Galway City Culture Night will be taking place on Friday 20 September 2024.
This year's event will transform the city into a vibrant tapestry of arts and culture, featuring over 60 free events and activities that celebrate Galway's rich creative community.
Galway Culture Night 2024 is a testament to the city's vibrant arts scene and community spirit. Deputy Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Níall Mc Nelis stated, “Culture Night is a cornerstone of our annual arts calendar, offering a unique opportunity for the public to engage with and explore the diverse and dynamic cultural offerings across Galway City at a wide range of free events.”
Ruth Mulhern, Arts Officer, Galway City Council said, “Culture Night underscores the vital role that our local artists and creative professionals play in enriching the cultural landscape of our city. We are deeply grateful to our artistic community for their unwavering commitment and exceptional contributions.”
With events happening across the City, including, Salthill, Westside, Ballybane and the centre of town, the evening will also showcase two standout Culture Night Late projects. ‘Croí Óir’, presented by An Taibhdhearc, will immerse audiences in a bustling Algerian market where the legendary story of the Claddagh Ring and its creator, Richard Joyce, is vividly brought to life in Irish. Meanwhile, ‘Otherworld’ at Outset Art Gallery will offer an expansive multidisciplinary arts experience, with a dynamic array of performances and music spanning multiple stages and spaces.
Visual arts will shine brightly, with ‘Let’s Draw’ turning Galway’s iconic Spanish Arch into an interactive canvas. Participants of all ages can use their smartphones to create and project artwork onto Comerford House, beside the arches, crafting a captivating display of light and colour. ‘Glowscape’ at The PorterShed will also provide an immersive light art experience, transforming the venue into a realm of light-based artworks. ‘In Search of Hy-Brasil’, presented by Architecture at the Edge, explores the relationship between Ireland’s islands and their environment, reflecting on our diverse communities and shared futures.
Music lovers can enjoy a diverse line-up throughout the evening. ‘Symphony of Flames’ will present a serene choral performance by the Galway City Chamber Choir, accompanied by the soft glow of candles. Helen Hancock will enchant with majestic music, including Cleopatra arias and ethereal Handel pieces. For a lively musical experience, join the ‘Culture Night Blues Jam’ at The Cellar Bar, where musicians of all levels are welcome to join in. The Bash Brothers will also embody the beating pulse of Galway City Culture by bringing the streets to life with percussion and poi spinners.
A wide range family-friendly activities are happening including ‘Echoes of the Ocean’ at Galway Atlantaquaria, featuring marine-themed musical performances and engaging activities for children. ‘The Glow Games’ in Westside, will offer creative painting and energetic games for young people, while the ‘Move & Groove Silent Disco’ in Father Burke Park invites families to dance the night away in a fun, inclusive environment.
Celebrating Galway’s cultural diversity, the United Women Galway’s ‘Multinational Food Event’ will showcase a variety of global cuisines, reflecting the city's rich multicultural fabric.
Additional multicultural events across the city will highlight diverse cultural traditions and artistic expressions, enriching Galway's cultural landscape.
The Westend Hidden Gems events highlight the artistic talent and vibrant culture of the Westend community, featuring ceilí, theatre, art, dance, live music, and more.
This is just a flavour of some of the fantastic events on offer in Galway for Culture Night - make sure to join in for a night of cultural celebration and artistic discovery to see Galway come alive with creativity, offering something for everyone and showcasing the best of our local arts and culture.
Culture Night is brought to you by Galway City Council, in collaboration with the Arts Council.
For more information about accessibility and a complete list of events, please visit CultureNight.ie/Galway-City