Looking for things to do in Galway this weekend? We've got you covered! From film festivals to comedy nights, fundraisers to exhibition launches, 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!
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.
2026 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final - Galway v Limerick
When: Sunday, July 19th, at 3.30pm
The biggest day in the hurling calendar has arrived as Galway take on Limerick in the 2026 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final. The atmosphere promises to be electric, with passionate supporters, incredible skill, and edge-of-your-seat action from the first whistle to the last. In partnership with Galway City Council, the Galway International Arts Festival will screen the final live on the big screen in the Heineken® Big Top, giving fans the chance to come together and cheer them on in one of the city's most iconic festival venues. For more information on this https://www.giaf.ie/festival/event/live-screening-2026-gaa-all-ireland-senior-hurling-championship-final-galway-v-limerick. So whether you're cheering every score from a stool in your favourite pub with a pint in hand or soaking up the incredible atmosphere at the Heineken® Big Top, this weekend there will be no better place than Galway to experience the drama of All-Ireland Final.
Galway International Arts Festival
When: All weekend long
Where: Venues across Galway City and County
More information here
Celebrating across the city and county, Galway International Arts Festival 2026 is now underway! Featuring theatre, music, circus, dance, visual arts, comedy, street spectacle and talks, here are a few of the standouts; Carnation, a breath-taking circus spectacular from NoFit State, unleashes dazzling skill and heart-stopping moments, with live music and incredible imagery; a new opera, Testament from Tarik O’Regan, Colm Tóibín and Irish National Opera; one of Australia’s most electrifying choreographers Stephanie Lake with Colossus; monumental and intimate sculpture, including newly commissioned work, from Sean Henry; Druid’s new take on Dion Boucicault’s The Shaughraun, directed by the Tony Award-winning Garry Hynes; a giant whale and ship wandering the streets of Galway City; and a stellar music line-up including the Patti Smith Quartet, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, James, The Flaming Lips, Emeli Sandé and James Morrison Live at the Heineken® Big Top. See the link above for the full programme.
Jane Casey in Conversation with Sarah Kenny
When: Saturday, July 17th, at 6pm
Where: Kennys Bookshop
More information here
Award-winning Irish author Jane Casey will be at Kennys Bookshop this weekend, joining Sarah Kenny in conversation about her new book Everything She Didn’t Say. Tickets for this event are free but are limited, and you can book yours now. About Everything She Didn’t Say: Someone is dead. Someone is a killer. Someone is lying. A woman is found in bloodstained clothes on the lonely coast of County Mayo. At first, she won’t speak. Then a name comes: Ruth. And a story about her missing friend: Maura. Ruth says she and Maura were staying in a clifftop house together. But there’s no trace of her there. Nothing but a pool of blood. Ruth says the pair fought in the days before Maura disappeared. But the locals say they only ever saw one woman. Ruth swears she’s telling the truth, but do the answers really lie in everything she didn’t say?
Derek Ryan - The Songwriter Show
When: Thursday, July 16th, at 8pm
Where: Clifden Station House Theatre
More information here
Experience an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling with Derek Ryan as he reflects on the stories and moments that inspired some of his most popular songs. Joined by acclaimed musicians Ray McLoughlin and Kane O’Rourke, Derek leads audiences on an emotional journey through his rich and celebrated catalogue. As one of Ireland’s most prolific singer-songwriters, he will offer a rare and personal performance in this stripped-back acoustic show.
Taste the Summer at An Púcán
When: Thursday, July 16th, at 6pm
Where: 11 Forster Street
More information here
Don’t miss An Púcán’s exclusive Taste the Summer Schweppes Session because this is the ultimate event for Schweppes lovers, where you can enjoy two refreshing Schweppes cocktails, delicious nibbles and learn how to make your own perfect Schweppes cocktail. You’ll also get to groove to the DJ playing cool summer vibes and get your hands on some Schweppes merchandise; think sunnies, bucket hats and more. Get your tickets today!
Create your Own Headpiece Masterclass
When: Thursday, July 16th, at 7pm
Where: The Connacht Hotel
More information here
Hosted by the talented local crafter Natasha Chuyeva, this hands-on Headpiece Workshop invites you to design and make your very own bespoke headpiece - perfect for weddings, race days, or simply adding flair to your wardrobe. Your ticket includes all materials & expert guidance to create your custom headpiece with various colours available to choose from, a selection of sweet & savoury delights, and a refreshing glass of prosecco — with a top-up, of course! Whether you’re planning a girls’ day out, getting ready for a big event, or simply want to try something new, this is the perfect way to spend an evening.
Gallery Lates: Curators Tour with Tom McLean
When: Thursday, July 16th, at 8pm
Where: Galway Arts Centre
More information here
As part of Gallery Lates join curator Tom McLean for an informal tour of Deviations, John Rainey’s exhibition presented as part of Galway International Arts Festival. The free tour will explore key themes, materials and references within the exhibition, offering insight into Rainey’s sculptural practice and the ideas that inform the work. Drawing on classical statuary, mythology and processes of reconstruction, Deviations considers how forms, histories and narratives are continually reshaped through time. This event provides an opportunity to engage more deeply with the exhibition through discussion and close looking in a relaxed gallery setting. All welcome.
Irish Baking Classics Workshop
When: Sunday, July 19th, at 10am
Where: Aniar
More information here
Revisit the heart of Irish home cooking through its timeless bakes. In this hands-on class at Aniar, JP McMahon explores the breads, cakes, and pastries that shaped Irish kitchens for generations. Learn to make soda bread, brown bread, apple tart, treacle tart, yeast bread, and cheese scones, all rooted in the rhythm of traditional Irish baking. Alongside practical technique, you’ll explore the cultural history of these recipes and the ingredients that define them: buttermilk, oats, and local flour. A comforting and nostalgic journey through Ireland’s flour-dusted heritage, where simplicity meets soul.
Music: Weekend Entertainment at The Quays
When: Friday + Saturday, July 17th + 18th
Where: Quay Lane
More information here
Join Quays Bar this weekend for live bands, late nights, good company, and a proper Galway welcome in the heart of the city. Lined-up for the weekend ahead they have: Peter Byrne and the Glass Onion Band on Friday night, followed by The Afters + support act on Saturday night. They will also have live music from 3.30pm daily in the bar, and great local food served all day!
Vesper Meridian presents Chris Nez/Millhouse/Eric Moore
When: Friday, July 17th, at 9pm
Where: The Cellar
More information here
Get ready to enjoy a huge serving of crunchy techno during the Galway Arts Festival at The Cellar! As Chris Nez, Computer Controlled Records boss, Coda resident, and one of the most respected vinyl tastemakers whose influence has been felt across Ireland’s underground electronic music scene in recent years is coming to the Cellar to show us why he has earned his reputation as one of the best in the game! Joining him on the night is Millhouse, Gobsmacked Records boss and one of Dave Clarke’s favourite producers, who is making his way from Berlin and we are beyond excited. The lineup also includes Eric Moore, Vesper Meridian resident who will take you through the gears once the doors open at 9pm sharp! Don’t miss it!
FIFA World Cup Final LIVE
When: Sunday, July 19th, at 8pm
Where: Eye Cinema
More information here
Don't miss a second of this summer's biggest sporting event! Experience all the excitement, drama and unforgettable moments of the FIFA World Cup Final LIVE on the big screen at the EYE Cinema. Swap the sofa for the ultimate match-day atmosphere and cheer on your team with fellow football fans - it's the perfect way to enjoy the biggest game in world football. Admission is €6 per child (including a Kids Tray) and €11 for an adult including a Large Popcorn Combo. Sit back, relax, and enjoy every goal, tackle and celebration on the big screen. If you want to mark a special occasion or make it a fancy football experience, The g Hotel are offering pre-match Dinner plus Tickets to the screening! Find out more here.
Silent Films Screening of Ménilmontant and Suspense
When: Saturday, July 18th, at 8pm
Where: Silent Cinema Galway
More information here
A real treat for lovers of thrillers and suspense. Silent Cinema Galway invites you to a screening of an absolute masterpiece of the French impressionist avant-garde and at the same time a brilliant, groundbreaking psychological thriller (beginning with a brutal murder with an axe): Ménilmontant, directed by Dimitri Kirsanoff from 1926. The screening of this film will be preceded by a screening of another, extremely intense thriller, the short Suspense (1913), a film that became a milestone of the genre, by the legendary Lois Weber. Both films will receive a live piano accompaniment by Mia Fitzgerald.
Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang.
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