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.
Literature: Paul Howard in Conversation
When: September 2nd, at 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
More information here
Bestselling Irish writer Paul Howard will be at Kennys Bookshop on September 2nd, to talk about about his new satire A Nation Once Again. Paul Howard is a journalist, author and comedy writer best known as the creator of the No 1 bestselling Ross O’Carroll-Kelly series. He has won a record four Irish Book Awards and is a former Irish Sports Journalist of the Year and Irish Newspaper Columnist of the Year. Copies of A Nation Once Again are available to pre-order here. Copies will also be available to buy at the event.
Music: Galway Communities in Action
When: September 5th, at 11am
Where: St Nicholas Collegiate Church
More information here
Celebrating the International Day of Charity 2026! Come on over to St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church for this free Galway Communities in Action event. COPE Galway is proud to support this free celebration of the community and voluntary organisations that make Galway a stronger, more connected place. Come along to enjoy music, chat, and opportunities to connect with local groups making a real difference every day. From early years and youth services to disability support, health and social services, arts and culture, climate action, community development, sport, and services for older people, the event highlights the vital role these organisations play in helping people and communities thrive. In a world that can often feel divided and uncertain, community matters more than ever. Join them to celebrate the people and organisations creating connection, belonging and positive change across Galway.
Outdoors: Dips for Health
When: September 11th, 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!
Outdoors: Autumn Nature Day
When: September 13th, from 8.30am
Where: Brigit's Garden
More information here
Join Brigit’s Garden for another day of their popular free nature walks, workshops and family events, this time with an autumnal slant. Enjoy the beautiful setting of the Gardens while learning how to save seeds, hearing wonderful stories about our native trees, or relaxing into a session of nature mindfulness. For families, enjoy engaging storytelling in the woods and/or fun nature-based crafts and games. Each session lasts 1 1/2 to 2 hours and all walks and workshops will be interactive and led by expert guides. Come for one or make a day of it and enjoy the Café too!
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: 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.
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.
Film: Little Cinema & Galway City Film present 48 Hour Challenge
When: September 27th
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.
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.
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.
Book Signing: The World of Oliver Jeffers Tour - SOLD OUT
When: Novemer 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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