Looking for things to do in Galway this weekend? We've got you covered! From festivals to pop-up shops, live entertainment to family-friendly events, there really is something happening to suit everybody in Galway this weekend. Check out our ultimate guide to the best events happening in Galway this weekend and start planning your perfect getaway!
Culture Night/Oíche Chultúir
When: Friday, September 18th
Where: Nationwide
More information here
The twenty-first edition of Culture Night/Oíche Chultúir returns to Galway City on Friday, 18th of September, with free cultural events taking place across the city from 4pm until late. This year's programme invites people across Galway to come together and enjoy a wide range of free cultural experiences that celebrate the city's creativity, identity and communities. From music and visual arts to heritage, performance and community-led events, the programme reflects the richness and diversity of Galway's cultural life. Hit the link above for the full programme, or tap HERE to check out our top picks for Culture Night 2026.
above: photo by Anita Murphy
Architecture at the Edge
When: From Thursday, September 17th
Where: Galway City
More information here
Architecture at the Edge returns this weekend with another engaging festival programme which explores the relationship between design, people and place. Centred on democratic design, through exhibitions, talks, installations, tours and creative workshops, this year's festival ‘Le Chéile - the Architectures of Belonging’ invites audiences to discuss this topic while discovering how architecture shapes our everyday life. During the 10-day festival, the Festival Printworks Gallery will present works by Aidan Conway, Marmar Architects, Ambacht Studio, Róisín Murphy and others, alongside ‘Settle’, a temporary exhibition by contemporary design practice Trestle Studio. Supported by The Arts Council, the installation proposes a new public interior and gathering space for collective experience in the city, hosting a series of workshops and conversations throughout the festival.
Clifden Arts Festival
When: From Thursday, September 17th
Where: Clifden
More information here
Over the next two weeks the Clifden Arts Festival will showcase an outstanding programme of music, theatre, visual arts, literature and performance. It’s a combination of world-class artists and spectacular surroundings which creates an unforgettable cultural experience that draws visitors from across the country and beyond. Highlights include performances by The Stunning and Lúnasa, Heads Shoulders Knees Totems Exhibition by Alan Clarke, a new Clifden Town Hall Mural by James Kirwan, Serious Monkey Business by Canadian artist Robert Chaplin, Spin and Splatter Art Workshop for Kids, Artist Demonstrations, Create a Willow Fish Introduction to Willow Weaving, Moon Magic, Clifden Historical Walking Tours, Litter-Picking Walk with Becky Gilmore, Elaine Feeney in Conversation with Paul Shields, Coffee Morning in Aid of Mental Health, Astrophotography with your Smartphone, Sean-nós ar an Loch and so much more!
above: photo by Michiel Devijve
Robert Harris in Conversation with Ryan Tubridy
When: Friday, September 18th, at 8pm
Where: Black Box Theatre
More information here
Join bestselling British author Robert Harris in conversation with Ryan Tubridy, as he is interviewed live about his gripping new novel, Agrippa – a thriller set in the world of Ancient Rome. Robert Harris is renowned for his works of historical fiction. He is the author of sixteen bestselling novels including the Cicero Trilogy (Imperium, Lustrum and Dictator), Fatherland, Archangel and An Officer and a Spy. Several have been adapted for the screen. Ticket price includes a signed, trade paperback copy of Agrippa.
Ireland West Airport Charity Runway Fun Run 2026
When: Saturday, September 19th, at 6.30pm (Registration opens from 5pm)
Where: The runway of Ireland West Airport
More information here
Ireland West Airport are delighted to host, in partnership with Portwest, the 9th annual charity 5k Runway Family Fun Run which is taking place on the runway at Ireland West Airport this Saturday evening. All are welcome to attend, with all proceeds from the event going to their 2026 charity partners – Cancer Care West, Family Centre Castlebar, Liver Ireland Support Network, Mayo Mental Health Association, Pancreatic Cancer Ireland, and Sunflower Children’s Hospice. All participants who register by 2pm on Friday, 18th September 2026, will receive a free commemorative runway run t-shirt, which can be collected at the airport on the day of the event or on a pre-arranged date.
A Moon for the Misbegotten
When: Showing daily at 7.30pm (with a matinee show on Saturday at 2pm)
Where: Town Hall Theatre
More information here
Over the course of one day and night in rural Connecticut, Josie Hogan, the last of her immigrant Irish family left at home with her alcoholic father, and their anguished landlord, James Tyrone, long for escape – she from her life, and he from his loss. Directed by Garry Hynes, with set design by Francis O’Connor, A Moon for the Misbegotten sees Druid return to the work of Pulitzer, Nobel and Tony Award winning playwright Eugene O’Neill for the first time since 2007. One of the great canonical works of the 20th century, A Moon for the Misbegotten is the sequel to Long Day’s Journey into Night, and the last of O’Neill’s trio of largely autobiographical plays which reflect his complex relationship with Ireland. The cast is Lorcan Cranitch, Rory Nolan, Marty Rea, Cathal Ryan, and Eileen Walsh.
An Exhibition of Over 40 Landscape Paintings from the Studio of Jerry Marjoram
When: Regular gallery opening hours (Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm)
Where: The Kenny Gallery
More information here
This is the final weekend of the exhibition of over 40 landscapes by Jerry Marjoram (1936-2024) at The Kenny Gallery. This exhibition celebrates the life and legacy of an artist whose paintings continue to resonate with those who know and love the Irish landscape. Bringing together a wide selection of his final paintings, the show reflects the breadth of Jerry’s vision, from the quiet stillness of bog and river to the movement of sea and sky. Born in Dublin’s Liberties in 1936, Jerry Marjoram developed his love of painting under the guidance of Maurice McGonigal and Seán Keating. Over time, the West of Ireland, and particularly Connemara, became an enduring source of inspiration. Its boglands, rivers, mountains and coastal waters were subjects he returned to again and again, building a visual record of a landscape that is both familiar and deeply personal. Admission is free, and all are welcome.
Dip for Jigsaw - Take the Plunge
When: Saturday, September 19th, from 9.30am
Where: Ladies Beach
More information here
The Dip for Jigsaw Galway fundraiser event is taking place on Saturday morning at Blackrock in Salthill. Come one, come all – friends, families, services, organisations, visitors to Galway, anyone who would like to come down on the day and support young people’s mental health in Galway city. Following the dip in the Atlantic there will be a lovely gathering with teas/coffees/hot chocs and treats provided on the day by the wonderful Pauline and Finian of Blackrock Cottage who are the sponsors and collaborators for this event. There will be music on the day, raffles and prizes and lots more to create a lovely atmosphere. You will also receive a welcome pack from Jigsaw with some goodies before the event as well.
September Fest
When: Friday to Sunday, September 18th-20th
Where: Paddy Burke’s, Clarinbridge
More information here
September Fest is back at Paddy Burke’s in Clarinbridge, with three days providing three very different ways to celebrate. On Friday, join them for the Colga F.C. 30th Anniversary Celebrations with buffet dinner and live music from the Lols and special guest Ronan Rooney. Saturday will see the return of their Annual Oyster Festival, beginning at 4:30pm and continuing until late. Tickets for this event include a glass of bubbles on arrival, gourmet seafood selection and fresh salads, barbecue accompanied with music by Ronan Rooney and a live performance by The Conquerors Band. Then, closing out both the festival and weekend is the family fun day with a BBQ and live music. Great food, good music & even better company, what more could you want?
Interactive Demonstration: Weaving Traditions
When: Saturday, September 19th, 12-2pm
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Join textile weaver Jean Moran for a live demonstration of traditional weaving and yarn spinning using a floor loom and spinning wheel. Visitors will have an opportunity to try weaving and spinning for themselves and learn about the rich history of weaving in Ireland, the Claddagh Shawl, and related textile traditions. On display during the event will be two Claddagh Shawls woven by Jean in 2026 on her floor loom using Donegal yarn from Kilcar. Woven in soft beige and fawn tones, with white patterned borders and tasselled finishes, these contemporary interpretations celebrate the craftsmanship and legacy of this distinctive textile tradition. No booking required – simply drop in anytime between 12pm and 2pm. All materials will be provided.
Club GASS
When: Saturday, September 19th, from 10pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Club Gass is back at Róisín Dubh this Saturday for another huge night of drag, music and dancing across three floors and three bars. Hosted by the fabulous Kiki St Clair, with incredible drag queens and drag king bringing you another spectacular show packed with glamour, laughs, music and plenty of attitude. On the main stage, DJ Menace will be taking over the decks and keeping the party going late into the night, while upstairs in the Beer Garden, DJ John will be bringing the tunes and keeping the atmosphere buzzing. And when the show is over, the night is only getting started. Dice Lady will be on hand with her fabulous UV painting, getting everyone glowing and ready for our UV Party. So get your friends together, get your dancing shoes on and join us for another unforgettable night at Club Gass.
Curry’s Brings Student Tech Challenges and Big Prizes
When: Thursday, September 17th, at 1pm
Where: Áras na Mac Léinn, University of Galway
More information here
Galway students can test their problem-solving skills and be in with a chance of winning a laptop when the Currys College Roadshow lands at University of Galway this Thursday. This year’s roadshow features a fresh interactive experience built around three dreaded “student disasters.” Students will need to work out which tech solution can get them out of each sticky situation before progressing to a timed puzzle challenge. Those who successfully complete the puzzle will be entered into the competition to win a laptop. Students won’t have to wait until the main challenge to start winning either. Currys will have its Plinko and Spin the Wheel games on hand for those in the queue, offering the chance to pick up smaller tech prizes and Currys merch. The Galway event combines problem-solving, games and giveaways for a lively day on campus, while showing students that when college life goes slightly off-plan, the right tech can make all the difference.
Chris Kent - That’s All I Need Now!
When: Friday, September 18th, doors at 7pm
Where: Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry
More information here
Chris Kent is back with a brand new show packed with his signature laid-back storytelling and brilliantly relatable observations. Between kids’ activities taking over the calendar, the modern world diagnosing absolutely everything, and the small realities of getting older creeping in, Chris is doing his best to stay one step ahead of life. Meanwhile, the bamboo in the garden is quietly threatening to reclaim the house he spent years trying to buy. Chris finds huge laughs in the everyday chaos of modern life.
Guns Reloaded: Guns N’ Roses Experience
When: Saturday, September 19th, at 8pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Guns Reloaded is the Irish premier Guns N’ Roses tribute, dedicated to capturing the sound, energy, and attitude of one of the most legendary rock bands of all time. With precision musicianship, authentic stage presence, and a setlist packed with the biggest hits and deep cuts, Guns Reloaded recreates the raw power of a true Guns N’ Roses concert. Audiences are transported back to the height of the Sunset Strip era, experiencing timeless anthems like Sweet Child O’ Mine, Welcome to the Jungle, and Paradise City, alongside epic ballads such as November Rain and Don’t Cry. The energy, performance and hard rock sound of this band in action will truly blow you away.
Weekend in the Hills, Festival of Traditional Crafts
When: Friday-Sunday, September 18-20th
Where: Slieve Aughty Centre
More information here
Slieve Aughty Centre invites you to join them for CELT 25th anniversary, a “Celebrating the Harvest” Weekend in the Hills Equinox gathering. Join them for the opening ceremony on Friday; where they will celebrate ’25 years of CELT’ and explore CELT past, present and future, alongside some of their longest standing tutors and members. Bring your instruments, songs and stories along for sharing by the fire in the evening. Over the course of the weekend, CELT will host a variety of mix and match workshops on offer for adults and children, with the addition of programmed evening events. Gather by the fireside to hear stories from renowned local Seanachaí Eddie Lenihan, learn some traditional céilí dances, dance your socks off to traditional music with a lively twist from Caoimhín Ceol. This is an invitation to learn lifelong skills, and make lasting friendships & connections along the way.
Cuimhne: Support for Pregnancy Loss
When: Sunday, September 20th, 11.30am - 4pm
Where: An Seomra Yoga, Sea Road
More information here
Somewhere between one in four and one in five pregnancies in Ireland ends in loss. That means thousands of women in Galway city and county have lost a baby, and most of them have never said so out loud to anyone outside their own family. Melissa Tarpey lost a pregnancy, and in the months afterwards went looking for a room where she could say her baby’s name without watching somebody’s face fall. Everyone was kind. Nobody knew what to do. So she built the room she needed. This Sunday, Melissa will be holding the first gathering, Cuimhne, a held, ceremonial circle for women who have experienced pregnancy loss, stillbirth or the death of an infant, and for the women who hold someone else through it. The event will open with an explanation of what will happen, and clear permission to sit in silence, to step out, or to stay only as long as it serves. Ceremonial cacao is then prepared and poured for each woman by hand. From there you’ll move into breath and gentle grounding drawn from Melissa’s kundalini practice. The circle itself is the heart of it. Each woman is invited (never required) to speak a name aloud, or to hold it silently. The names are then written and tied to a hawthorn bough standing at the centre of the room, so that by the end the circle holds every child who was brought into it. The event will close with a sound bath of gongs, bowls and voice, and finish with a final sharing, tea and quiet company rather than an abrupt return to the day. Nobody is hurried out the door.
Nightlife: Take over the Dance Floor at Electric
When: Regular opening hours, from 10pm Thursday, from 11pm Friday & Saturday
Where: 36 Upper Abbeygate Street
More information here
Whether you’re chasing rooftop vibes at the Garden, diving into the underground energy of the Factory, or losing yourself on the Main Floor, Electric gives you three distinct dance floors, three unique atmospheres, and three chances to find your rhythm. Every weekend, the venue comes alive with a fresh lineup of DJs and artists, from international headliners to the very best in local talent. Electric’s official ticket partner, Uniphi, is the ultimate student life app. Discover top events, grab exclusive student offers, earn points, and scan in with ease. Available on the Apple Store and Google Play apps, download now and start earning while you party. We’ll see you on the dance floor.
Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang.
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