Looking for things to do in Galway this weekend? We've got you covered! With festivals, market days, launches, comedy, and live tribute performances, 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 and Kitchen, the home to live music 7 nights a week in Galway. Check out The Skeff's weekend lineup right HERE. Join The Skeff for an exclusive Cocktails & Canvas event at Grace’s Drinking Club on Sunday, 21st September 2025, from 3pm to 5pm. The resident local artist Fiona Watson will guide you through a fun and creative two-hour painting class, where you’ll produce your own masterpiece to take home! Perfect for a relaxed afternoon of creativity and socialising. For more information and to get your tickets please see here.
Launch: Screene’s on the Square’s Official Launch Party
When: Friday, September 5th, from 6pm
Where: 9-11 Prospect Hill, Eyre Square
More information here
Screene’s on the Square are turning up the vibes this Friday with their Official Launch Night, and you’re on the guest list! After an amazing summer of support, they’re ready to celebrate in style. Think live music to set the tone, delicious complimentary finger food, and perfectly poured pints flowing all night. It’s the party you don’t want to miss, see you at Screene’s on the Square this Friday!
Festival: Féile John Ford
When: Friday to Sunday, September 5-7th
Where: An Spidéal
More information here
This weekend, An Spidéal is paying tribute to and celebrating one of Hollywood’s most influential directors with a major cultural event. Féile John Ford, celebrates the life, work, and Connemara roots of John Ford, the record holding six-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind classics such as The Quiet Man, The Grapes of Wrath, The Searchers, and Stagecoach. Though revered worldwide as a cinematic master, John Ford’s deep connections to the West of Ireland remain surprisingly underappreciated. Programme highlights include: film screenings in Scoil Éinne, exhibitions in Stiúideo Cuan with rare unseen photographs, heritage displays, and original artifacts from Ford’s Irish films, talks and conversations, and storytelling workshops in Irish for school children to inspire future filmmakers. The festival will also explore the creative thread that connects Ford’s legacy to the thriving film and TV industry along Cois Fharraige in the South Connemara Gaeltacht region today.
Market: Clarinbridge Market Day
When: Saturday, September 6th, from 12pm
Where: The Village Green in Clarinbridge
More information here
Get ready for one of County Galway’s most anticipated community events; the 33rd Annual Clarinbridge Market Day. This vibrant day out is a celebration of Irish culture, heritage, and community spirit, offering something for everyone. The Clarinbridge Market Day promises a dynamic mix of live entertainment, family activities, local food, and artisan crafts, all set in the heart of one of Ireland’s most charming coastal villages. A key element of this community-driven market day is also about giving back. With proceeds from the day help fund local charities and organisations, making your visit a meaningful contribution to the Clarinbridge community. Highlights from the day will include: live traditional Irish music and dancing, the local “Food Street”, Irish craft and produce market, demonstrations of traditional skills, a petting Farm and kids’ activities as well as Vintage Displays with classic tractors, vintage cars, and boats lining the main street.
Book Launch: Ted Turton’s Memoir
When: Friday, September 5th, at 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
More information here
On Friday night, acclaimed artist Ted Turton will be joining special guest Ollie Jennings in conversation to celebrate the launch of his memoir, My Travels with Footsbarn Theatre. Ted Turton is a Galway based artist and co-founder of the Galway International Arts Festival. He designed twelve of its celebrated posters between 1978 and 1999. Ted has been involved with the arts in Ireland since he arrived from England in 1973 and has been at the forefront of many ventures, including In Dublin Magazine (co founder & designer); the early years of Druid Theatre (designer and graphic artist); programming arts festivals in both Galway and Cork (artistic director: Galway International Arts Festival 1996 – 99, and Cork Midsummer Festival 2000 – 02). He now works from his studio at home in Cleggan, in West Connemara. Ted will be joined in conversation by special guest Ollie Jennings. Along with Ted, Ollie was one of the co-founders of the Galway International Arts Festival.
Festival: Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds
When: Thursday to Sunday, September 4-7th
Where: Ballinasloe
More information here
Ballinasloe is set to come alive with the vibrant rhythm of the Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds, a four‑day celebration of traditional Irish music, culture, and community spirit. Founded in 2014 to honour the musical legacy of local fiddle hero Larry Reynolds, the festival has grown into a highlight of Ireland’s trad‑music calendar. Larry Reynolds brought the region’s melodic style to Boston, and this féile is the only Irish festival dedicated to preserving its unique tradition. Over the course of the festival, more than 60 live sessions will take place throughout streets, pubs, and community halls of Ballinasloe, all buzzing with the sounds of fiddle, flute, accordion, song, and sean‑nós dance. This year’s packed programme features everything from workshops in fiddle, bodhrán, set dancing and more, to U18 All-Ireland competitions, busking, heritage walks, and a céilí with the Uí Bhriain Céilí Band. Musical highlights include a CD launch from Máirín Fahy & Patsy Broderick, and a concert by Gerry Hanley & Carl Hession, while broadcaster Claire Keville will host a special tribute to the musical legacy of Jack & Charlie Coen. Festival-goers can also enjoy the Interactive Crafters Village, the Larry Reynolds exhibition, and youth events featuring local schools and community groups.
Shop: The Market H91
When: Saturday, September 6th, from 11.30am
Where: Electric
More information here
Looking for your next Saturday plan? Head to Electric Galway where the dance floor flips into a marketplace once a month. The Market H91 brings together rails of curated fashion, statement homewares, rare vinyl, flash tattoos, and handmade pieces, all soundtracked by a live DJ spinning records from open ‘til close. Think era-defining fashion (1940s-Y2K, denim, leather, designer), collectible ceramics and glassware, mid-century treasures, rare pressings, and creative upcycled finds, all from hand-picked independent traders. Galway loves a rummage, and this is one with serious vibes. Come for the finds, stay for the soundtrack.
Illustrated Talk: The Lifting Stone Tradition
When: Saturday, September 6th, at 2pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Like Scotland, Iceland, and the Basque region, Ireland has a strong tradition of lifting large, cumbersome stones as a rite of passage to manhood. The tradition was particularly strong in Co. Galway and is recalled in Liam O’Flaherty’s 1937 short story ‘The Stone’ in which an old Aran islander perishes striving to lift the stone he once raised in the vigour of his youth. Many lifting stones have survived along the Galway coast and those who lifted them are well remembered in local folklore. Over the last number of years, David Keohan – who hails from Waterford city and holds a kettlebell-lifting world record – has been on a mission to locate, lift and document lifting stones across Ireland and, in doing so, bring back this lost element of Irish culture. Join David as he discusses the stone lifting tradition with a particular focus on Galway, where the tradition appears strongest. David would be particularly eager to hear from people with any knowledge of lifting stones or lifting traditions in their locality. The event is free of charge, but advance booking is essential as places are limited.
Dance Performance: Trad on the Prom
When: Thursday & Sunday, September 4th & 7th, 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 and a MUST for every Irish holiday adventure! Since 2005, Trad on the Prom has been thrilling visitors from home and abroad with its extraordinary, electrifying energy and passionate, personal performances - delivering traditional, authentic Irish music, song and dance with a thrilling contemporary edge. So much more than a show, Trad on the Prom is a from-the-heart joyful celebration of life: Irish style. Trad on the Prom are hosting three shows per week right up until the end of the month, but tickets are already selling fast so secure yours today and get ready for a phenomenal night.
Social: Read in Company - End of Summer Social Book Bash
When: Saturday, September 6th, from 8pm
Where: Mary Mullens
More information here
Swap books and socialise with fellow readers over drinks and finger food. After a season full of Read in Company meetups, they’re switching it up with an end-of-summer social: no silent reading, just a fun night of book swapping, a few drinks, and tasty snacks at the pub. Bring along 1–2 books you’re happy to let go of (don’t worry, they’ll find a good home!). They’ll set up a mini ‘book buffet’, and throughout the evening you can browse the selection and pick up 1–2 new reads to take home. It’s part socialising, part book haul, and a great way to hang out with fellow readers. If you’ve been to one of their meetups before, it’s the perfect chance to catch up with friends. If it’s your first time, you’ll meet new people and leave with a new book (or two!).
Music: Hejira - Celebrating Joni Mitchell
When: Friday, September 5th, at 8pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
‘Hejira’ is a 7-piece band set up to celebrate and honour the masterpiece works of Joni Mitchell, mostly from the late ‘70s. Having released the albums ‘The Hissing of Summer Lawns’, ‘Hejira’, ‘Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter’ and ‘Mingus’ (regarded as her ‘jazz period’), Joni then toured briefly with a band formed from the crème de la crème of contemporaneous jazz musicians (Metheny, Mays, Brecker, Pastorius and Alias). The tour was recorded, producing the outstanding live album, ‘Shadows And Light’; it is from this album that the band Hejira is drawing the body of its repertoire. Comprising highly experienced world-class musicians, this band is fronted by the brilliant Hattie Whitehead who not only has – in her own way – assimilated the poise, power and beauty of Joni’s vocals, but also plays guitar with Joni’s stylistic mannerisms. This Friday come along to Róisín Dubh for an evening of the ‘great’ songs from Mitchell’s back catalogue, such as ‘Amelia’, ‘Woodstock’, ‘A Case Of You’, ’Song For Sharon’, ‘Edith And The Kingpin’ etc. You’re not going to want to miss this!
Comedy: Tigh He-He Comedy Club Night
When: Thursday, September 4th, doors at 8pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Tigh He-He Comedy Club is back every Thursday night event in September with even more stand-up comedy upstairs at Róisín Dubh. The lineup this week includes special guest Patrick McDonnell, support from John Kelly and your host Karl Spain. Patrick McDonnell will be forever remembered as the Daniel O’Donnell spoofing country singer, Eoin McLove, on Father Ted, but this much-loved Irish comedy veteran has also been a feature on other iconic comedy shows like Naked Camera, Chris O’Dowd’s Moone Boy, and David McSavage’s acclaimed The Savage Eye. He also is the co-host of the podcast, Talking Ted, from the HeadStuff Podcast Network”.
Workshop: Cocktails + Candles in the Garden
When: Saturday, September 6th, at 1pm
Where: Electric
More information here
Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon where creativity meets cocktails. Join Blackthorn Candles to design your very own signature cocktail-inspired candle, then sip on a hand-crafted cocktail of your choice from Electric’s extensive menu while you create. Sip on a delicious cocktail, mingle with friends, create a candle to take home and enjoy the afternoon.
Workshop: Natural Hoof Care for Horse Ownership
When: Saturday & Sunday, September 6th & 7th, at 10am
Where: Slieve Aughty Centre
More information here
If you’re a horse/pony owner then this workshop is for you! Slieve Aughty Centre are hosting a one-day hands-on workshop on natural hoof care, led by Christophe from Macalla Farm. This practical course is perfect for horse owners who want to learn the basics of maintaining their horse’s hooves naturally. Workshop highlights include learning the principles of natural hoof care and barefoot trimming, practicing basic hoof care techniques under expert guidance, understanding the structure and function of the hoof for improved care, and exploring the connection between hoof health, diet, and overall wellness. This is your chance to discover how to enhance your horse’s hoof health naturally so make sure you don’t miss it!
The weekend guide is sponsored by The Skeff Bar and Kitchen, the home to live music 7 nights a week in Galway. Check out The Skeff's weekend lineup right HERE. Join The Skeff for an exclusive Cocktails & Canvas event at Grace’s Drinking Club on Sunday, 21st September 2025, from 3pm to 5pm. The resident local artist Fiona Watson will guide you through a fun and creative two-hour painting class, where you’ll produce your own masterpiece to take home! Perfect for a relaxed afternoon of creativity and socialising. For more information and to get your tickets please see here.
Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang.
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