Your guide to Glasgow / Music and Entertainment in Glasgow
Music and Entertainment in Glasgow
As the largest city in Scotland, Glasgow offers an incredible variety of activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking to explore the city's culinary side or check out some of its popular sporting events, you know you'll have a good time in Glasgow. If you're interested in some of the best things to do in Glasgow, check out this collection of top attractions and events.
Music Events
From live music pubs to orchestra houses, Glasgow is home to an outstanding music scene. No matter what type of genre you like, you're sure to find a place to enjoy it in Glasgow. Check out some of these lively music festivals to experience what Glasgow has to offer.
Celtic Connections
Celtic Connections is considered one of the most influential music festivals in the country. The festival runs for three weeks from the middle of January to the beginning of February and brings in a variety of musical artists from around the world and from numerous genres. While most activities take place at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, other performances and workshops happen in venues around the city, including The National Piping Centre, the City Halls and Old Fruitmarket concert hall and Tron Theatre.
Glasgow Music Festival
Another popular music festival in the city worth checking out is the Glasgow Music Festival. This festival was first held in 1911. Today, it occurs every March and celebrates music, dance, speech and drama. It offers a platform for around 7,000 performers to develop their skills and get advice and encouragement. Even though the festival focuses mainly on young people, amateur performers of all ages are welcome to attend. Most events take place at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. However, some events also occur at Saint Andrew's West Parish Church and Renfield St Stephen's Church Centre.
Glasgow International Jazz Festival
The Glasgow International Jazz Festival occurs over five days in June and brings some of the biggest and best names in jazz to the city. Most of the events happen in the Merchant City part of Glasgow, including the open-air stage in George Square and concerts at the City Halls and Old Fruitmarket. Along with the main festival, many bars, restaurants and hotels in Glasgow will also feature performances by fringe and main jazz artists. Plus, you can check out the Scottish Jazz Awards and 30 Under 30 list that recognizes up-and-coming musicians.
Piping Live! Festival
If there's one musical instrument that's synonymous with Scotland, it has to be the bagpipe. The Piping Live! Festival is an annual event held every August that celebrates piping in all forms. It's considered the largest bagpipe festival in the world and includes over 150 individual events, such as concerts, free classes and ceilidhs.
If you're looking for things to do in Glasgow with kids, the festival has a Family Fun Day that includes face painting, a performance from the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, an arts and crafts corner and the opportunity to try the bagpipes and drums. The Piping Live! Festival is also one of the best free things to do in Glasgow since it has a great mix of free and ticketed events.
Sports Events
When you're looking for things to do in Glasgow, you'll discover plenty of sporting events to attend. From rough and tumble rugby games to thrilling football games, you're sure to find excitement when you check out these great sporting events in Glasgow.
Scotland National Football Team
The Scotland national football team represents the country in international football and competes in the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship and UEFA Nations League. The team was established in 1873, making it one of the oldest national football teams in the world. Most of the home matches for the national football team are played at Hampden Park.
The Celtic Football Club
Since the national football team only competes in three professional tournaments, you might not have a chance to watch them play when you're in Glasgow. Fortunately, the city also has several professional football clubs. The Celtic Football Club was founded in 1887 and plays in the Scottish Premiership. If you want to see a Celtic Football Club match, you can get tickets to home games at Celtic Park. The regular season runs from August to April. If you won't be in Glasgow during these months, you can also take a tour of Celtic Park to learn more about the team.
Rangers Football Club
The Rangers Football Club is one of the other professional football clubs in Glasgow to play in the Scottish Premiership. The team was founded in 1872, which makes it one of the original 11 teams of the Scottish Football League. The Rangers Football Club and The Celtic Football Club have a fierce and long-standing rivalry that's known as the Old Firm. Whenever these two clubs meet, you can always expect a wild and raucous game. If you want to see the Rangers play, pick up some tickets for a home game at Ibrox Stadium.
Glasgow Warriors
In addition to football, you can also see some rugby action in Glasgow. The Glasgow Warriors is a professional rugby team that plays in the Pro14 league and European Professional Club Rugby tournaments. The Warriors are a continuation of an amateur team founded in 1872. To see the Warriors play, you can get tickets for home games at Scotstoun Stadium. Match day at the stadium is always an exciting event with player interviews, giveaways, music and excellent food and drink.
Food and Drink Events
When you're in Glasgow, be prepared to discover some delicious food. The city is quickly becoming known for its culinary scene, and you'll find a number of great ways to enjoy it. Make plans to check out some of these top food and drink events so you can experience everything Glasgow has to offer.
Glasgow Festival of Wine
If you appreciate a good glass of wine, be sure to make plans to attend the Glasgow Festival of Wine. This outstanding wine tasting festival offers over 200 wines from some of the best producers and retailers in the country. The festival takes place in June, and your ticket includes unlimited tastings, master classes and discounts on wines. During the event, you'll be able to discover new wines, learn more about the stories behind some of your favorites and hone your palate so you can truly enjoy all the unique flavors from every wine available.
Glasgow Coffee Festival
If you need a little pick-me-up when you're in Glasgow, check out the Glasgow Coffee Festival. This unique festival is held for two days in May and is one of the biggest of its kind in Scotland. You'll find so much to see and do at the event. You can check out product demonstrations; attend a presentation by a coffee farmer, importer or roaster; listen to live music; watch national competitions; check out some art; try out an excellent selection of fresh and local food and more.
Cultural Events
Not only does Glasgow offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy music, sports and food, but it also has an amazing variety of cultural events to explore. If you're interested in attending some of the top cultural events in Glasgow, the following are a few of your best options.
Glasgow Film Festival
The Glasgow Film Festival is one of the top festivals of its kind in the United Kingdom. The festival started in 2005 and today takes place from the middle of February to the beginning of March. The festival tries to offer something for everyone to enjoy. That's why you'll find films from all genres, including mainstream productions, well-loved classics and groundbreaking independent films. You can also enjoy interactive workshops, filmmaker guest appearances and discussion panels.
Glasgow Contemporary Art Fair
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
The Glasgow Contemporary Art Fair is one of the main art festivals in Scotland. The art fair presents a great selection of contemporary art available for purchase. Artists represented at the fair include everything from household names to local creatives from the Glasgow School of Art. You'll find an outstanding range of art that includes prints, paintings, sculptures, photographs and more. You can also attend artist meet and greets and live painting demonstrations.
West End Festival
The West End Festival is the largest cultural event in Glasgow. In previous years, the festival has hosted over 400 events in 80 different venues. It takes place in June and offers a range of activities and events around the West End of Glasgow, including live music, guided walks, outdoor theater performances, children's events, local street markets and the popular Carnival Parade and Street Party.
If you're planning a trip to Glasgow, you'll discover a variety of music, art, sports, and food and drink events to enjoy. Thanks to these top things to do in Glasgow, you know you'll always find something to enjoy during your time in the city.