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Top events and festivals

Top events and festivals

Top events and festivals

Glasgow has a spectacular programme of events and festivals. Check out some of the best live experiences to enjoy in the city.

Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary (May 20 - Oct 22)

An exhibition of one of Britain's most iconic fashion designers, Mary Quant, takes place in the grand setting of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It focuses on the years from 1955, when she ran an experimental boutique, through the swinging sixties, to 1975 with stylish garments and accessories on display. Book at tickets.glasgowconcert.co.uk.

Glasgow Youth Film Festival (22 - 24 September)

This year's festival includes new releases, iconic classics and documentaries to be screened at the Glasgow Film Theatre. The festival is co-programmed by Glasgow Film and a group youth programmers aged 15-19. Visit glasgowfilm.org for the full programme.

Big Feed in the Park (22 - 24 September)

Mini Manoeuvres and Big Feed Glasgow are teaming up for the September weekend to bring amazing street food, live music, DJ’s and kid’s entertainment to Kelvingrove Bandstand and Kelvin Way. Get tickets at skiddle.com.

PLTFRM FSTVL (23 - 24 September)

Marking 10 years at West Street, PLTFRM FSTVL is a dance festival that takes place under the bridges. Special guests, Clara Cuve, DJ Heartstring, Frazi.er, Arman John and many more will perform. Visit skiddle.com to book.

Scottish Queer International Film Festival (SQIFF) (September 26 - 30)

SQIFF is an annual festival showcasing the best in independent film made for and by LGBTQIA+ people. The festival is Scotland wide with many events held in Glasgow. Visit www.sqiff.org to find out more.

Glasgow Cathedral Festival (September 28 - October 1)

Enjoy a range of events in Glasgow's oldest building, from silent films with live soundtracks to lunchtime concerts. They will also run their popular Twilight in the Crypt series for mystical evenings of new music beneath the Cathedral. Visit gcfestival.com for a full list of events.

Sonica Surge (September 29 - 30)

Sonica Surge celebrates 30 years of Cryptic with 48 hours of "mind-bending, jaw-dropping and unforgettable AV work" from international and homegrown visual sonic artists. Highlights include Robert Henke, Tatsuru Arai, and Ahmed El Shaer. See the full line-up at sonic-a.co.uk.

The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run (Sept 30 - Oct 1)

The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run is a weekend celebration of running for all ages and levels. There is a 10k and half marathon, as well as a junior and mini event. With a city centre start and finish, thousands of runners set off on a route that takes in the architecture, green spaces and personality of Glasgow. Sign up at greatrun.org.

Tenement Trail (October 7)

The multi-venue one-day festival, Tenement Trail returns this October. A great line-up of bands, including Circa Waves, Swim School and Walt Disco, will perform across a number of venues, such as Barrowlands, St Luke's and Van Winkle. Find out who is performing at tenementtrail.com.

Glasgow Vegan Festival (October 14)

The Glasgow Vegan Festival is back for its 6th year, celebrating ethical, eco, animal-friendly lifestyle products. There will be over 60 stalls, including food, skincare & beauty, clothing and more, set up at Hutcheson's at Pollok Park. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.co.uk.

GlasGlow (October 27 - November 12)

The UK's biggest Halloween event returns to Glasgow's Botanic Gardens with another epic outdoor experience. The spectacular light show will have a Ghostbusters' theme this year and visitors can enjoy food and drink from the street food village and GLOW bar. Visit glasgowglow.com for tickets.

4. Irn Bru Carnival (22 December - 14 January)

An adult and 2 children on the waltzers at a brightly lit carnival.

Credit: Irn Bru Carnival

Taking over the SEC every year, the Irn Bru Carnival is known as one of Scotland's best family days out. There are rides, stalls, inflatable play, candy floss and much more. Book now at irn-bru-carnival.com.

Celtic Connections (January 18 – February 4)

3 people playing instruments on stage with red/orange lighting.

Image credit: Gaelle Beri

Glasgow's annual folk, roots, and world music festival celebrates Celtic music and its connections to cultures across the globe. Head to the Celtic Connections website for updates for the 2024 festival!

Glasgow Film Festival (February 28 – March 8)

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. Visit glasgowfilm.org for details.

World Indoor Athletic Championships (March 1 - 3, 2024)

The 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships arrives in Glasgow in March next year. Expect to see the world's best athletes as they battle it out for the top medals, as Glasgow shows once again that it is a top choice for global sporting events. Visit worldathletics.org for info.

Glasgow International Comedy Festival (March 3 - March 31)

Save the date! The 2024 dates for Europe's biggest comedy festival have been announced. Visit glasgowcomedyfestival.com for future announcements.

Article last updated: September 2023

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