Looking for things to do in Galway this Bank Holiday weekend? We've got you covered! From a festival that celebrates Galway as a bilingual city, a tattoo festival, live music and entertainment to workshops 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: International Galway Tattoo Show
When: Saturday & Sunday, January 31st and February 1st
Where: The Galmont Hotel
More information here
The International Galway Tattoo Show is back this weekend for an expo that is not only a celebration of tattoo art, and will feature performances of music, comedy, magic, and entertainment with art galleries, market stalls, tattoo competitions and so much more. This tattoo show will feature many tattoo artists 'live' tattooing, so you can see them up close and get a tattoo if you want to. Tattooed or not, all are welcome to this family-friendly tattoo show where there will be something to entertain and delight all ages. Tattooing celebrates individuality so whoever you are, whatever your interests - all are welcome. Tickets are now available at the link above and they will be available at the door on the days of the show too.
Festival: Tonnta Festival 2026 Celebrates the Irish Language
When: Thursday to Sunday, January 29th to February 1st
Where: Galway city
More information here
Building on the incredible success of 2025, Tonnta, Galway’s one-of-a-kind festival celebrating the Irish language and Galway as a bilingual city, is back! The 4-day festival promises an eventful lineup of events to inspire, entertain, and involve the whole community. As Ireland’s only bilingual city, Galway invites you to embrace whatever level of Irish you have in a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Whether it’s joining the free shows or exploring bilingual concerts, workshops, food tours, and family events in Galway’s much-loved venues, there’s something for everyone. All events are bilingual, accessible, and inclusive. Hit the link above for more on this year’s programme.
Special Occasion: Celebrating Brigit’s Day (with Brigit’s Cross-Making Workshops)
When: Saturday and Monday, January 31st and February 2nd
Where: Brigit’s Garden
More information here
Join Brigit’s Garden on Saturday at 7.30pm for an uplifting celebration of Brigit’s Eve and the turning of the season from winter to spring. During this event they will share some of the rich traditions associated with Brigit and the old Celtic festival of Imbolc, including songs, stories and rituals. Attendees will make Brigit’s crosses out of rushes, put out the Brat Bhríde and reflect on the relevance of Brigit as goddess and saint in our lives today. There will be a short meditation, so the evening is suitable for adults and interested teens. Then on the Bank Holiday Monday, Brigit’s Garden is hosting two free workshops which will allow you to make a Brigit’s cross or a Brídeog (Brigit doll) out of rushes to bring home. The two workshops will be the same so simply choose whichever time suits you: 2pm and 3pm. All materials will be supplied.
Music: Funky Leg Live
When: Thursday, January 29th, at 9.30pm
Where: The Blue Note
More information here
The Blue Note are delighted to welcome Funky Leg back to the stage for what is going to be an incredibly funky gig. Funky Leg brings an eclectic mix of funk, soul and jazz to every set. A Funky Leg night offers a one-of-a-kind experience to dance, sing, laugh and get down. Follow the lead of the Funktastic Space Guide, Tobē Tobersons and bust a move with Funky Leg, Galway’s Legendary Funk Soul Band. Get ready for an incredible show, this is not something you’d want to miss.
Dance: Muzongué Afro Latin
When: Saturday & Sunday, January 31st and February 1st
Where: Paddy Burke’s, Clarinbridge
More information here
After the huge success of Kizomba Dance Academy Ireland’s first edition, Muzongué Afro Latin is back and it’s bigger, bolder, and full of rhythm! Join them for an unforgettable Afro-Latin weekender at Paddy Burke's in Clarinbridge as they blend the best of Kizomba, Semba, and Afrobeat, with vibrant music, world-class workshops, and incredible social parties. Across the two day event, experience dance lessons by top international and local instructors, two party rooms for endless dancing and for showing off your new moves, with gourmet seafood and two bars open also to ensure your drinking and dining needs are met! With free parking and on-site accommodation, book your place here fast as there is limited availability.
Poetry: Immram with Neil Ó Lochlainn
When: Friday, January 30th, at 8pm
Where: An Taibhdhearc
More information here
In 2019 Neil Ó Lochlainn was commissioned by Paddy Bushe and the Amergin Solstice Poetry Gathering to set Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill’s suite of poems ‘Immram’ to music. The music combines influences from Irish traditional music and the sean-nós singing tradition, jazz/impro-vised music and contemporary classical music to create an innovative post-genre style of contemporary Irish chamber music. The musicians are some of the most highly regarded young musicians in Ireland today. ‘Immram’ roughly translates as ‘Voyage’ and is a type of story found commonly in mythological Irish writing describing a protagonist's journey by sea to the otherworld and the adventures that ensue during their voy-age. In this work Ó Lochlainn has created contemporary musical textures for a modern audience rooted in ancient forms, such as Irish song and dance, while combining these with more contemporary influences to create a musical world uninhibited by boundaries and genre.
Nightlife: KUKI x Basement Project - 10 Hour Day Party
When: Saturday, January 31st, doors at 1pm
Where: Electric
More information here
This Saturday, Kuki and Basement Project presents a collaboration of communities aligned to bring you another 10 hour dance-floor marathon, free from phones. Founded out of passion and prioritising of music and connection. The forecast is showing a fine balance of sounds but also one that maintains a shared experience on the dance-floor.
Nightlife: Weekend Lineup at The Quays Bar
When: Friday to Sunday, January 30th to February 1st
Where: Quay Lane
More information here
Spend your bank holiday weekend surrounded by sound, energy, and good company. The Quays Bar’s live entertainment line-up is curated for chilled nights, celebratory moments, and everything in between. The bands are lined up, the drinks are cold, and the nights are waiting. Start planning your weekend nights out with The Quays now and make some memories! Lined-up in The Music Hall for the weekend ahead they have: Peter Byrne and the Glass Onion Band on Friday, The Afters on Saturday and The Sixty Five on Sunday. They also have live music from 6pm daily in the bar, and great local food served all day!
Nightlife: Brigid’s Ball
When: Sunday, February 1st, doors at 8pm
Where: Electric
More information here
It’s the first Bank Holiday of the year and time to get dancing! If you and your friends still have it in you to tear up the floor but want to be home before the next generation hits town this is the night out for you! With Cyril “Disko” Briscoe on the decks you can expect an evening of dancefloor energy with classics, choons you didn’t know you loved, anthems & floor fillers from back in the day. Aimed at those that are a bit older, who reminisce and wish there was ‘something for them’ – well this is it. No excuses, get yer glad rags and dancing shoes on and hit for town – the dancing starts at 8pm in the Garden of the fabulous Electric Nightclub – so make sure you are there!
Takeaway: New Menu Item at Giovanni’s
When: Sunday, February 1st, from 2pm
Where: 4 Dominick Street Upper
More information here
Giovanni’s are making Sundays even better thanks to their delicious new addition to the menu - Berlin-style beef kebabs. Packed with bold flavours and cooked to perfection, this special is one you won’t want to miss. Available on Sundays only, these kebabs will be available in limited quantities so when they’re gone - they’re gone! Giovanni’s will be open from 2pm so don’t miss your chance to try it!
Other: Wedding Showcase
When: Sunday, February 1st, 12-5pm
Where: The Ardilaun Hotel
More information here
Save the Date! The Ardilaun Hotel has just announced their first wedding showcase of 2026, where they will be unveiling their new theme for 2026/2027; Enchanted Winter Vows. Come visit the hotel to explore all of the options for your dream wedding and speak to their wedding coordinator, Lola, about booking a tour of the venue and securing your dates. To convince you even more, The Ardilaun Hotel is offering a complimentary goodie bag to everyone who books in a show around and a free signature cocktail for your first 50 guests if you book your wedding from the showcase. To book your spot, please contact Lola, email weddings@theardilaunhotel.ie or call 091 519703.
Music: Faetooth
When: Saturday, January 31st, at 8pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
If you’ve ever wanted to hear the vibe of doom-laden bands like Subrosa blended with the sonic approach of bands like True Widow, get your tickets to Faetooth now. Spawning from Los Angeles, Faetooth forges "fairy-doom": an eclectic amalgamation of doom metal, sludge, and shoegaze. From spellbinding melodies to guttural shrieks, Faetooth's music conjures a looming atmosphere offering you a glimpse into their mystifying realm.
Nightlife: The Magic Room
When: Saturday, January 31st, at 7pm
Where: Johnny Walsh’s, Gort
More information here
The Magic Room returns to its spiritual home in Gort, continuing to deliver the highest quality electronic music, all wrapped up in a feeling of togetherness so strong, it has to be experienced to be believed. For its fourth edition, inspired by St Brigid’s symbolism of creativity, healing and renewal, the journey honours feminine energy and expression with an all-female line-up. FrontLeft, DeadRight and January Winters take the controls; steering the crowd through emotional release, driving rhythms and late-night energy as the dancers dance as one. The journey begins as The Magic Bus departs Galway at 7pm, arriving in Gort as the music begins at 8pm, instantly filling the floor for a night of joy and presence. A no-phones policy preserves the magic, allowing a safe space for free expression and deeper connection to the music.
Brunch: Throwback Friday - ABBA Edition
When: Friday, January 30th, 7-11pm
Where: HYDE Bar
More information here
Calling all Dancing Queens. Join HYDE Bar on Friday evening for a night of non-stop fun with a DJ spinning back-to-back ABBA hits, cocktails flowing, and good times guaranteed. Enjoy two cocktails and a sharing board while you catch up with friends, sing along to the classics, and make it a night to remember. Round up your crew, dress to impress in your best retro glam, and let the music take you back in time! Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out - to book email info@hydebargalway.ie.
Silent Film: Film
When: Saturday, January 31st, doors at 7.30pm
Where: Silent Cinema Galway
More information here
60 years ago, on February 1st, 1966, the one and only Buster Keaton passed away. To mark the occasion, Silent Cinema Galway is showing ‘Film’, directed by the equally distinguished artist and writer Samuel Beckett (1965), starring Buster. This enigmatic silent film will be screened with live musical accompaniment by Mila Maia.
Creativity: Vision Board Workshop
When: Saturday, January 31st, at 11am-3pm
Where: Slieve Aughty Centre
More information here
Let your creativity flow at Slieve Aughty Centre’s Vision Board Workshop, set your intentions for the year, manifest your dreams, and nourish your body with a delicious organic lunch. This is a fun, inspiring, and hands-on way to kickstart your year, and goals and achievements you wish to experience in the months ahead. Reserve your spot today and begin 2026 with clarity and inspiration!
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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