Glasgow prepares unforgettable summer
Glasgow is preparing up for “an unforgettable summer, bursting with outdoor music festivals, exciting new tours, and a flourishing food and drink scene.”
Whether you’re a culture lover, a foodie, or just looking for a lively city break, there’s no better time to explore Scotland’s biggest city.
TRNSMT festival takes over Glasgow Green, a city centre park, each July attracting tens of thousands of fans. The 2025 line-up includes big names such as 50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, and Snow Patrol.
Merchant City Festival – (18 – 20 July)
Get ready for a spectacular street party packed with arts, circus, dance, and live music. The Merchant City, a city centre neighbourhood, will be buzzing thanks to Imaginate, Surge Festival, and Bridgeman Arts. Catch fresh music acts from across the UK and kick off the fun with a massive ceilidh celebrating the city’s 850th birthday. Don’t forget to explore the markets and tasty food stalls too.
With over 50,000 people taking part in 2023 and 2024, the city’s Pride March is an opportunity to come together and continue the fight for equality and inclusion. Route to be announced soon.
The World Pipe Band Championships – (15 – 16 August)
A sensational showdown of the world’s top pipers and drummers is hitting Glasgow Green this August. Thousands of musicians from all corners of the globe battling it out for the ultimate title.
The piping party kicks off early with Piping Live! (11 – 17 August), making it the absolute heart of all things bagpipes for one week. You won’t want to miss this world’s biggest week of piping!
Rocking out in City Parks
The city’s parks come alive each summer with live performances to suit everyone’s tastes.
Summer Nights on the Southside – Queens Park (June 26-29)
Del Amitri, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Saw Doctors, and Ocean Colour Sceneheadline the Big Top Tent in Queens Park, located in the Shawlands neighbourhood, as Summer Nights on the Southside returns.
Summer Nights at the Bandstand – Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre (July 29-August 16)
Now in its 10th year, the iconic Summer Nights at the Bandstand returns to Kelvingrove Park for 13 nights of live music. The line-up includes Elbow, Billy Ocean, Teenage Fanclub, and more.
Big Nights Out is an exciting new summer concert series taking place across two unique bandstands in the city. Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre in the west end and Queens Park Arena in the southside, host a variety of nights with a line-up featuring Arab Strap, Camera Obscura and Yard Act.
New food and drink openings
A new wine bar and restaurant has opened in the Yorkhill area called Corner Shop. Offering a great selection of wines by the glass, including organic and biodynamic options, alongside a menu featuring charcuterie, cheeses, and other Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Gael & Grain is a newly opened Scottish pub and kitchen in the city’s West End, offering a modern take on traditional Scottish dishes like Haggis Tikka Masala and Irn Bru Cheesecake. The venue also features, a dog-friendly beer garden, and hosts weekly comedy nights.
The Caravan Shop is an intimate wine bar and bottle shop in the west end, offering a great range of wines, light bites, and cocktails. It’s the perfect spot for a drink or snack before or after visiting sister venue Brett across the road.
Coming soon… Clydeside Containers
Clydeside Containers is a vibrant new venue opening on the banks of the River Clyde in August 2025. Built from repurposed shipping containers and featuring street food, craft drinks, live music, and comedy. Designed for year-round use with a retractable roof and bold industrial styling, it aims to celebrate the city’s heritage while offering a dynamic cultural space.
Take a tour
Summer 2025 has brought a host of new tours to Glasgow, covering everything from graveyards to witches to food.
Glasgow Theatre and Entertainment Tour
Step back in time on this captivating walking tour through Glasgow’s rich 850-year entertainment history. Led by historian Judith Bowers, you’ll uncover intriguing tales of ghostly bagpipes, flea circuses, public executions, and the city’s earliest theatres. The tour concludes with a visit inside The Britannia Panopticon — the world’s oldest surviving music hall.
From June to September, join a free guided tour of this historic 1719 city-centre graveyard. Over the course of an hour, discover the stories of notable figures laid to rest here and uncover the darker side of its past, including chilling tales of grave robbers.
The Merchant City Stroll, Food and Drink Tours
The Merchant City Stroll is a guided walking tour that immerses you in its vibrant culinary scene, exploring the historic Merchant City and east end. Led by passionate local guides, the tour takes you through six unique venues, offering a taste of locally sourced Scottish food and drink, while sharing insights into the area’s rich history and culture.
In under 15 minutes by train, you can discover one of Scotland’s biggest towns, Paisley. The best way to explore is by booking on to one of the Paisley Tours. From exploring the town’s textile heritage and architectural landmarks to uncovering tales of witch trials and local legends, each experience is led by passionate local guides who bring the past to life.
For more information on Glasgow, head to visitglasgow.com.
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