Summer Vibes Brings Music, Food and Fashion to Galway This Race Week
While Ballybrit might be the usual go to spot during race week, this summer Galway city will be transformed to make sure there is something for everyone to enjoy. Summer Vibes is back from Monday 28 July to Wednesday 30 July, offering three days of free pop-up events, live music, fashion, food and fun—all happening across Eyre Square, The Latin Quarter, and Galway’s West End.
Whether you're looking for something to do before or after you hit the course or have no intention of going near it, Galway Summer Vibes is making sure everyone can experience the city's electric atmosphere during one of its busiest weeks of the year.
Come In, Come Early, Come Often
Usually avoid the city centre like the plague during race week? There’s a common myth that the city centre is too busy to enjoy during Race Week, but it’s actually when Galway is at its best. Locals and visitors are being encouraged to come in, come early and come often. Whether you're feeling breakfast, lunch or dinner, the city’s cafés, pubs and restaurants are ready to welcome you — with coffee, cocktails, chats, and plenty of craic on the side.
The city is the stage
Over the three days, Galway city will become the stage. Expect pop-up gigs, fashion shows, yoga sessions (look out for “Stretch in the City” at Eyre Square and Middle Arch), walking tours, and even disco bikes lighting up the Westend after dark.
Whether you’re catching a catwalk moment from Galway's local and most loved boutiques, moving and breathing by Spanish Arch with Robyn Yoga, or stumbling upon a surprise Fanzini Brothers performance, there’s something for everyone.
A trail of tastes and tunes
A new addition for 2025 is a curated trail linking Galway’s most iconic venues, from cosy traditional pubs to buzzy cafés and indie food spots. Whether you’re discovering a new band, hunting for the best grub, or just want to enjoy a pint and some people watching, this trail makes it easy to explore the best of the city.
Galway’s soundtrack: live, local, and loud
It wouldn’t be a proper Galway festival without live music. Bars throughout the city will come alive with traditional music, laid-back acoustic sets, and lively late-night bands. Make sure to wonder outdoors as well; you can expect to see buskers bringing the city to life, and pop-up performances from morning ‘til moonlight.
Getting around is a breeze
Concerned about getting to and from the racecourse? With the city center being such a pedestrian friendly area, all you need to do is hop on one of the frequent shuttle buses to and from the race course into the city. A sustainable and stress-free way to travel, these busses are organised by Bus Éireann to keep the good vibes going.
To make sure everyone makes the most of the weekend, you will be able to find Summer Vibes ambassadors, trained by the Galway Volunteer Centre, dotted across the city offering local tips, maps and recommendations.
“Race Week belongs to everyone. Galway comes alive when the streets are filled with people, music, fashion, food and a good old chat.” - Louise Osborne of Galway City Council
So if you’ve ever thought Race Week wasn’t for you, think again. Come in for breakfast, stay for lunch, and wander into a surprise gig before dinner.
For the full programme of events and real-time updates, visit galwaysummervibes.ie or follow the action on TikTok.
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