Top events and festivals

Discovering Degas (May 24 - September 30)

This exhibition showcases Sir William Burrell’s personal collection of works by impressionist Edgar Degas (1834-1917). These are joined by over 30 pieces on loan from national and international collections. It’s one you won’t want to miss! Visit The Burrell Collection website to secure your tickets.

Bard in the Botanics (June 19 - July 27)

For brilliant outdoor theatre in a parkland setting, check out Bard in the Botanics' 2024 summer season. The troupe will perform Jane Eyre, Hedda Gabler, The Merry Wives of Wishaw and Measure for Measure. Get tickets now at bardinthebotanics.co.uk.

Big City 2024 (June 29)

Big City is an all-day festival taking place at Queen’s Park. Mogwai will headline, and will be joined by Nadine Shah, Slowdrive, Beak> and more. For updates, follow Mogwai’s Facebook page.

Pagan Fellowship Festival (July 6)

Tir na nOg Holistic Centre will be hosting the Pagan Fellowship Festival. Enjoy a family-day with market stalls, axe throwing, singers, workshop and speakers, finishing with a fire walk by Celtic Fire. To find out more, visit paganvillage.co.uk.

Beyond Van Gogh (July 11 – Aug 26)

Already seen by more than 5 million people across the US, Beyond Van Gogh, is heading to Glasgow this summer. The experience combines over 300 of Van Gogh’s iconic artwork from his world of darkness to light, plus a carefully chosen soundtrack to tell the story of one of the most well-known artists. To book, visit ticketmaster.co.uk.

TRNSMT (July 12 – 14)

TRNSMT festival takes over Glasgow Green each July attracting tens of thousands of fans. The line up for 2024 includes homegrown artists Garbage, Calvin Harris and Gerry Cinnamon, not to mention Irish star-in-the-making CMAT. Find out more and book tickets at trnsmtfest.com.

Merchant City Festival (July 19 – August 21)

The Merchant City Festival is a lively 3-day celebration within the Merchant City area. Discover a range of market stalls, offering everything from crafts and gifts to fresh produce at the farmers’ market, alongside an array of street food options. Enjoy family-friendly activities all day long, and live music in the evenings. Find out more at glasgowlife.org.uk.

Summer Nights at The Bandstand (July 23 – August 10)

Summer Nights is the city's most scenic music festival, set in Kelvingrove Bandstand in Kelvingrove Park. Acts confirmed include Bananarama, Echo & The Bunnymen, Future Islands, Gabrielle and Johnny Marr. Visit Ticketmaster to book tickets.

A Bowlie Event, Belle & Sebastian Present 'The Glasgow Weekender' (August 2-3)

The fourth music festival organised by the beloved Belle & Sebastian will heading to the SWG3. Dozens of bands will be joining, including CMAT, Bis and The Joy Hotel with many more acts to be announced. Visit the event website for more information..

Piping Live! (August 10 – 18)

The week-long celebration of piping, Piping Live has a line-up of gigs, workshops, tours, talks and more. Visit pipinglive.co.uk for more details.

World Pipe Band Championships (August 16 – 17)

The World Pipe Band Championships sees bands from around the globe battle it out to be crowned champions over one weekend in Glasgow Green. Visit theworlds.co.uk for more details.

Gin and Rum Festival (August 16 – 17)

With over 120 of the best Gins and Rums on the market, the Gin and Rum Festival allows you to discover new favourites with samples from guest distillers. There is also a cocktail bar where there is a selection of seasonal cocktails whilst enjoying music from an award-winning DJ and live entertainment. Buy your tickets at ginandrumfestival.com.

The Riverside Festival (August 31)

The Riverside Festival organisers have teamed up with Electric Frog to host a one-day event to Glasgow's Riverside Museum. Australian-based DJ Skin on Skin will be headlining along with KETTAMA. La La, Hayley Zalassi and Dija will also be performing. Visit Riverside Festival's website to get tickets.

Indie Beer Scotland (September 6 - 7)

Scotland's biggest craft beer festival returns for its third year, taking place in the Clyde Rooms at Edmiston House. Featuring over 200 different craft keg beer from some of Scotland’s best independent craft breweries, plus cider & spirits from independent Scottish producers. Visit siba.co.uk for event details.

Clydebuilt Festival (September 7 - 8)

The Clydebuilt Festival celebrates all things River Clyde and shipbuilding, so expect a lot of boats! There'll be boat launches and Scotland's biggest open water rowing race, arts and crafts, sea shanties, and food and drink. Find out more at clydebuiltfestival.com.

Doors Open Day Festival (September 16-22)

Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival is an annual event celebrating the city’s architecture, culture and heritage. Over 100 buildings will open their doors to the public for free this year, with a range of tours and talks also on. Check out glasgowdoorsopendays.org.uk.

Sonica (September 19 - 29)

Sonica celebrates its eighth edition featuring contemporary artists and musicians from Egypt, Ukraine, Australia, Myanmar to top home grown Scottish talent. Highlights include All Above, Black Dog, Tapemoana and many more, see the full line-up at sonic-a.co.uk.

Nordic Music Days (October 30 - November 3)

For only the third time since it started in 1888, the Nordic Music Days festival is taking place outside the Nordic countries. The event will see orchestras from across Scotland perform new music from a range of Nordic and Scottish composers. There will also be pop up events in shops and parks, sound installations and a conference at The University of Glasgow. Visit the Nordic Music Days website for more information.

Celtic Connections (January 16 – February 2)

Glasgow's annual folk, roots, and world music festival celebrates Celtic music and its connections to cultures across the globe. The 2025 line-up hasn't yet been announced, but previous acts include Chris Thile, Skipinnish, Eddi Reader, Valtos, Angélique Kidjo and more. Follow Celtic Connections on Instagram for updates.

Glasgow Film Festival (February 26 – March 9)

Glasgow Film Festival prides itself on being one of the friendliest on the planet. The diverse programme celebrates cinema from around the world, as well as showcasing new talent and the best of Scottish film. More information on listings will be available at a later date. In the meantime, visit the Glasgow Film Theatre website for upcoming events.

Glasgow International Comedy Festival (March 12 – March 30)

For 20 years, GCIF has been bringing world-class comedy to Glasgow and will be returning in 2025. Featuring both local talent and emerging comedians across the globe, the festival offers a range of comedic styles from stand-up, improv to sketch. For updates, visit glasgowcomedyfestival.com.

Article last updated: April 2024