Whether you live in Glasgow or you’re just visiting, there’s always something on for you to get out and enjoy. By making time to enjoy the festivals and events in the city you’ll discover new things, meet new people and enjoy this fine city even more. Here’s our selection of some of the best events.
Mugstock (28th – 31st July 2017)
A relatively new addition to the festival circuit, Mugstock styles itself as ‘A festival of music and merriment for all ages’. The setting is fantastic – Mugdock Country Park. It’s 10 miles north of Glasgow and offers a festival in an absolutely beautiful setting. It’s safe for kids and fun for grown ups, and is a different kind of festival. It’s a not-for-profit festival where they raise money during the year to keep prices low. They’re all about bringing people together to have fun. Check the link to see who’s playing and get all the latest details. After all, where else can you enjoy a massage while watching the band on the main stage?
Pride Glasgow (19th & 20th August 2017)
This is now an annual event, starting with a parade through the streets of Glasgow. It brings together people in a celebration of the LGBTI community and creates a festival with an atmosphere like no other. Confirmed to perform at the festival this year are B*witched, Saara Aalto, Kelly Lorrenna and George Bowie (GBX). There’s so much to do – including the Community Expo, Pride Market, family area, a youth space, fairground, food village, bars and even a dog show. Tickets are very keenly priced, so get out there, enjoy Glasgow Green and show your support.
Bard in the Botanics (June and July 2017)
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? We’d say definitely, yes. This is Scotland’s biggest (and most popular) Shakespeare festival. This summer marks its 15th season in the park and they’ve really pushed the boat out with the productions this year. You’ll be able to enjoy The Taming of the Shrew?, Timon of Athens, Queen Lear and Measure for Measure. The sharp-eyed amongst you will have noticed that they’re performing Queen Lear. That’s because the central theme this year is ‘These headstrong women’. So you’ll find it’s the Bard’s work, with a slight twist. Some performances are outdoors, in the Botanics themselves, and others take place in the iconic Kibble Palace. To go or not to go, that is the question. (Go, trust us, you’ll love it.)
West End Festival (2nd – 25th June 2017)
A month-long extravaganza, right in the beautiful west end of the city. And there’s so much going on. From walks to discover the stunning architecture of Alexander Greek Thomson, to meditation sessions to connect body and mind, to comedy, to children’s woodland days, stencilling workshops and wine tasting. There’s something for everyone. The west end is always vibrant, but this festival takes thing up a notch and creates a month long festival that makes even walking through the streets a joy.
Merchant City Festival (22nd – 30th July 2017)
This festival happens right in the heart of the city centre. It offers a programme of street arts, music, theatre, food and drink, visual art, film, comedy, dance and design. And there are lots things for children and families to enjoy. The line-up is being added to all the time, so have a look at their website and see what’s on that you’ll love this summer.
Summer Nights at the Band Stand (31st July – 13th August 2017)
A unique way to enjoy some stellar musicians as the band stand welcomes more musical legends. This summer there are concerts by Brian Wilson (doing a Pet Sounds-based set), Tom Jones, Texas, the Pixies, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Seasick Steve, KT Tunstall and others. These concerts take place in Kelvingrove Park in the city’s west end and the tickets always go fast.
Have we missed any that are worth knowing about? Let us know your favourites in the comments section below.