October time brings an array of spooktacular activities to do and events to attend from costume parties to parades to pumpkin patch farms. Students can prepare to mark their calendar for the next month because SIN is about to share what Galway has on offer for 2023’s Halloween season.
The Absent Chainsaw Massacre
The inspiration from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was clearly used as inspiration for this event title. The original Leatherface will not be in attendance at this event, but that’s not to say attendees cannot dress up as him. The Cellar Bar, located on Eglinton Street, is hosting a costume party on Tuesday 31 October at 8pm in celebration for Halloween. A prize will be awarded to the best costume of the night. It is fitting to say that spooky fancy dress is highly encouraged. Tickets can be purchased online through Eventbrite.
Macnas Parade
A long-awaited and sorely missed Halloween event is making a spectacular return this year after a four-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 virus. The Macnas society will once again slither through the streets of Galway city with costumed performers and musicians. The parade has taken possession of one calendar date, Sunday 29 October at 5:30pm.
James Riordan, Parade Director said, “This year’s parade is going to be a feast for the senses as we welcome audiences into the world of La Loba, a wild wolf woman who has sung life back into all manner of almost forgotten tribes and Gods, conjuring them to the streets once more in a communal celebration of ancestors that have come before us.
“Expect over 100 performers, dancers, huge puppets and live musicians in stunning costumes, all coming together for our first street parade in four years and bringing with them Macnas’s signature collaborative creativity, electric energy and joyous abandon. We are back and ready to make some magic.”
Halloween Drag Ball
On Monday 23 October, Róisín Dubh is hosting their popular Drag Ball which starts at 8:30pm. Costumes are highly encouraged to be worn, but costume goers shall not be the only ones to dress up as talented and upcoming artists will be performing in costume also. Those who are in attendance will not only be enjoying the rich and classy entertainment, but showing support to the local non-profit LGBTQ+ organisation Galway against Homophobia.
#GFP Halloween Event
The Gourmet Food Parlour located in Salthill is hosting a Halloween event on Sunday 29 October at 4pm – 6:30pm. The event will include a live DJ, a themed cocktail menu, a selection of foods and prizes for the best dressed. Gourmet Food and Halloween themed cocktails is sure to be one of the best spooky recipes for lovers of spooky season.
Harryween Disco at Hyde
Hyde bar is hosting a Harryween Disco Brunch at their bar and restaurant on Sunday 29 October, commencing at 1pm. Your ticket purchase includes access to hellishly delicious food, drinks and music as well as encouragement to wear your Halloween costumes. Hyde bar is ready to welcome you, but Jekyll is uninvited.
Rachel Garvey is a Co-Editor for Features for Student Independent News for the year 2023/24. She works full-time, but dedicates her free time to writing and being involved in SIN. Rachel has been a contributor to SIN since 2017.