The festival will run from 17th October until 30th October 2025. There are various events taking place across this period. Please visit our programme page for specific dates and times of all events.
The events take place across various venues/locations across Inverclyde. Please visit our programme page for specific locations.
We have numerous accessible events as part of the Galoshans Festival. Please visit the specific events pages to read the access information.
The Galoshans Festival in Inverclyde, Scotland, is a revived tradition that harks back to ancient customs surrounding Halloween and Samhain. Historically, “Galoshans” refers to the practice of guising and mumming, where performers would go door-to-door acting out plays in exchange for food or money, particularly around the Halloween season. These performances often depicted themes of death and rebirth, reflecting the festival’s roots in the Celtic celebration of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest and the onset of winter. The festival saw a decline over the 20th century but has been revitalised in recent years, incorporating elements of theatre, art, and community engagement to celebrate Inverclyde’s cultural heritage. Today, the Galoshans Festival blends traditional customs with contemporary arts, featuring parades, performances, and workshops that draw both locals and visitors into the vibrant spirit of the season.
A celebration of creativity with community at its heart
The Galoshans Festival in Inverclyde, Scotland, is run by a consortium of partners within Inverclyde. This year’s lead partners are RIG Arts, Creative Producers Feral, Creative Scotland, Youth Music Initiative, Lottery Community Fund, Film Hub Scotland, BFI Film Audience Network.
Supported with programming by Beacon Arts Centre, Inverclyde Libraries, Inverclyde Council, The Wyllieym, Kayos Theatre Company, Where’s the One, Oi Musica/YMI Youth Band, Waterfront Cinema, Travelling Gallery, and Theatre School of Scotland.
The festival also collaborates with a variety of partners, including local councils, schools, artists, and community groups, to bring the festival to life. The organisation focuses on community-driven projects and aims to use art to foster social inclusion, education, and cultural expression. By involving diverse members of the community in the planning and execution of the festival, this ensures that the Galoshans Festival remains a dynamic and inclusive event that celebrates Inverclyde’s rich heritage and contemporary cultural landscape.
This year’s Street Party will take place at Custom House Way/Custom House Quay on Thursday 30th October 2025.
See full information here.
Details on how to purchase tickets will be detailed within each event listing. Please visit your chosen event(s) to find out how to secure your ticket.
Yes, we have numerous free events across the festival. Please visit your chosen event(s) to find out more information.
Please refer to each event listing for cancellation policy. In regards to free but ticketed events – we urge you that if you have booked and can no longer attend the event – that you cancel your ticket so someone else can book in your place. This is particularly relevant to small capacity events.
Please refer to the individual event booking links for further information. See events here.
Please refer to the individual event booking links for further information. See events here.
There will be a range of events during Galoshans Festival such as street performances, art exhibitions, stage plays, light exhibitions, interactive performances, workshops, storytelling and more! View the full list of events here.
You can view the schedule of events here.
Yes, we have workshops and interactive activities to get involved in. Please visit our programme page and filter by event type.
Yes, we have plenty of family-friendly events. Please visit our programme page and filter by event type.
Bookers will be contacted in advance by either email or phone if an event is required to be cancelled. For outdoor or site specific events – we have arranged these (where possible) with a ‘wet weather back up plan’. If an event is changed to a ‘wet weather back up plan’ – where relevant we will get in touch to advise of any changes.
As outdoor/site specific events will be taking place in late October – we advise attendees to dress warm, for wet weather and with sturdy footwear.
Yes, there are local hotels and accommodation if you are planning a trip to Inverclyde. Please visit here for more information or visit Discover Inverclyde.
Please see individual event pages to find out the access information for each event.
Some events may be dog friendly. Please get in touch if you are planning to bring your dog to one of our events and would like to clarify: email info@rigarts.org or call RIG Arts directly on 01475 720847.
If you are interested in volunteering at Galoshans Festival, please visit here to find out which events you can get involved in.
For further information on any of our events, please contact us here or call RIG Arts directly on 01475 720847.
Rig Arts: Charity No: SC042242
Supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland distributing funding provided by the
Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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