Galway's event calendar is absolutely bursting with events and festivals all year long! So, to help you make the most of what’s going on, we’ve put together a must-read guide featuring the top 15 events you won’t want to miss this month. From family-friendly events to live entertainment, there’s something for everyone - so dive in and start planning your next great Galway experience right here..
Below is just a snippet of everything Galway has to offer event-wise in the month ahead. If you would like a full list of all the wonderful events Galway has on, please check out our website at; https://thisisgalway.ie/events/.
Galway Film Fleadh
When: July 7th-12th
Where: Venues across Galway City
More information here
This July, Ireland’s leading film festival will once again bring audiences an outstanding selection of Irish and international cinema, featuring world, international and Irish premieres, acclaimed filmmakers, emerging talent and a vibrant programme of industry events through the Galway Film Fair. Among the first titles announced are the European Premiere of Edward Burns’ Finnegan’s Foursome, filmed along Ireland’s west coast; the Irish premiere of Learning to Breathe Under Water, starring Rory Kinnear and Maria Bakalova and filmed in Galway; Adam Morris’ music-filled drama Almost With You, featuring songs by Declan O’Rourke; and the inspirational rugby documentary Try!. This year's festival will also shine a spotlight on Estonia as its Country of Focus, presenting a curated programme of contemporary Estonian features, documentaries and shorts, including the acclaimed documentary Becoming Roosi.
Galway International Arts Festival
When: July 13th-26th
Where: Venues across Galway City and County
More information here
Celebrating across the city and county, Galway International Arts Festival 2026 has announced one of its most ambitious programmes to date, featuring theatre, music, circus, dance, visual arts, comedy, street spectacle and talks over 14 exciting days and nights this July. Carnation, a breath-taking circus spectacular from NoFit State, unleashes dazzling skill and heart-stopping moments, with live music and incredible imagery; a new opera, Testament from Tarik O’Regan, Colm Tóibín and Irish National Opera; one of Australia’s most electrifying choreographers Stephanie Lake with Colossus; monumental and intimate sculpture, including newly commissioned work, from Sean Henry; Druid’s new take on Dion Boucicault’s The Shaughraun, directed by the Tony Award-winning Garry Hynes; a giant whale and ship wandering the streets of Galway City; a stellar music line-up including the Patti Smith Quartet, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, James, The Flaming Lips, Emeli Sandé and James Morrison Live at the Heineken® Big Top are amongst just some of the highlights of this year’s programme. See the link above for the full programme.
Galway Race Week
When: July 27th - August 2nd
Where: Ballybrit Racecourse
More information here
Taking place at the end of July, beginning of August the Galway Races (or Race Week as it is also known) is a cornerstone of the summer calendar. A seven-day festival of horse racing, fashion, and entertainment, each day brings something new; from the historic Galway Plate Day and Mad Hatter’s Family Fun Day, to the world famous Ladies Day, the week combines sporting excitement with style, hospitality, and celebration.
South Galway Bay Music Festival
When: July 10-12th
Where: Ballinderreen GAA grounds
More information here
The South Galway Bay Music Festival returns in July to celebrate its 5th year with a brand new Big Top and outdoor areas featuring dancefloors and bars. The event has been designed for all weather conditions to ensure you enjoy an unforgettable weekend filled with performances by some of the country’s best and most renowned bands and singers. Performing at this year’s festival are Hermitage Green, Pa Sheehy (ex Walking on Cars), Amazing Apples, Mick & Flick, The Tumbling Paddies, Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones, Jack Reilly, Springsteen - A Tribute, Claudia Buckley & Band, and Clodagh Lawlor.
WTAF!? (Westend Theatre & Arts Festival)
When: July 20th-29th
Where: Galway’s Westend
More information here
Grab yer pals, gals and fellow rebels and head to the Westend in Galway City this July to discover some bold and unapologetic art all in alternative venues by Ireland’s next generation of makers and shakers. Organised and ran by local production company Hysteria Productions, this year’s festival has got music, theatre, visual art, comedy, club nights, drag and they’ve got some special surprises too. Don’t miss it!
photo by Leo Seoigthe
The One with the Friends Quiz Night
When: July 8th, at 7pm
Where: Massimo Bar
More information here
On the 8th of July, WOMP Events will transform Massimo into Central Perk for a brand new edition of The One With The FRIENDS Quiz. Do you know your Phoebes from your Ursulas? Your Rosses & Russes? Your sous-chefs and soap-stars from your transponsters? Could you BE any more excited?! This quiz will feature questions drawn from all ten seasons and will include photo, trivia, quote & music rounds, as well as a surprise activity round for bonus points. There will be prizes for the top two scoring teams plus spot prizes for the Best Dressed, Best Team Name and the winner of the special activity round.
Discover the Soul of Madrid with Madrí Excepcional
When: July 2nd, from 8pm
Where: An Púcán
More information here
Madrí Excepcional is bringing The Soul Of Madrid to Galway with a new mural at Eyre Square. To celebrate the new mural, Madrí is popping up across town with a digital graffiti experience, with the main celebration taking place at An Púcán on July 2nd. On the night you can look forward to enjoying perfect pours of crisp, clean, refreshing Madrí Excepcional beer along with Spanish-inspired beats and bites, allowing you to soak up the Madrid-themed atmosphere. No tickets or sign up is required, just come along and experience The Soul of Madrid with Madrí Excepcional.
Untold Sounds with Seán Ronayne - Summer Tour 2026
When: July 10th, at 7pm
Where: Clifden Station House Theatre
More information here
Fresh off the back of a sellout 2025 Irish tour, Cork ornithologist Seán Ronayne returns to Galway with a fresh new talk – where he’ll delve into never-before-told-stories of Irish wildlife sound, as experienced by Seán on his never-ending ear-driven journeys through the wildest corners of our lands, and beyond. Seán’s wildlife sound collection has surpassed 28,000 recordings, and covers birds, mammals, insects, whales, fish, plants, and just about everything you can (and can’t) imagine. In this talk, Seán will bring some of the most beautiful and unusual sounds from his archives, and weave them into his passion-fuelled story-telling. Bring your sharpest ears, and expect to leave with another view of the world around you.
Jane Casey in Conversation with Sarah Kenny
When: July 17th, at 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
More information here
Award-winning Irish author Jane Casey will be at Kennys Bookshop this July, joining Sarah Kenny in conversation about her new book Everything She Didn’t Say. Tickets for this event are free but are limited, and you can book yours now. About Everything She Didn’t Say: Someone is dead. Someone is a killer. Someone is lying. A woman is found in bloodstained clothes on the lonely coast of County Mayo. At first, she won’t speak. Then a name comes: Ruth. And a story about her missing friend: Maura. Ruth says she and Maura were staying in a clifftop house together. But there’s no trace of her there. Nothing but a pool of blood. Ruth says the pair fought in the days before Maura disappeared. But the locals say they only ever saw one woman. Ruth swears she’s telling the truth, but do the answers really lie in everything she didn’t say?
Brian ‘Choccy’ McClair Live in Galway
When: July 22nd, at 7pm
Where: Mary Mullens
More information here
The Galway branch of the Manchester United Supporters Club, in conjunction with Mary Mullens pub, is delighted to announce that Manchester United and Celtic Legend Brian ‘Choccy’ McClair is coming to Galway for an exclusive Q&A event. One of the most respected and popular figures in British football, McClair enjoyed an illustrious playing career spanning more than two decades. The former Scotland international made his name with Celtic before joining Manchester United in 1987, where he became a key member of Sir Alex Ferguson’s rebuilding project at Old Trafford. This event will offer supporters a rare opportunity to hear first-hand stories from McClair’s remarkable career, including insights into life at Manchester United and Celtic, dressing-room tales from some of football’s biggest names, reflections on working under Sir Alex Ferguson, and memories from a golden era of British football. The evening will be MC’d by Johnny Ward and will feature an in-depth interview followed by an audience Q&A, giving attendees the chance to put their own questions to ‘Choccy’ and get memorabilia signed.
Red Line Comedy Club with Kevin McGahern
When: July 25th, at 8pm
Where: Clifden Station House Theatre
More information here
Galway’s beloved Red Line Comedy Club is bringing the madness to Clifden! This show will be headlined by esteemed comedian, actor and television host: Kevin McGahern. Kevin has been a staple of Irish comedy for years, hosting RTÉ’s Republic of Telly for 10 seasons, hosting The Traitors Ireland: Uncloaked, appearing in cult-hit The Hardy Bucks, as well as hosting the The Irish Film & Television Academy Awards! Also performing on the night are Red Line’s masterminds: Cathal Shanagher, Ken Lindsay, Enda Whitney, and Seán Ryan.
Get Race Day Ready
When: July 5th, at 12pm
Where: HYDE Bar
More information here
Join Team Tilbury at HYDE Bar for an exclusive Charlotte Tilbury masterclass designed to help you achieve the ultimate Race Day Glam. Begin your experience with a delicious brunch and a glass of prosecco before enjoying a live makeup demonstration by a Charlotte Tilbury Lead Artist. Discover expert makeup tips, professional artistry techniques, and Charlotte Tilbury’s most iconic beauty secrets to create flawless glowing skin, camera-ready makeup that lasts all day. Whether you’re attending the Galway Races or simply looking to elevate your makeup skills, this masterclass is the perfect opportunity to learn from the experts and get inspired for the season’s most glamorous events.
Best Dressed at Brunch
When: July 29th, from 1pm
Where: The Hardiman
More information here
For its 3rd year running, the Best Dressed Brunch at The Hardiman returns for Galway Race Week. Dress to impress and join The Hardiman to celebrate the Galway Races in style with bubbles, style and glamour. Enjoy an amazing pre-races brunch plus of course the Best Dressed competition with fabulous prizes to be won. The Haridman are delighted to welcome back fashion experts Emily-Jean Atelier and Martina O’Donovan of Harper Boutique, alongside their newest judge Rebecca Rose Stylist, as they search for Galway Race Week’s most stylish attendees. Gather your friends, plan your race day look and enjoy an afternoon of fashion, great food and fun before heading to Ballybrit.
Only Peroni x HYDE Galway
When: July 10th, at 7pm
Where: HYDE Bar
More information here
Immerse yourself in ONLY Peroni, the brand‑new creative platform celebrating the unmistakable icon that is Peroni Nastro Azzurro. Taking over HYDE Bar for one night only, step up to La Finestra Peroni, an interactive pouring experience inspired by the traditional wine windows of southern Italy, and say the iconic words “Only Peroni” to be rewarded with an ice‑cold, perfectly poured Peroni. Discover a series of bespoke pieces of artwork by Irish artist Mark Conlon, created exclusively for the Irish launch. Each piece reimagines iconic moments of Irish identity through an Italian lens, bold, playful and unmistakably Peroni. With an italo‑house DJ soundtracking the night, Italian‑inspired food served throughout, and iconic Peroni pints flowing all evening, expect effortless style, great music and a night done the Only way.
Tom Sheridan’s Race Week Tipster Lunch
When: July 28th, at 12pm
Where: Tom Sheridan’s Bar
More information here
Giddy up for The Galway Races Summer Festival, especially as Tom Sheridan’s announce the return of their Tipster Lunch on Tuesday, July 28th. The afternoon includes everything you could want from a day of racing including pre-races two-course lunch with a complimentary drink, racing tips from Davy Russell, race entry & race card, a return transfer to the track from the bar on a private coach and afterparty back in the bar ’til late. So gather up your family and friends, dust off your glad rags and join them for what promises to be a fantastic day out.
Trad on the Prom
When: Shows on every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, at 8.30pm
Where: Leisureland
More information here
Traditional Irish music, song, dance and entertainment all come together on one stage in the heart of Galway, in a unique and unforgettably intimate theatre experience. This is Trad on the Prom, a cultural highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way, a MUST for every Irish holiday adventure and it’s running all month long! Featuring the euphoric energy and creative dance improvisation of world champions Cathal Keaney and Colm Conneely and the haunting pipe-playing of Lord of the Dance Dangerous Games’ composer and musical director Gerard Fahy, Trad on the Prom is really two hours of pure excitement.
Main photo courtesy Tourism Ireland on Ireland's Content Pool.
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