Festivals in Galway 2026

Galway is Ireland’s City of Festivals, and from our home on Eyre Square you’re in the heart of it all. Whatever the season, there’s a festival within walking distance; the Galway Film Fleadh and International Arts Festival in July, the Races in July/August, the Oyster Festival in September and the Comedy Festival in October. Use the guide below to see what’s on month by month in 2026, then explore each festival in detail. When you’re ready to make a weekend of it, view our festival breaks and stay a short stroll from the action.

 Make a weekend of it. Festival breaks at The Hardiman

Galway’s festivals are best enjoyed when you can walk home afterwards. From The Hardiman on Eyre Square you’re minutes from the venues, the Latin Quarter and the late-night sessions, with discounted parking and MacNeill’s Pub waiting downstairs. Festival weekends sell out early, so book ahead to be in the middle of it all.

Galway Festivals FAQs — The Hardiman, Galway

What festivals are in Galway in 2026?

Galway hosts festivals almost year-round. Highlights in 2026 include the Galway Film Fleadh and Galway International Arts Festival in July, the Galway Races Summer Festival from late July, the Galway International Oyster Festival in September, and the Galway Comedy Festival in October. Spring brings Cúirt Literature and the Early Music Festival, and the Christmas Market runs on Eyre Square in November and December.

When are the Galway Races in 2026?

The Galway Races Summer Festival runs from Monday 27 July to Sunday 2 August 2026 at Galway Racecourse in Ballybrit, about a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Race Week is one of the busiest times of the year in Galway, so we recommend booking accommodation well in advance.

What is the biggest festival in Galway?

By scale and profile, the Galway International Arts Festival and the Galway Races are the two largest events of the year, both falling in July. The Arts Festival fills the city’s venues and the Big Top with theatre, music and visual art, while the Races draw crowds from across Ireland and beyond.

Where should I stay for festivals in Galway?

Staying in the city centre means you can walk to most festival venues rather than rely on transport or parking. The Hardiman sits right on Eyre Square, beside the Christmas Market and a short stroll from the Latin Quarter, Town Hall Theatre and the festival hubs. We also run seasonal festival breaks during the busiest dates.

Are there free festivals or events in Galway?

Yes. Many festivals include free street events — the Macnas Halloween parade, outdoor performances during the Arts Festival, and the public displays at the Christmas Market are all free to enjoy. Markets beside St Nicholas’ Church run every weekend year-round and cost nothing to browse.

What festivals are on in Galway this summer?

Summer is Galway’s festival peak. June brings the Folk Festival and the Galway Sessions; July is dominated by the Film Fleadh, the International Arts Festival and the start of the Races; and the momentum carries into the Oyster Festival in September. It’s the best stretch of the year to plan a festival break in the city.