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 20 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/.
TULCA Festival of Visual Arts: Veruca Salt
When: November 6th-22nd
Where: Galway City
More information here
Marking fifty years since punk emerged as a disruptive cultural force, the 24th edition of TULCA Festival of Visual Arts, entitled Veruca Salt, considers what it means to know who you are and know what you want. Women-led and countercultural perspectives run throughout the festival. Historical and archival strands connect the first wave of punk and Irish alternative culture with contemporary practices that address gender, identity, sexuality, bodily autonomy, domestic power, disability and political expression. Rather than treating rebellion as an aesthetic in itself, Veruca Salt asks what punk’s insistence on agency, solidarity and reinvention can offer in the present. Across five galleries and a wider programme of events in Galway, the festival includes exhibitions, film screenings, live performance, sound, writing, artist talks, workshops and community-led projects. Established and emerging practitioners are presented alongside local organisations and collaborators, creating connections between individual artistic practices and collective experience. Visit the link above for more information.
Your Best Life Christmas Party
When: November 14th
Where: Galway Bay Hotel
More information here
Galway, it’s back! Join hosts Maura Derrane and James Patrice for an unforgettable Your Best Life Christmas celebration in association with Homestore + More and Breast Cancer Ireland. Gather your friends, family, work colleagues or festive crew for a sparkling seasonal experience filled with entertainment, delicious food and drinks, inspiring lifestyle moments, fabulous shopping experiences, luxury goody bags, exciting giveaways, and plenty of festive surprises along the way. From the moment you arrive, expect an atmosphere full of laughter, glamour, music, connection, and Christmas cheer all wrapped up in one unforgettable afternoon and evening.
Galway Christmas Market
When: From November 6th
Where: Eyre Square
More information here
Making its return to the City of Tribes, the Galway Christmas Market opens from the start of November and will run through until Christmas Eve. Get ready to enjoy delicious treats, festive browsing, a spectacular 32m observation wheel and a whole host of amusements. This year, The Christmas Market will once again feature the highly popular 32m observation wheel, Après Ski Bar, Santa’s Express Train, a traditional carousel and over 50 wooden chalets which line Eyre Square, offering scrumptious seasonal treats and a variety of crafts. Food lovers can feast on a wide selection of treats, everything from German bratwurst, traditional crepes, Irish handmade fudge, chocolate fountain, chimney cakes and other indulgent confectionery from over 60 traders, with traditional mulled wine and beer served in steins at the popular Christmas drinking destination the Galway Christmas Market beer tent. Also on offer are a broad range of Artisan traders showcasing handmade crafts which make for the perfect Christmas gift. Families and friends can enjoy a walk through the enchanted light gardens providing the backdrop for a Christmas Market photo, stop off at Santa’s postbox, interact with local charities and much more.
Physical Landscape
When: November 2nd
Where: Black Box Theatre
More information here
Following the sell out ‘Human Geography’ at Galway International Arts Festival, choreographer John Scott and Irish Modern Dance Theatre have created a ‘Physical Landscape,’ with six outstanding international dancers, and it’s coming to Galway this November for one night only! This thrilling and unique dance event features urgent physicality, sensuality, weighted duets, and frantic ensemble pieces. Responding to ecology and nature, ‘Physical Universe’ explores the themes of ‘the other’ and ‘the witness’ in a way that is both moving and life-affirming. Dancers include Galway’s Magdalena Hylak, French virtuoso Boris Charrion, Afro-Brazilian Alessandra Azeviche, and Ireland’s Adam O’Reilly. Lighting is by award-winning French artist Eric Würtz, who creates lighting for the sensational ‘La Horde’ collective.
Going Coastal
When: November 6th to 8th
Where: Venues in Galway’s Westend
More information here
This November Galway’s Westend is welcoming back another edition of Going Coastal, and folks you are not going to want to miss it! This year’s weekender will feature more than 30 artists from all along the West Coast of Ireland for three days of live music, DJs, pop-up performances, markets and more. At the centre of this year’s programme is a huge opening night at Róisín Dubh on the 6th of November, with 12 acts performing across both floors. Downstairs will welcome performances by Cork four-piece I Dreamed I Dream, Galway indie folk-rock five-piece Sulk Hogan, six-piece rock group BULBS, the danceable glitch-punk of Bees and Sawdust, and noise-rock and shoegaze band ANEMOIA, before Galway DJ collective Mná Mná close out the night with a set spanning house, techno and electro. Upstairs, Túr Balor and Villainessica bring garage psych and indie fuzz-rock respectively, alongside Clare post-rock quartet Animal Animal and Sligo post-punks Some Remain. Donegal is represented by Melted Welly and hhH, whose music draws together industrial sounds, psychedelia and folk. On Saturday, from 1pm, The Blue Note and Massimo host a Music & Art Market, with live performances from Siobhán Kelleher, Puddle Fish, Emma Lohan and RUST. From 9pm, the festival moves to Bierhaus for a free Saturday night featuring live music from Zkellies, followed by DJ sets from Jimmy Penguin and ZKLS. On Sunday 8th, the festival continues with performances from Jak Sherrard at Salthouse from 4pm and Roo Elizabeth at Plámás from 6pm. The final event of Going Coastal 2026 takes place at Áras na nGael from 7pm, with GaelTronica le hArd Éan, Na hEasógaí, Aoife Welby agus Those Empty Vessels.
Ralph McTell - Somewhere Down the Road
When: November 8th
Where: Town Hall Theatre
More information here
A true icon of the folk world, Ralph McTell brings more than five decades of timeless songwriting to Ireland for his final national tour – Somewhere Down the Road, a landmark moment in an extraordinary career. McTell’s tour coincides with the release of a special new album, The Timedrift of the Road featuring his songs with Irish connections reinterpreted by his favourite Irish artists, alongside powerful new material. This farewell tour is a rare chance to experience a master songwriter celebrating a lifetime of music. Somewhere Down the Road promises an unforgettable night – a heartfelt, celebratory journey through the life and songs of one of Britain’s most cherished musical talents.
Galway TradFest
When: November 9th to 15th
Where: Galway City
More information here
This month, Galway TradFest puts the focus firmly onto Irish traditional music, song and dance, with an important emphasis on developing the next generation of musicians. As an initiative of Music Generation Galway County, Galway TradFest was established in 2024 as a new platform for celebrating Galway's traditional arts while giving children and young people access to high-level musical opportunities in their own county. The 2026 festival programme combines concerts with masterclasses, workshops, instrument taster sessions, a festival session trail, theatre and showcase opportunities. This creates a festival that is not simply about watching performances but about participation, learning and passing musical traditions on to a new generation. For anyone seeking a full immersion in Galway city’s trad music scene, Galway TradFest offers a chance to experience it from two perspectives: the established tradition represented by professional musicians and performers, and the emerging generation who carry that tradition forward.
Sheep!
When: November 10th
Where: The Mick Lally Theatre
More information here
Sheep! returns to The Mick Lally Theatre in Galway amidst international tour after a successful premiere at Galway Theatre Festival earlier this year. Sheep! is a monologue about sheep, flocks and belonging, told by a sheep who doesn’t know how to belong after she was sexually assaulted. To find her way back into the herd, she weaves an off-beat comedic tale of sheep who are born, loved, eaten – asking for it, having such cute lambs – and go to space in search of the lost connection. Sheep! is partly autobiographical, but the playwright-performer’s focus is on vicarious resilience rather than on what happened or who did it. The play fights for belonging in the flock even after one has “felt like a prey that had no say in the matter” within interaction with another.
Shamtown - A Music Show
When: November 15th to 22nd (no show on Mon 16th)
Where: The Mick Lally Theatre
More information here
Tuam was always a town bursting with music and craic. In the 1960’s, there were three showbands operating out of the Ballygaddy Road. Blaze X brought punk to Tuam, rocking a packed Scout Hall with their hit single ’Some Hope’. But by the 1980s, recession had hit hard. The sugar factory closed, dole queues grew, and many took the magic bus out of Tuam in search of something better. Yet in the back room of the Jersey Bar, something quietly magical was beginning. Guitars and mandolins were passed around, free pints kept the music flowing, and two young songwriters, Leo Moran and Davy Carton, started singing about Presentation Boarders, first love and wishing they were on the N17. Shamtown is a joyous new play, full of music, storytelling and fun, charting how a gang of unlikely lads from Tuam captured the heart of a nation and beyond —then brought it all back home in unforgettable style at the West’s Awake festival in Tuam Stadium in September 1991.
Blas na Samhna
When: November
Where: Venues around Galway City
More information here
This year, Blas na Samhna is collaborating with Gaillimh Ah-Boo! to bring a distinctly Samhain flavour to the programme. As autumn gives way to winter and the evenings draw in, visitors and locals can discover atmospheric dining experiences, seasonal tastings, food customs and imaginative events inspired by the traditions and stories of this time of year. November’s programme begins on 2nd November with Between Two Worlds: A Samhain Wine Tasting & Storytelling at Daróg Wine Bar, followed by Kombu Ramen & Bao Bar’s Irish–Japanese Halloween menu on November 5th. Then, on 8th November, Ivonka Kwiek of Sage and Lovage will host Potions, Elixirs & Autumn Foraging: Be Sage, Make Lovage at Aniar. Those looking for something sweet can enjoy a Cosy Season Hot Chocolate Tasting Experience with Grá Chocolates at Korner Café on 10th November, while on 13th November Alma Restaurant hosts Magusto: Portuguese Food & Stories. Throughout November, Aniar’s Kids Eat Free returns, with children aged seven to fifteen enjoying the 12-course Young Diners’ Tasting Menu free when dining with an adult. Late November 22nd, sees Jp McMahon present Breaking Bread at Aniar, a participatory performance around a long communal table.
Oíche Phádraig: A Celebration of the Songs of Padraig Stevens
When: November 2nd
Where: Town Hall Theatre
More information here
They say folk songs carry the history of a place more accurately than the history books and this will never be truer than in the songs of Sligo-born, Tuam-based Padraig Stevens. Come along to the Town Hall Theatre on Monday 2nd of November for a very special event celebrating the songs of Padraig Stevens, featuring performances of Padraig’s songs by a host of his favourite artists including New Beast; Davy Carton, Leo Moran and Mary O’Connor; Ultan Conlon; Brid Dooley; Frank Gleeson; Rod Goodall; Tom Joyce; Matt Keane, Johanna Lane; Mouse Mc Hugh; Little John Nee; The Racoons with Darragh O’Dea and Jamie Ralph; Seamus Rutledge; Aine Tyrrell and Ruth Dillon; Joe Stevens; Tyrone Ward; and The Whileaways. The House Band will feature Dave Clancy, Pearse Doherty, Jimmy Higgins, Leo Moran, Mairtin O Connor, Anto Thistlewaite and your MC on the night will be Midie Corcoran.
Local Food & Craft Fair
When: November 24th to 29th
Where: Black Box Theatre
More information here
The ever-popular Local Food and Craft Gift Fair, organised by the Local Enterprise Office Galway, returns at the end of November – and this time it’s even bigger and better! The event celebrates Galway’s creative spirit, showcasing local designers, handcrafted goods, and artisan produce. With over 50 stands featuring the best in locally made gifts, it’s the perfect place to find something special this festive season. Due to popular demand (and the continued success of previous years) the 2026 fair will now run for six days, from November 24th to 29th. Visitors can look forward to discovering unique, locally made Christmas gifts and an impressive selection of artisan food products. Family favourite Barnardo the Magician also returns this year, delighting children with balloon creations and magic shows throughout the weekend – ensuring a fun day out for all ages!
A Cosy Night of Winter Delights
When: November 19th
Where: Tom Sheridans Bar & Restaurant
More information here
As the days get darker and the temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to savour Tom Sheridans’ Cosy Night of Winter Delights Wine & Dine event. Enjoy an evening of seasonal foods, with each of the four courses perfectly paired with a glass of wine, along with a drink on arrival at 7pm. The open fires will be blazing, the festive decor will add to the ambience of the restaurant, and a warm welcome awaits you! Head Chef Danny has handcrafted a four-course menu serving some of the most comforting cosy dishes. They don’t want to give too much away as the menu is a surprise on the night but think – hearty dishes with rich flavours. Each course will be paired with a wine to enhance the flavours of the dish, in partnership with friends from J&C Kenny Wine & Spirits. Book your table early to avoid disappointment.
Mabel Masterclass: The Makeup Edit
When: November 15th
Where: The Connacht Hotel
More information here
Mabel are delighted to bring you their most requested masterclass yet: The Mabel Makeup Edit to The Connacht Hotel. More than application technique, one of the biggest makeup challenges they hear from clients is knowing which colours and tones actually suit them. At this exclusive event, they are bringing Mabel’s colour expertise together with professional makeup artistry to help you finally understand what suits you, why it suits you and how to wear it beautifully. The event will begin with two live Mabel colour analysis demonstrations on members of the audience. See first-hand how different colours can transform the appearance of the complexion, eyes and overall harmony and the difference the right colours can make. Next, it’s your turn. Every guest will have the opportunity to discover whether their colouring is predominantly warm or cool and understand what that means when choosing makeup. Once you know your undertone, they’ll move from what to choose to how to make it work beautifully. Professional makeup artists Ciara Rafferty and Sarah Glendon will join Mabel for an expert-led demo using models representing cool and warm seasons. And they don’t expect you to remember it all. Every guest will receive Mabel’s Makeup Undertone Guide, worth €47, with a curated edit of makeup shades and product recommendations.
Deirdre O’Kane: All The Rage
When: November 21st
Where: Raheen Woods Hotel
More information here
In a world that feels slightly off its axis, Deirdre O’Kane takes on the everyday and the epic in equal measure. From domestic mishaps to larger historical wrongs, from heartbreak to the annual chaos of getting Christmas wrong, nothing escapes her attention. With her trademark wit and sharp eye, she turns irritation, absurdity and outrage into beautifully observed stand-up. Don’t miss your chance to experience All The Rage – a whirlwind of hilarity and sheer entertainment that will have comedy audiences of all ages in stitches from start to finish.
Seed Talks: Ireland: Folklore, Female Aging & The Hag
When: November 23rd
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
The Hag, a sensual, powerful, older sovereignty goddess, has recently resurged in contemporary culture, from movies like “Weapons” or “Hokum” to books by Sharon Blackie and Manchán Magan. But where does this figure originate from? What is her significance in terms of our collective past, present and future? How does she speak to our contemporary anxieties? Join author and researcher Dr Tracy Fahey for a deep dive into the backstory of the Hag, or Cailleach, and explore her complex character revealed through folklore. Long reduced to a symbol of fear or ridicule, the Hag is now being reclaimed as a figure of power, transformation, wisdom, and resistance. Drawing on folk tales, film, and contemporary media, this talk will explore the Hag’s complex and ambiguous nature, and how she has become deeply tied to questions of ageing, femininity, nature, and power. The talk will be followed by Q&A with the audience.
Sensory Tasting & Herbal Craft
When: November 22nd
Where: Brigit’s Garden
More information here
Step into the magical atmosphere of Brigit’s Garden, illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight, for a unique autumn evening guided by talented Chef Aitor Escudero and wild food enthusiast Ivonka Kwiek (Sage and Lovage). This experience invites you to step into the dark, comforting embrace of Samhain. Channeling the mystery of the season through a rich palette of flavours, shadows, and earthy tones, this event celebrates the harvest and the forgotten wisdom of wild herbs. The first part of this event consists of a guided tasting followed by a herbal crafting workshop. There will also be recipes and chef’s tips from Aitor and Ivonka to take home.
Sip & Paint Experience
When: November 28th
Where: Electric
More information here
Unwind, get creative, and enjoy a night of art and atmosphere at this Sip & Paint event, with the option to stay on afterward and enjoy the venue. Guests are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early to check in, enjoy a complimentary prosecco, and relax before the session begins. A talented professional artist will guide you step by step through the painting process, making the experience suitable for all skill levels. With lively music, a vibrant social atmosphere, and all art supplies provided, you’ll have everything you need to create a masterpiece to take home.
Talk - The Murder of Michael Walsh, 1920 with Brendan McGowan
When: November 3rd
Where: Westside Resource Centre
More information here
In October 1920, Michael Walsh, popular owner of the Old Malt on High Street and a Sinn Féin member of the Galway Urban District Council, was taken from his place of business and murdered on the Long Walk. Join Brendan McGowan, Education Officer at Galway City Museum, as he tells Walsh’s story through the objects and photographs, including new details that have recently come to light. This educational talk takes place as part of Galway City Museum’s outreach programme. On the first Tuesday of each month from November 2026 to March 2027, they are hosting a series of educational talks at Westside Resource Centre, Seamus Quirke Road. Developed in response to the interests of the local community, the programme explores different aspects of Galway’s rich history and heritage, from medieval pilgrimage and historic buildings to murder, mystery and the story of Westside itself.
National Theatre Live: Golden Boy
When: November 5th
Where: EYE Cinema Galway
More information here
Josh O’Connor (The Crown; Challengers) leads the cast in this searing revival of Clifford Odets’ knockout American classic. 1930s New York, at the height of the Depression. Joe Bonaparte is a gifted young violinist with a future in music, until a chance at fame and fortune lures him into the brutal world of professional boxing. He must confront what he’s willing to sacrifice, who he’s willing to become and how to find his place in a world that demands he choose a side. Brought to life with a live string quartet and filmed live from the Almeida Theatre, Olivier Award-winner Sam Yates (Vanya) directs this propulsive drama exploring ambition, identity, and the high price of success.
Main photo courtesy Milestone Collective.
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