This July 13th-26th, Galway International Arts Festival has lots for families to enjoy together! Follow an 18-metre Whale through the streets of Galway; be amazed by spectacular circus feats above Eyre Square, lose yourself in a miniature epic adventure, and put on your dancing shoes for the Silent Disco walking tours. Find out more here...
Company CPPP’s The Whale Street is a thrilling outdoor reimagining of Moby Dick, that transforms the city into a vast, moving stage. Starting in Eyre Square and ending at the Spanish Arch via Shop St, Dominick St, and Wolfe Tone Bridge, you and your family can follow along as it weaves its way through Galway on Friday 17th & Saturday 18th of July at 9.30pm. Captain Ahab and his crew will create a roaming spectacle unfolding across the streets. At its centre are two remarkable creations: Ahab’s 15-metre ship, complete with mast for aerial feats, and an 18-metre whale, brought to life with hydraulics and dramatic water effects. Blending live music, acrobatics and visual theatre, The Whale Street captures the imagination of audiences of all ages... and it's FREE!
They wowed audiences of all ages last year with Sabotage and this July the internationally renowned NoFit State returns with its stunning new production Carnation for its only scheduled Irish dates. This breath-taking new show unleashes dazzling skill and heart-stopping moments, with live music and incredible imagery in a spectacular celebration of contemporary circus in the fully-seated NoFit State Big Top at Nimmo’s Pier in Galway. Created by Firenza Guidi and NoFit State, Carnation explodes in a thrilling rush of world-class circus, live music and breathtaking spectacle. Daring aerial feats, bold cinematic imagery and jaw-dropping physicality combine in a fully immersive experience that surrounds audiences from every angle. Carnation will run from Friday 10th until Sunday 26th of July at 8pm with early matinée shows on Saturday 11th, 18th and 25th July at 1pm, while there is a 1pm only show on Sunday 12th, 19th and 26th July. No shows 14th and 20th of July. Book now at giaf.ie.
High above the ground, in Eyre Square, New Zealand choreographer Chloe Loftus joins Belgian dancer Florent Devlesaver for a captivating aerial duet that defies gravity and expectation in The Air Beneath Us. Suspended in space, Devlesaver — performing in his wheelchair — moves with Loftus as they spiral skyward, tracing orbits around one another in a powerful exploration of empowerment, interdependence and trust. Blending strength with vulnerability, this striking work is both visually stunning and deeply moving. Together they bring fierce physicality and emotional depth to this unforgettable encounter in the sky. The Air Beneath Us takes place on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th of July, 1pm and 4pm. Free.
From Trick of the Light comes The Bookbinder, written by Ralph McCubbin Howell and directed by Hannah Smith for ages 8+. They say you can get lost in a good book, but it’s far worse to get lost in a bad one... An old man sits down to read the tale of a once-promising bookbinding apprentice. As he speaks, the story starts to spill from the pages into the bindery around him. The Bookbinder shifts seamlessly from pop-up book to puppetry, storytelling and live action, weaving a dark and captivating fairytale. The Bookbinder is a darkly magical, inventive production for adults and older children. The production has been the recipient of multiple awards, including Best Theatre and Best in the Fringe at NZ Fringe and the International Excellence Award at Sydney Fringe. Showing 21st-26th of July at The Mick Lally Theatre in Druid Lane. This show is currently sold out, but keep watch for any ticket releases at giaf.ie
Join Guru Dudu’s Lila la’Diva and Madame Cha Cha for a high-energy Silent Disco rampage through Galway. With cheeky commentary and feel-good tunes straight to your headphones, 49 fellow dancers follow your Australian motivator from Eyre Square to the Spanish Arch. Expect spontaneous dance-offs, flash mobs, and big hits from the 70s, the 80s, and the 90s. A Festival must-do! 15-26 July various times. Tickets 10 euro book in advance at giaf.ie
For nearly half a century, Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) has helped shape Ireland’s cultural landscape - presenting a world-class annual festival that unites Irish and international artists across a vibrant, multidisciplinary programme; commissioning, producing and touring new work; supporting the next generation of artists; and championing leading ideas through its First Thought series, while increasingly embedding inclusivity and sustainability across its programmes.
As it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, GIAF will build on its legacy in Galway to enhance Ireland’s reputation for creativity, innovation and international connection.
Galway International Arts Festival would like to acknowledge the support of its principal funding agencies the Arts Council and Fáilte Ireland; its Drinks Partner Heineken®; and Education Partner University of Galway.
Book Tickets online at giaf.ie or in-person at the Festival Box Office.
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