm or 1pm for a group dip, or simply arrive anytime in between to dip at your own pace. No pressure, just connection, community, and the sea Refreshments provided! Everyone is welcome, whether you’re new to sea dipping or a regular by the shore. Come for the dip, stay for the community!
Literature: Louise O'Neill in Conversation with Catherine Doyle
When: October 7th, at 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
More information here
Award-winning Irish author Louise O'Neill will be at Kennys Bookshop on October 7th, joining author Catherine Doyle in conversation about A Bigger Life, her upcoming memoir. Louise O’Neill is a bestselling author from Clonakilty, West Cork. Her debut novel, Only Ever Yours, won multiple awards including the Sunday Independent Newcomer of the Year and the inaugural YA Book Prize. Her second novel, Asking For It, spent 52 consecutive weeks in the Irish top 10 and was awarded the Michael L Printz honour by the American Library Association. She has since published The Surface Breaks, a feminist retelling of The Little Mermaid, which was shortlisted for the Specsavers National Book Awards, and four novels for adults: Almost Love, After the Silence — named Crime Novel of the Year at the Irish Book Awards 2020 — Idol, which went straight into the Irish book charts at #1 and Whatever Happened to Madeline Stone? A Bigger Life is her first memoir.
Literature: Dara Molloy in Conversation with Tom Kenny
When: October 13th, at 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
More information here
Celtic Monk and author Dara Molloy will be at Kennys Bookshop on October 13th, joining Tom Kenny in conversation about his new book, The Celtic Way. The Celtic Way is a revelatory journey into Ireland’s ancient spiritual soul. The book blends memoir, myth and scholarship to illuminate a vibrant spiritual tradition rooted in nature, community and a worldview far broader than the Christianity that later overshadowed it. Molloy explores Ireland’s pre‑Christian mythologies, the Brehon Laws and the sacred presence of trees, animals, wells, stones and seasons. He also traces the evolution of an Irish Christianity shaped not by conquest but by storytelling – a non‑authoritarian, mystical and nature‑centred tradition that produced wandering monks, illuminated manuscripts and a cultural flourishing that helped revitalise Europe.
Music: Once Upon a Sound - Hosted by Dónal Dineen
When: October 16th, at 10am
Where: The Mick Lally Theatre
More information here
Dónal will be hosting a special edition of his Once Upon A Sound series where he’ll be exploring music as a source of inspiration. Dónal Dineen is an Irish DJ, radio presenter and film maker. A pioneering force for a generation of music fans, Donal is renowned for his deep passion for music as well as a curator of unique multi-disciplinary events. Current projects include the music podcast Make Me An Island podcast and a documentary film Dance to Remember, (2025), which explores Dónal’s relationship with his father through the prism of music and memory, reflecting on a passion that shaped both of their lives Dónal will be hosting a special live edition of his Once Upon A Sound video series at AATE where he’ll be exploring music as a source of inspiration for creative minds working in other media.
Book Signing: The World of Oliver Jeffers Tour - SOLD OUT
When: November 8th, at 12pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
More information here
Come and meet award-winning author and artist, Oliver Jeffers at Kennys for a book signing of his books, which will include his brand new children’s book A Day Off School and the new paperback edition of There’s a Ghost in This House. A free art print will be gifted with either of those two books bought on the day! Copies of A Day Off School and There’s a Ghost in This House will be available to buy at Kennys Bookshop on the day, along with many of his other books! If you require multiple tickets please ensure you book as a group so that each individual is registered and assigned a ticket. All are welcome!
Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang
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