This is an updated list of festivals which are "open" in 2020 and beyond, in Galway city and county.
The Covid-19 pandemic has means radical change for many festivals: we've seen (hopefully temporary) cancellations for some festivals, and changes to the programme and delivery of others - and some new festivals and events have emerged, celebrating what we can do, now.
If there is a festival that needs to be added, leave a message in the Comments box at the bottom of the page, or message Open in Galway in Facebook.
July
Galway Fringe Festival
Galway's alternative to the big name arts fest: running between July and September, with a series of pop-up, online, at home and outdoor events.August
Galway Races Summer Meeting
The racing in behind closed gates - but the party is in the city centre anyway. See the list of open pub in Galway for inspiration.
Galway Pride Festival
Mix of online and in-person events ... read more.
Woodford Furnace Festival
In 2020, an online celebration of smelting .... read more.
September
Clifden Arts Festival
A long standing community arts festival, this year running as a five-day event in September. See the programme on their website.
Culture Night
A nation-wide event on the third Friday in September. Will be more online than usual in 2020, but some in-person events will go ahead. See their website.
Galway International Arts Festival autumn edition
For 2020, a reduced programme of limited-audience or on-line events. Read more ....
Ignited
An online gospel choir festival hosted by the director of Ignite GospelChoir. ... read more
Galway Bike Festival
A week of events promoting bicycle use. www.bikeweek.ie
Galway's Oyster Festival
Celebrating our most-famous seafood ... read more
October / November
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children
A programme in October. Includes online and small in-person events ... read more
Urban Walking
A new event, celebrating one of the things we can still do together in Covid-time - walking outside. See their website (coming soon).
Tulca Festival of Visual Arts
A programme of events, starting in October and continuing until March 2021 (expanded timeline to cater for post-Covid restrictions) .. read more.
Circuit transdisciplinary arts festival
Street art starting in October ... read more
Science
Galway Science Festival .... this year as a virtual festival.
December
Winter Festival - Galway Early Music: in 2020, two-day online event featuring Christmas carols, wassals and other seasonal songs from Europe and America.
Circuit Arts Festival - transforming vacant spaces around the city into visual art showpieces. Venues include the Cornstore: Circuit One exhibition.
