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/.
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.
above: Culture Night 2024 by Anita Murphy
Architecture at the Edge
When: September 17-27th
Where: Galway City
More information here
Architecture at the Edge returns this year with an engaging programme exploring the relationship between design, people and place. The topic of this year's festival ‘Le Chéile - the Architectures of Belonging’ is centred on democratic design. Through exhibitions, talks, installations, tours and creative workshops, the festival invites audiences to discuss this topic while discovering how architecture shapes our everyday life. During the 10-day festival, the Festival Printworks Gallery will present works by Aidan Conway, Marmar Architects, Ambacht Studio, Róisín Murphy and others, alongside ‘Settle’, a temporary exhibition by contemporary design practice Trestle Studio. Supported by The Arts Council, the installation proposes a new public interior and gathering space for collective experience in the city, hosting a series of workshops and conversations throughout the festival.
Clifden Arts Festival
When: September 17-27th
Where: Clifden
More information here
Amid the breathtaking scenery of Connemara, Clifden Arts Festival showcases an outstanding programme of music, theatre, visual arts, literature and performance. It’s a combination of world-class artists and spectacular surroundings which creates an unforgettable cultural experience that draws visitors from across the country and beyond. Highlights include performances by The Stunning and Lúnasa, Heads Shoulders Knees Totems Exhibition by Alan Clarke, a new Clifden Town Hall Mural by James Kirwan, Serious Monkey Business by Canadian artist Robert Chaplin, Spin and Splatter Art Workshop for Kids, Artist Demonstrations, Create a Willow Fish Introduction to Willow Weaving, Moon Magic, Clifden Historical Walking Tours, Litter-Picking Walk with Becky Gilmore, Elaine Feeney in Conversation with Paul Shields, Coffee Morning in Aid of Mental Health, Astrophotography with your Smartphone, Sean-nós ar an Loch and so much more!
above: Clifden Arts Festival 2026 by Michiel Devijve
Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds
When: September 3rd-6th
Where: Ballinasloe
More information here
Traditional Irish music takes pride of place at Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds, a celebration honouring one of East Galway's finest musicians. Expect lively sessions, concerts, céilís and workshops as musicians from across Ireland and beyond gather to keep his legacy alive. Whether you're an accomplished player or simply love the sound of trad music, this family-friendly festival promises plenty of phenomenal performances.
Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival
When: September 25-27th
Where: Galway City
More information here
Closing out September with a bang are two of Galway's biggest celebrations which take place on the last weekend of September. The world-famous Galway International Oyster Festival returns with oyster shucking championships, seafood feasts, live music and lively entertainment, while the Galway Docklands Festival transforms the waterfront with family activities, food, music and community events. Together, they provide the perfect finale to Galway's summer festival season.
above: Galway Oyster Festival 2024
Féile John Ford
When: September 11-13th
Where: Spiddal
More information here
Celebrating the legacy of legendary filmmaker John Ford, whose family roots trace back to the west of Ireland, Across the weekend of September 11th to 13th, Féile John Ford explores cinema, storytelling and Irish culture through screenings, discussions and special events. Film lovers can enjoy classic movies alongside talks from special guests, making this a unique celebration of one of Hollywood's most influential directors.
Clarinbridge Market Day
When: September 5th
Where: The Village Green
More information here
This month, the 34th annual Clarinbridge Market Day will showcase the tradition and heritage of the village and the best of Irish culture. With a line up of live traditional music and dancing, an assortment of food trucks and stalls, oyster tasting, Irish handmade crafts and foods for sale, live animals and petting farm, face painting, wool spinning and bread making demonstrations, and a display of vintage tractors, cars and boats, it’s a great day out for the whole family!
above: Clarinbridge Market Day 2024
Misléor Festival of Nomadic Cultures
When: September 24-27th
Where: Galway City
More information here
Misleór’s annual festival celebrates and connects nomadic peoples from around the world, exploring nomadic identity through the lens of creativity and cultural action for change. Nomadic communities have survived for thousands of years, practicing their distinct cultures and traditions. Misleór sparks important dialogue about cultural rights, challenging the prejudice and discrimination often experienced by these communities. The festival celebrates the diversity within nomadic communities with a vibrant programme of music, theatre, film, poetry, storytelling, dance and visual art. Highlights include H.O.M.E. - an aerial Hip H'Opera. Created in collaboration with the performers, H.O.M.E. weaves together aerial circus, movement, hip-hop, spoken word, live music and opera to tell deeply personal stories.
Hill of the Hares
When: September 1st-4th
Where: The Mick Lally Theatre
More information here
Fregoli Theatre presents their new play Hill of the Hares by Galway based playwright Maria Tivnan, ‘there might be some kind of solace in what surrounds us.’ After nine years apart, Cass and Michael meet again on the day of a funeral drawn back to the place they call home, and to the night that changed everything between them. Their meeting marks a pivotal moment, heightened by the reappearance of an elusive hare. As past and present intertwine, the play delves into the intimate lives of its characters, tracing their shared history and unspoken wounds. Hill of the Hares is a lyrical and haunting exploration of love, loss, and the enduring pull of home. Rooted in the Irish landscape, this evocative new play asks audiences to listen to the earth, reflecting on where we come from, and what may call us back.
Standún turns 80
When: September 12th
Where: Standún, Spiddal
More information here
There’s a very special anniversary coming up on September 12th as Standún invites their community to gather with them to celebrate their 80th birthday and 80 years of supporting Irish design. Highlights from the day will include; pop-up shops featuring 7 designers from the Council of Irish Fashion Designers, a chance to meet the makers of some of their most popular Irish brands, goodie bags with the first 50 purchases, 20% discounts, drinks, canapes, treats and competitions.
above: Standún
Sáile Ocean Festival 2026
When: September 11-13th
Where: Galway Rowing Club and University of Galway
More information here
Sáile (the Irish word for saltwater or sea-water) is a multi-disciplinary festival designed to deepen the connection between the people of Galway and the Atlantic Ocean. Over the duration of the festival, the Rowing Club and University of Galway will come alive with film, art, science, storytelling, workshops and conversations, bringing together local communities, scientists, artists and ocean lovers of all ages. From curious kids to passionate ocean advocates, Sáile invites everyone to discover, connect with and take action for our ocean to turn ocean awareness into community action.
Autumn Nature Day
When: September 13th
Where: Brigit’s Garden
More information here
Join Brigit’s Garden for another day of their popular free nature walks, workshops and family events, but 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! They look forward to seeing you there!
above: Brigit's Garden
Robert Harris in Conversation with Ryan Tubridy
When: September 18th
Where: Black Box Theatre
More information here
Join bestselling British author Robert Harris in conversation with Ryan Tubridy, as he is interviewed live about his gripping new novel, Agrippa – a thriller set in the world of Ancient Rome. Robert Harris is renowned for his works of historical fiction. He is the author of sixteen bestselling novels including the Cicero Trilogy (Imperium, Lustrum and Dictator), Fatherland, Archangel and An Officer and a Spy. Several have been adapted for the screen. Ticket price includes a signed, trade paperback copy of Agrippa.
Ireland West Airport Charity Runway Fun Run 2026
When: September 19th
Where: The runway of Ireland West Airport
More information here
Ireland West Airport are delighted to host, in partnership with Portwest, the 9th annual charity 5k Runway Family Fun Run which is taking place on the runway at Ireland West Airport in the evening of September 19th. All are welcome to attend, with all proceeds from the event going to our charity partners for 2026 – Cancer Care West, Family Centre Castlebar, Liver Ireland Support Network, Mayo Mental Health Association, Pancreatic Cancer Ireland, and Sunflower Children’s Hospice. All participants on the day who register by 2pm on Friday, 18th September 2026, will receive a free commemorative runway run t-shirt, which can be collected at the airport on the day of the event or on a pre-arranged date leading up to the event, which will be advised closer to the event time.
above: Ireland West Airport Runway Fun Run
Luminosa String Orchestra
When: September 24th
Where: St Nicholas Collegiate Church
More information here
An unforgettable evening of live music awaits you at The Luminosa String Orchestra’s new performance Draíocht - The Alchemy of Music with guest conductor Christopher George. On the night Christopher George will lead a thrilling programme that begins with the youthful sparkle of Mozart’s Divertimento in B-flat major, before Bach’s exhilarating Concerto for Three Violins showcases the dazzling artistry of soloists Paul Ezerailis, Bogdan Sofei and Ingrid Nicola. And nothing says emotional intensity as well as Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony in C Minor, followed by the luminous beauty of Nielsen’s Underlige Aftenlufte, bringing the evening to a captivating close. If you can’t make it on the night of the 24th, catch them the following night as they play as part of the Clifden Arts Festival programme in St Joseph’s Church.
A Moon for the Misbegotten
When: September 14-26th
Where: Town Hall Theatre
More information here
Over the course of one day and night in rural Connecticut, Josie Hogan, the last of her immigrant Irish family left at home with her alcoholic father, and their anguished landlord, James Tyrone, long for escape – she from her life, and he from his loss. Directed by Garry Hynes, with set design by Francis O’Connor, A Moon for the Misbegotten sees Druid return to the work of Pulitzer, Nobel and Tony Award winning playwright Eugene O’Neill for the first time since 2007. One of the great canonical works of the 20th century, A Moon for the Misbegotten is the sequel to Long Day’s Journey into Night, and the last of O’Neill’s trio of largely autobiographical plays which reflect his complex relationship with Ireland. The cast is Lorcan Cranitch, Rory Nolan, Marty Rea, Cathal Ryan, and Eileen Walsh.
above: A Moon for the Misbegotten
Hand in Hand 20th Anniversary
When: September 25th
Where: Galway Bay Hotel
More information here
Come along for an unforgettable evening as Hand in Hand Children’s Cancer Charity celebrates its 20th Anniversary Gala at Galway Bay Hotel. This marks two decades of supporting families affected by childhood cancer across Ireland. Hosted by Miriam O’Callaghan, this special black-tie event promises an elegant night of dining and celebration, while raising vital funds to continue the charity’s important work.
Ireland vs Japan WXV Global Series
When: September 27th
Where: Dexcom Stadium
More information here
This month, rugby fans have a lot to look forward to as Ireland hosts Japan in the WXV Global Series at Dexcom Stadium on Sunday, September 27th. Following the opening of the Clan Stand and redevelopment of the stadium in early 2026, Irish Rugby is back in Galway for what promises to be another exciting international fixture. Dexcom Stadium will provide the backdrop for another landmark occasion for Irish Rugby, as Ireland take on Japan in front of a home crowd in Galway, marking another major global event at the venue.
Le Chéile with Bríd Fanning
When: September 7th
Where: Daróg Wine Bar
More information here
Each Le Chéile gathering brings artists and guests together in Daróg Wine Bar for relaxed, thoughtful conversation centred around creativity, place and storytelling. For this edition, exhibiting artist Bríd Fanning joins Edel Lukács in conversation to discuss Raised Among Them — explores growing up on a small farm in County Meath, surrounded by animals and the rhythms of rural life Alongside the talk, guests will enjoy a guided tasting of two wines selected specially for the evening, with time to explore the exhibition, meet the artist, and browse a curated pop-up art shop featuring original works and prints. Guests will receive 10% off all artwork in the exhibition purchased on the night.
Candle-Making with Blackthorn Candles
When: September 9th
Where: Massimo
More information here
Embrace your creativity and join Blackthorn Candles at Massimo this September for a fun, hands-on candle making workshop. Create your own luxury soy candle, enjoy a complimentary drink, and take home something you’ve made yourself. No experience needed—just bring yourself!
Main photo courtesy by Chaosheng Zhang
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