Mark your calendars for the 10th to 19th of October 2025 because Baboró International Arts Festival for Children is kicking off strong with their magical programme of events. The 29th edition of the festival will feature puppetry, literature, hands-on workshops, visual art, circus and theatre for audiences as little as 8 months old right up to teens! Artists from Ireland and all over the world are coming together to spark children's imaginations, fill hearts and create magical memories for families everywhere. Ready for wonder? Come take part in the endless opportunities of fun to be had at Baboró! Discover more below.
Visual Art: First Impressions - A Gallery Conversation
When: Oct 10th at 2pm, Oct 11th at 10am, Oct 12th at 12pm, Oct 13th-18th at 10am daily & Oct 19th at 12pm.
Where: Galway Arts Centre, Dominick Street
Ages: 8 months - 7 yrs
Price: Free
More information here
The First impressions Gallery is an exhibition made with and for young children. By Cork-based visual artist Jane Hayes, this project has been years into the making. For Hayes, this is her boldest project yet! A rare and exciting chance to witness a range of works such as sculptures built at toddlers height, hand-tufted textiles, photography and animation. First Impressions is designed to spark imagination. Described as a landmark exhibition where art is observed the way young minds naturally experience it.
Performance: The Maker
When: Oct 11th at 4pm, Oct 12th at 1pm & 4pm, Oct 13th at 10am & 12pm, Oct 14th at 11am & 7pm, Oct 15th at 10am.
Where: An Taibhdhearc
Ages: 7 yrs +
Price: €12 per adult / €8 per child
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Inspired by Beckett, Borges, and Buster Keaton, The Maker is a play bursting with physical comedy, jaw-dropping surprises and delightful experiments that walks the line of brilliance and disaster. While Dexter dreams and Pipe listens, together this dynamic duo go on a near impossible quest. This wordless wonder is jam packed with clever design and playful mischief. Simply put plenty of laughs for you and your loved ones are to be had here.
Performance: The Little Prince
When: Oct 16th at 9.45am & 12pm, Oct 17th at 9.45 & 12pm, Oct 18th 12.30 & 3pm and Oct 19th 12.30pm & 3pm
Where: Town Hall Theatre
Ages: 7 yrs +
Price: €12 per adult / €8 per child
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Brought to life by Toby Thompson, yes the brilliant mind behind ‘I wish I was a Mountain’, this enchanted solo show reimagines Saint-Exupéry’s timeless tale and spins it into an evening of wonder. Join the Little Prince as he zips across the galaxy in the hopes to discover what friendship really means. While adults get knitted in ‘serious stuff’ come be reminded of what truly matters at Town Hall Theatre! The little prince reminds us of the open-mindedness of children. He is a wanderer who restlessly asks questions.
Installation: The Sound Nest
When: Oct 15th-17th at 2pm daily and Oct 18th + 19th at 10am
Where: O’Donoghue Theatre, University of Galway
Ages: 4 yrs +
Price: Free
More Information Here
Imagine stepping into a cosy nook sprinkled with glowing, moving visuals that dance in sync with the music. Now add YOU to that mix. That is what the Sound Nest is all about. Grab your little ones, friends or family and sink into a bean bag while indulging in absolute play, creativity and music-making together. The music and visuals were crafted by artists Jane Cassidy and Andrew Madec hand in hand with incredible creatives with intellectual disabilities. The project is brought to audiences by That’s Life, Galway's award-winning arts and personal development programme.
above: photo by Patrick Berger
Literature: Bilingual Storytime
When: Oct 11th at 11am and Oct 18th at 11am
Where: Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop
Ages: All Ages
Price: Free (children must be accompanied by an adult)
More Information Here
Join Meabh at Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop both Saturdays during Baboró as she brings stories to life in both English and Irish. You can look forward to giggles, gasps and gorgeous picture books! This storytime event is perfect for tiny tots aged 2-6 years, as it’s totally free and no bookings needed. Whether you're attending the usual storytime in Charlie Byrne's Bookshop or looking for something to do during Barboró, there's a story waiting for your children!
Workshop: Let’s Make Comics
When: Oct 18th at 10.30am (7-9 years), 1pm (10-11 yrs), and 3.30pm (12-14 yrs)
Where: Bonham Quay, Galway Docks
Ages: 7-14 yrs
Price: €7
More Information Here
Join Filipino comic artist Kate Escolin for a super fun, beginner-friendly workshop where you learn all the ins and outs of comic book making. This workshop goes back to the basics, with things like page layouts, panels, speech bubbles and dialogue. Whether your child loves to doodle, tell stories or just enthusiastic over comics, this is their chance to create their very own! No experience needed, just bring your imagination!
Workshop: A Taste of Storytelling
When: Oct 15th at 4pm
Where: Cava Bodega, Middle Street
Ages: 9-12 yrs
Price: €7
More Information Here
For an interactive food-focused event join chef JP McMahon at Cava Bodega for a hands-on, fun-filled adventure into the joy of flavours. Your kids will get to feel, smell and taste all kinds of foods, from a selection of seaweeds, sea herbs to shellfish. Chef McMahon is ecstatic to share his secret formula with the next generation on how these foods are prepared and preserved. Get ready for a tasty adventure!
above: photo by Davi Matheson
Workshop: Stop Motion Animation
When: Oct 19th at 12pm & 2.20pm
Where: O’Donoghue Centre, University of Galway
Ages: 10-15 yrs
Price: €7
More Information Here
Uncover the radiant and colourful process behind the animation of The Sound Nest installation with artist Jane Cassidy. Follow Jane as she creates her stop motion animations and lets your teens in on her tips and tricks. Then it’s their turn! Experiment with DIY stop motion using everyday materials like crayons, paper cutouts and other crafty bits. Bring your ideas to life frame by frame.
Workshop: Sing Write Record
When: Oct 11th at 2pm
Where: Portershed a Dóo, Market Street
Ages: 12-16 yrs
Price: €7
More Information Here
Is your child a big music fan? This might be the perfect event for them! This event invites young teenagers to connect with their creativity by honing their singing and songwriting skills and learning how to record their own songs in a way that skyrockets their confidence. Led by the talented artist Emma lohan this is the perfect environment for young ones to connect, create and let your voice to be heard.
Workshop: Exploring Wordless Puppetry
When: Oct 14th at 10am (English) and 1.30pm (Gaeilge)
Where: O’Donoghue Centre, University of Galway
Ages: Adults
Price: €20/15
More Information Here
Join Baboró for a hands-on, practical workshop where you'll have a hand in how table-top puppets and everyday objects can captivate young audiences. Here you'll learn how even the smallest gestures, simple movements and breath can turn an object into a character. No need to bring anything as wooden training puppets will be supplied so you can dive straight in! A workshop perfect for theatre makers, performing artists, and anyone curious about creating meaningful wordless stories for young audiences. All in partnership with An Taibhearc.
All Photos Courtesy Baboró International Arts Festival For Children
Main photo by Davi Matheson.
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