Looking for things to do in Galway this weekend? We've got you covered! From food specials that'll cure your January blues, a midwinter music festival, live music and entertainment to illustrated talks 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: Midwinter Festival 2026 presents The Quartet Extends
When: Friday to Sunday, January 23rd to 25th
Where: Town Hall Theatre
More information here
The string quartet is no stranger to Galway audiences, in no small part thanks to the tireless work of the ConTempo Quartet. With this festival, Music for Galway seeks to celebrate the versatility of the string quartet and to ‘extend it’ by pairing it up with a variety of different musicians to perform quartets, quintets, sextets and even an octet to finish! Mostly a celebration of the great musicians Ireland has to offer, during the festival the city will welcome a clarinettist, a soprano, a pianist, an uilleann piper and a second string quartet for a fantastic series of performances. Cellissimo Ambassador, Spanish cellist Margarita Guerrero Martínez will also be joining them for one of the concerts during the festival’s duration too.
Art: Sip & Paint Party Experience
When: Saturday, January 24th, at 6pm
Where: Electric
More information here
Unwind, get creative, and enjoy a night of art and atmosphere at Electric’s Sip & Paint event, running from 6pm to 9pm, with the option to stay on afterward to enjoy the venue. Guests will enjoy a complimentary prosecco, and a guided art session led by a talented professional artist who 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. This event offers the perfect balance of creativity, relaxation, and fun.
Sports: Fan Zone at Screenes
When: Saturday, January 24th, 2-4pm
Where: Screene’s on the Square
More information here
Did you manage to secure tickets to Connacht vs Leinster this Saturday? The big game coincides with the official opening of Dexcom Stadium and we for one cannot wait to see its new updates. Whether you have tickets or not, everyone is invited to join Screene’s on the Square for the pre-match build-up to this historic day in Connacht Rugby. In conjunction with Galway Bay FM, meet some present and ex-players, be interviewed by Galway Bay FM, and enjoy complimentary pints of Heineken (for the adults), soft drinks, nibbles and loads of giveaways. If you’re a fan of the sport, you really don’t want to miss it so we’ll see you there for a phenomenal start to a fantastic day of rugby.
Dining: Kids eat for FREE
When: Sunday, January 25th, 12.30-4pm
Where: Smashbird (both locations - Liosban & City Centre)
More information here
When Sunday rolls around and you’re looking for something the whole family will love, we’ve got great news! This and every Sunday, Galway’s popular foodie spot Smashbird is letting your kids eat for free! Children aged 12 and under can enjoy a free kids’ meal with the purchase of any adult meal. Available for dine-in or collection only this is the perfect family Sunday treat! It’s one more dinner sorted.
Literature: Aimee Donnellan Book Launch + Author Ryan Dennis in Conversation
When: Thursday + Friday, January 22nd + 23rd, at 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
More information here
This weekend, acclaimed writer Ryan Dennis and Reuters columnist Aimee Donnellan will both be in Kennys Bookshop to celebrate the launches of their new books. On Thursday Aimee Donnellan will be celebrating the launch event of her debut book, Off the Scales, which will feature a book signing by Aimee, speeches, and a drinks reception. Off the Scales is a revelatory, gripping and urgent study of the unexpected consequences of finally getting what we’ve wanted for so long. Through original reporting and rigorous research, in Off the Scales, Aimee Donnellan uncovers the complicated history of a medical breakthrough that is changing the world (Ozempic), while raising difficult questions about inequality, morality, our beauty ideals and the pursuit of thinness. The following evening, Ryan Dennis will join Tomás Kenny in conversation about his new political memoir Barn Gothic. An elegy for family farmers and an intimate portrait of three generations laboring to be fathers and sons while their livelihood falls apart. Beautifully told with a farmer's restraint and a poet's grace, it is a story of personal loss amid corporate corruption and of finding a way forward when everything you know disappears. Tickets for these events are free but are limited, so book yours asap.
Nightlife: Taylor Made - The New Swiftie Night Out
When: Friday, January 23rd, from 9pm
Where: The Loft above Seven
More information here
This Friday night, something super special is coming to Seven Bar and to do it they have teamed up with the Swiftie Society at University of Galway to bring you their new show TAYLOR MADE, a night built for Swifties who want to sing, dance, and scream every lyric! From the early classics to the biggest dancefloor hits from Miss Americana herself, DJ Kelly Bongo will be playing the most iconic and danceable Taylor Swift tracks all night long. Expect non-stop Eras Tour energy and feel good anthems. The party will include free friendship bracelets, a night of Taylor Swift classics & club-ready hits as well as the drinks special of Absolut Flavor & Dash for €6 all night. Dress up, trade bracelets, and dance like it’s your favourite era - this night is Taylor Made for you...
Comedy: Red Line Comedy Club
When: Thursday, January 22nd, doors at 8pm
Where: Busker Brownes
More information here
On Thursday night, Red Line Comedy Club returns to Busker Brownes to host the Galway heat of the HA!HA! Hawk’s Well Comedy Competition with headliner, Ellie Horgan – The Dirty-minded Queen of Kerry! Your MC for the evening is Cathal Shannaher – a Red Line Co-Founder, who knows all the right things to say to keep you buzzing for the next performer. Competing on the night for your laughs are contestants Alex Daly, Pa Ryan, Paul O’Connor, Paula Kelleher, Jack Leahy, Jim O’Callaghan and Denver Coyne. Ticket prices are only €5 and include a free Heineken so if you want a cheap and cheerful night out, this is the event for you!
Dining: January Specials at Kombu
When: Saturday + Sunday, January 24th + 25th, open from 3pm
Where: Druid Lane
More information here
Helping you shake off those January blues, this weekend dine out at Kombu and enjoy their exclusive Saturday and Sunday offer ‘Sushi & Sake’ for only €19.50. This special includes an Irish blue fin tuna sushi roll and Hatutsuru - the ultimate fresh fish and crisp sake combo. Only available on the weekend, if you like sushi, consider your weekend plans sorted. Reserve your table and we’ll see you there.
Music: The Whistlin’ Donkeys
When: Friday, January 23rd, at 8pm
Where: Black Box Theatre
More information here
The Whistlin’ Donkeys are bringing their high-energy blend of Irish folk and Celtic rock to the Black Box Theatre in Galway this Friday night. Known for powerful vocals, driving fiddle and banjo, and crowd-lifting anthems, the band deliver a show packed with rhythm, passion, and sing-along moments. From fan favourites to modern takes on classic tunes, this is a live experience that captures the heart of Irish music and leaves every audience buzzing. With tickets almost completely gone - get yours asap and enjoy an unforgettable night of live entertainment.
Entertainment: Allo Allo Comedy Dining
When: Friday + Saturday, January 23rd + 24th, doors at 7pm
Where: Lough Rea Hotel & Spa
More information here
Join René, Edith, Yvette, Michelle, Herr Flick, and the rest of the gang as they serve up a night of laughter, chaos, and plenty of ooh-la-la! With a cast of unforgettable characters, quick-fire gags, and laugh-out-loud moments, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into Café René. Enjoy a delicious meal while the comedy unfolds all around you - expect audience participation, witty banter, and a few surprises along the way. This evening is perfect for fans of the original show and anyone who loves a good laugh with their dinner. This is more than just a meal… it’s a night of comedy, theatre, and nostalgic fun you won’t forget!
Wellness: Flow, Frame & Feel Good
When: Thursday, January 22nd, 11am-4pm
Where: Connemara Coast Hotel
More information here
Take this as your sign to come along to Connemara Coast Hotel and join Robyn.Yoga for the ultimate gals day out. This is going to be a beautifully nourishing day of gentle yoga (suitable for all levels), pebble art frame workshop – your own piece to take home, breathwork to reset and unwind as well as enjoying full thermal suite access including sauna, steam room, indoor and outdoor jacuzzi. Included in this experience will also be a relaxed brunch served with tea and coffee. It’s a day all about slowing down, moving softly, creating something meaningful and soaking up cosy, feel-good energy.
Fitness: Bring a Friend to workout with you for FREE
When: Friday, January 23rd, regular gym opening hours
Where: Goals Gym
More information here
Do you have that one friend who’s always interested in joining the gym but hasn’t?? Take this as your sign to make them your gym buddy for the day and bring them along to train for FREE on any Friday for the month of January in both Goals Gym locations (Terryland and Castlebar). Just mention it at reception and away you go - we bet that they’ll be a regular to Goals Gym by the end of the month.
Illustrated Talk: The Story of the GAA
When: Saturday, January 24th, at 2pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Join cultural historian Siobhán Doyle, author of A History of the GAA in 100 Objects (2022), as she shares the stories behind some of the GAA’s most iconic objects, with a special focus on Connacht and Galway. Among the Galway objects featured in her fascinating book are a ‘Citie of the Tribes’ banner – carried in defiance of British authorities on Gaelic Sunday in August 1918 – and ‘Colie K’s Hole in the Ceiling,’ a dent left in the roof of Taaffe’s Bar in Galway when Pádraic Joyce scored during the 1998 All-Ireland Football Final, which prompted an exuberant celebration. The event is free of charge, but advance booking is essential as places are limited. To make a booking, please contact the Museum by calling (091) 532460 or emailing Museum@GalwayCity.ie.
Music: Gruff Rhys
When: Saturday, January 24th, at 8pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
On Saturday night, Strange Brew are bringing Gruff Rhys to the Róisín Dubh stage for what is gearing up to be an incredible night. Gruff Rhys has been releasing records since 1988 with his first band Ffa Coffi Pawb before becoming well known as the frontman of Super Furry Animals – a band that has been able to achieve that rarest of mixes – artistic adventure with popular devotion – blending fuzz-filled rock, pure harmonies and cutting edge electronics. Renowned for their blissful melodies, Gruff Rhys solo albums have explored untapped areas musically and lyrically. In 2024 the release of the widescreen, baroque pop ‘Sadness Sets Me Free’ garnered rave reviews and was widely acclaimed to be amongst his finest work. With last year seeing the release of his latest Welsh language album Dim Probs. Expect to hear all of his most well loved songs performed live - you are not going to want to miss this.
Music: The Cellar Session
When: Friday, January 23rd, from 9pm
Where: The Cellar Bar
More information here
A new addition to The Cellar Bar’s weekly schedule, trad music takes over every Friday night from 9pm till late. Join them for open sessions filled with great tunes, great company, and a welcoming atmosphere. With guest musicians dropping in each week, it’s the perfect excuse to grab a pint, settle in, and soak up the incredible talent and lively trad spirit that Galway has to offer.
Music: Jazz Sunday
When: Sunday, January 25th, at 7.30pm
Where: Queen Street
More information here
This Sunday, close out your weekend with smooth tunes, great drinks, and a cosy atmosphere at the gorgeous Galway venue, Queen Street. Gather your friends and make it a night to remember! Treat yourself to 3-courses from their fabulous dinner menu and smooth cocktails, while being serenaded from 7.30pm-9.30pm by a live jazz band. No ticket required, free entry.
Ireland’s Biggest Comedy Competition Returns - Show Me The Funny
When: Weekly from Monday January 26th, doors at 7.30pm
Where: The Kings Head
More information here
Yes, we know - this is not taking place over the weekend. However we feel that if the winter slump has you feeling a bit blue, you deserve an extended break. So friend, leave your worries at the door because Show Me The Funny is back with five Monday nights of fresh, fearless comedy. Proudly sponsored by Bulmers, this stand-up comedy contest is on the hunt for the country’s next breakout star. Each week will see 10 of the brightest and freshest new comics from all over the island battling out for a place in the Grand Final which takes place on Monday March 2nd. Tickets can be bought at the door for just €5, including a free pint of Bulmers. Doors open at 7.30pm, with the show starting at 8.30pm.
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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