What's On in Galway
From trad sessions in snug pubs to major festivals filling the streets, GalwayBeat Guide brings you the most complete daily listings of events across the city and county. Never miss a night out again.
Browse by Category
Live Music & Gigs
Traditional sessions, indie bands, jazz nights and big touring acts across Galway's venues every night of the week.
Festivals
Arts, food, film and literary festivals that transform the city throughout the year — with dates, line-ups and ticket info.
Theatre & Arts
Drama, comedy, dance and exhibitions at Galway's theatres, galleries and cultural spaces, updated daily.
Family & Community
Markets, workshops, family days and community gatherings suitable for all ages across Galway city and county.
Highlights This Week
Friday Night Trad Session
Some of Galway's finest traditional musicians gather for an open session. All levels welcome to listen or join in — arrive early for a good seat.
Live Music
Gallery Late: Contemporary Irish Art
An evening opening featuring new works from emerging Irish artists, with artist talks, live music and refreshments throughout the night.
Arts
Comedy Night: New Material Showcase
A rotating line-up of established and up-and-coming comedians testing new material. Expect sharp, unpredictable sets and strong local flavour.
Comedy
Local Indie Showcase
Three Galway-based indie acts share the bill in one of the city's best small rooms. Doors at 8 PM, first act on stage at 8:30 PM sharp.
Live MusicAnnual Highlights
International Arts Festival
Every July, Galway hosts two weeks of theatre, music, dance and street spectacle, drawing performers and audiences from across Europe. We publish full daily guides and venue maps throughout the festival.
Races Week
The Galway Races bring seven days of racing, fashion and festival atmosphere each summer. Our team tracks the best associated events, from ladies' day celebrations to evening entertainment across town.
Film Fleadh
A week-long celebration of Irish and international cinema each July, with premieres, shorts programmes and industry panels. We list every screening with times, venues and booking links.
Oyster Festival
September's seafood celebration combines shucking championships, food markets and live music along the waterfront. Our dining guides help you make the most of the weekend.
Making the Most of Events in Galway
Galway packs a remarkable amount into its compact city centre. With a little planning, you can fit multiple events into a single day — and our team has gathered the practical tips that make every outing smoother.
- Book early for festivals. Tickets for headline events during Arts Festival week often sell out weeks in advance, so plan your picks as soon as programmes are released.
- Walk or use the park-and-ride. The city centre is compact and parking is limited during big events — the park-and-ride services save time and stress.
- Check free sessions midweek. Many pubs host free trad sessions on weeknights, offering great atmosphere without the weekend crowds.
- Follow us for late additions. Gigs and pop-up events are announced daily — our morning updates keep your plans current.
- Pair events with dining. Browse our dining guides to find pre-event dinner spots within walking distance of every major venue.
- Dress for the weather. Outdoor street events go ahead rain or shine, so pack a layer and embrace the Galway drizzle.