Looking for things to do in Galway this weekend? We've got you covered! With a visual art festival, free events, live music and so much more, there's something here for everyone. Check out our ultimate guide to the best events happening in Galway this weekend and start planning your perfect getaway!
The weekend guide is sponsored by The Skeff Bar & Kitchen, the home to live music 7 nights a week in Galway. Check out The Skeff's weekend lineup right HERE.
Festival: TULCA Festival of Visual Arts
When: All weekend long
Where: Galway City
More information here
For TULCA Festival of Visual Arts, audiences are invited to explore “Strange lands still bear common ground,” a rich and imaginative exhibition journey curated by Beulah Ezeugo. Over 25 events accompany the exhibitions, including artist talks, performances, workshops, and tours. Highlights include the Artist Talks Series with ATU (11 & 18 Nov), Bint Mbareh: Tidal Memory (FLIRT FM, 13 & 20 Nov), Susannah Bolton’s live performance “Gam Thàladh” (13 Nov, O’Donoghue Centre), and Saoirse Amira Anis’s procession “rebreach of a fraying body” (15 Nov, O’Brien’s Bridge). Festival tours include Curator’s Gallery Tours with Beulah Ezeugo (9 & 16 Nov, TULCA Gallery), Family-Friendly Tours (11-23 Nov), Language Tours: Irish, Japanese, and Brazilian Portuguese (11-23 Nov), and Community Group Tours (11-23 Nov), inviting locals, youth groups, and cultural organisations to engage with contemporary art. With its blend of curiosity, critical thought, and creative energy, TULCA offers both a celebration and an invitation; to find common ground, even in the strangest of places. All exhibitions are free, with select events ticketed via tulca.ie, where audiences can find the full programme and booking links.
above: Artwork titled_And you leave the rest of yourself behind_2024_Caoimhin Gaffney
Dining: Sunday Brunch at Blackthorn
When: Sunday, November 16th, 11.30am to 3.30pm
Where: Upstairs at The Twelve Hotel, Barna
See their brunch menu here
Start this (and every) Sunday the right way at Blackthorn Restaurant, where the team has recently unveiled their irresistible brunch menu. We managed to snag a table last weekend, and trust us - this is how Sunday mornings were meant to be spent. Packed with elevated brunch classics and boozy cocktails, it’s the perfect excuse to linger, catch up with loved ones and ease into the day. Whether you’re celebrating the end of a great week or gearing up for a new one, Blackthorn Restaurant’s brunch is your ideal weekend treat.
Launch: OXO 2025
When: From Friday, November 14th, from 6pm
Where: Outset Gallery
More information here
You are all warmly invited to attend OXO 2025’s launch event and award ceremony which will take place this Friday evening at Outset Gallery. From 6pm, you can enjoy complimentary refreshments, courtesy of Outset's drinks sponsors, and live music to kick things off. Due to the popularity of this event, pre-registration is essential. OXO 2025, presented by Outset Gallery, marks the return of Ireland’s largest winter exhibition resulting from an open call, starting this Friday and running until January 25th. For 2025, the Outset Gallery team are presenting an expansive and varied exhibition, with new talent joining returning artists in what promises to be a bold and celebratory display. To further champion artistic practice, Outset will be awarding a series of prizes, generously sponsored by local businesses and arts organisations. These include cash awards, solo exhibitions, and dedicated showcases at partner venues across Galway.
Theatre: A Modest Proposal
When: Running until Thursday, November 13th, start time at 8.30pm
Where: Town Hall Studio
More information here
Based on a 1729 essay by Jonathan Swift, A Modest Proposal is a satirical comedy starring Jed Murray and directed by Andy Crook. Set in the boardroom of a strategic government task force who have been assembled to deal with challenging social issues, Our main character, Johnny is a very convincing presenter who has applied blue sky thinking, shifted the mindset and has come up with a solution where everyone wins. But will the board agree with his modest proposal? The production of Glens Arts Centre’s A Modest Proposal opened at the New Theatre, Dublin in February 2024, where it garnered excellent reviews from audiences and critics alike and is now touring nationally, secure your tickets for its Galway dates now at the link above.
Dining: Enjoy a Wholesome Family Dinner at Il Salotto
When: On the day that suits you
Where: Unit 1B, Barna Road, Ahaglugger, Bearna
More information here
This November gather the family and head to Il Salotto for an evening of authentic Italian comfort. Warm, welcoming, and full of flavour, this family-friendly gem delivers a true taste of Italy right here in Galway. The menu is a crowd-pleaser, offering something for every palate. Pasta lovers will appreciate house favourites like Amatriciana, creamy Carbonara, or the indulgent Lasagna al Ragu. And, for families dining with children, Il Salotto’s handcrafted Italian pizzas are a hit. Choose from the timeless Margherita, the spicy Diavola or the rich Quattro Formaggi topped with a melty blend of four cheeses. Whatever you choose, you’ll leave full, happy, and already planning your next visit.
Live Music & Dance: Thursday Trad with Na Rinceoirí
When: Thursday, November 13th, from 7pm
Where: MacNeill’s Pub, downstairs at The Hardiman
More information here
You're in for a very special treat at MacNeill's Pub’s Thursday Trad evening, as their weekly trad session with Gonzalo & friends comes alive with the addition of Irish dancers from Na Rinceoirí. They perform every Thursday from 7pm, so after visiting the Christmas Market outside, get in early for a bite to eat, a pint and to get a good seat! Find MacNeill's Pub down the stairs beside The Hardiman in Eyre Square.
Dining: Chef Swap with Melissa McCabe
When: Saturday, November 15th, from 4.30pm
Where: Aniar
More information here
As part of Blas na Samhna, this weekend will see the return of ‘The Chef Swap’ at Aniar, when Northern Irish chef Melissa McCabe of Feast Restaurant joins forces with Aniar’s own kitchen for a collaborative tasting menu. Limited availability so reserve your table today for an evening of phenomenal food. Galway’s A Taste of Galway / Blas na Samhna is a month-long celebration of the region’s best food, drink and hospitality. It is all about intimate dinners and themed pop-ups to whiskey and cheese tastings, chef swaps, and global menus rooted in the west of Ireland. For more on this year’s Blas na Samhna lineup please see here.
Music: Leon Stax Equation x Chief Keegan - Double Headliner
When: Friday, November 14th, doors at 8.30pm
Where: The Cellar
More information here
Galway, The Leon Stax Equation is gonna be back in our fair city this November and this time they are bringing company. The Dublin based legends that are Chief Keegan will be playing with them as part of a double header tour and as a special treat to you all, SHUFFLE (DJ Dave Barry) will also be joining them on the night. Shake off the winter blues and come see two of Ireland’s funkiest and most soulful bands in person. This is going to be a totally unforgettable night so get your tickets today!
Nightlife: Disgraceful Cabaret
When: Saturday, November 15th, at 7pm
Where: Electric
More information here
It’s time for the Disgraceful Cabaret anniversary show (and you know you’re in for a treat) so get ready for a fun filled night of drag, burlesque, and so much more! There will also be vendors at the entrance of the venue so come browse and buy to your heart’s content. There’s all this and a raffle, plus prizes for best dressed so come down and enjoy a night of total disgrace. After the shows are over don’t worry because with the price of your ticket it includes free entry into Electric afterwards so come along and party the night away!
Music: (Millenium Madness Launch Party) with Shampain and Regal86
When: Saturday, November 15th, at 11pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Shampain launches his statement EP ‘Millenium Madness’ with a highly anticipated back to back with a Galway cult hero, Regal86, who follows up last year’s debut in the city with a back to back of the ages. We could spend all day going on about this event or you could buy a ticket to one of the best winter club nights in the town, with two of the most talented DJs going back to back for the first time ever. With more guests to be announced for the night’s lineup get your tickets asap!
Festival: Irish Surf Film Festival
When: Saturday, November 15th, from 11am
Where: Town Hall Theatre
More information here
The Irish Surf Film Festival showcases the immense talent that is on offer both in terms of wave riding and the documenting of wave riding in Ireland. This festival is a community-led annual event where the surf community and the wider public can get together in person and see this talent on the big screen. This festival showcases the talent and achievements of the wave riders and people who document wave riding in Ireland. This full-day festival will begin with surf-related feature film screenings (11am - 4.30pm), after which the awards ceremony will take place from 6.30pm, with Short Films, Best Photo, and Wave of the Year Competitions, followed by the awards ceremonies.
Music: Weekend Entertainment at The Quays
When: Friday + Saturday, November 14th + 15th
Where: Quay Lane
More information here
The bands are lined up, the drinks are cold, and the nights are waiting. This weekend bring your pals out for the night to The Quays Bar and make some memories. Lined-up for the weekend ahead in the Music Hall they have: Peter Byrne and the Glass Onion Band on Friday and on Saturday Full Moon Fever takes to the stage for another unforgettable show. They also have live music from 6pm daily in the bar, and great local food served all day, so make sure you call in.
Music: DJ Set at The Lane
When: Friday, November 14th, at 10.30pm
Where: The Lane Wine Bar
More information here
November is heating things up at The Lane Wine Bar, and this weekend they’re hosting another fantastic night of live music and cocktails. Bring your pals out for an incredible DJ set by Off Aleeh DJ, where smooth “house” beats meet The Lane’s signature cocktails. Join the team at The Lane for a night of rhythm, flavours, and unique vibes. It’s free entry.
Workshop: Mushroom Foraging
When: Sunday, November 16th, from 11am
Where: Slieve Aughty Centre
More information here
Experience and discover the world of mushrooms with your guide Edward at Slieve Aughty Centre this Sunday morning. Edward is a self-taught mycologist with 13 years of professional experience, collecting mushrooms for restaurants and farmers markets in England, the United States and Ireland. His keen devotion to native and naturalised wild foods, tending, cultivating and caring for them has led him to work on various projects of land restoration and wild plant regeneration. During the workshop, Edward will instill in you a respect for the forest and its inhabitants whilst teaching you to safely identify edible mushrooms as well as the poisonous ones to avoid. This is your chance to learn how to gather, clean, prepare, cook and preserve wild edible mushrooms, in a fun and educational environment.
Comedy: Red Line Comedy Club
When: Thursday, November 13th, doors at 8pm
Where: Busker Brownes
More information here
The Red Line Comedy Club is back in Busker Brownes this Thursday night with an all new line-up! Your headliner for the evening is one of Northern Ireland’s most unique acts - Eamon McElwee. Having performed in clubs and theatres across Ireland and the UK, Eamon is building a reputation as one of the most naturally hilarious stand-ups in the country! Joining him on the night is MC Cathal Shanagher, a Red Line co-founder and your night will also feature a collection of hilarious talent such as Aaron McCarthy, Jo Jarvie, Kevin Goldsmith and Stephanie Elle. Get your tickets asap from the link above as everyone who purchases their tickets through Eventbrite will receive a free Heineken on arrival as well as entry into the prize draw at the end of the night!
Film: An Evening of Avant-garde Cinema
When: Saturday, November 15th, at 8pm
Where: Silent Cinema, 60 Dominick Street Lower
More information here
This Saturday, Silent Cinema Galway invites you to an evening of avant-garde cinema. As they will be screening two experimental short films that were ahead of their time and had a great influence on subsequent generations of filmmakers and film lovers. First up is ‘Lot in Sodom’ (USA, 1933), directed by James Sibley Watson and Melville Webber. It’s a sensual depiction of the Sodom and Gomorrah story filled with sinewy and semi-clad bodies, delirious bacchanales devoted to physical pleasure, and a searing, cataclysmic finale depicting the fall of a city devoted to sins of the flesh. Secondly, ‘The Seashell and the Clergyman’ (France, 1928), directed by a famous Germaine Dulac, from an original scenario by Antonin Artaud. It is one of most celebrated avant-garde movies of all time, by taking a surreal swipe at just about every element of the masculine-driven, religiously flawed environment of the world in the 1920s. Both films will have a live piano accompaniment by Mia Fitzgerald.
The weekend guide is sponsored by The Skeff Bar & Kitchen, the home to live music 7 nights a week in Galway. Check out The Skeff's weekend lineup right HERE.
Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang.
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