Late summer hues, balmy summer evenings – August is a month festivals, music and celebration.
Top for a Tipple
August seems to be a month of drinks festivals, so why not take a wander into the city and find your newest tipple? Along at The Briggait Clydeside Market Halls (to give it its new name) it’s time for the annual Gin and Rum Festival. Now in its 8th year, explore the world of gin and rum. With over 120 spirits to sample, award winning guest distillers are on hand to give you their expert advice. And once you’ve taken a turn around the stalls, head to the cocktail bar and try your fave transformed into a far-too-easily-consumed cocktail. And with a live DJ spinning some tunes, we know where this goes. Pack some comfy shoes for a boogie.
And it doesn’t stop there. The Copita Mezcal and Tequila Festival takes places just along from the Briggait at St Lukes and the Winged Ox. With over 100 samples of Mezcal and Tequila, cocktail bar and masterclasses, this is one for us Margarita lovers. August is shaping up to be a blast!
Gin and Rum Festival
Fri 21st – Sat 22nd August
The Briggait Clydeside Market Halls
w:eventbrite.co.uk/e/gin-rum-festival-glasgow-2026-tickets
The Copita Mezcal and Tequila Festival
Saturday 22nd August
St Lukes and the Winged Ox
w:stlukesglasgow.com/events/copita-mezcal-tequila-festival/
Top for Music on our Doorstep
Summer Nights at the Bandstand is one of Glasgow’s best-loved outdoor music series. The restored open-air theatre remains one of the most unique venues in the city. The sunset gigs with food stalls, drinks and the continual draw of big names, make this intimate venue top of our favourite summer music events. At time of writing, there were still available tickets for loads of acts including Suzanne Vega, Marti Pellow, ABC and Idlewild. So, get set for an unforgettable night at the Bandstand this August.
Summer Nights at the Bandstand
27th Jul – 15th August
w:glasgowlife.org.uk/whats-on/glasgow-life-tickets/summer-nights-at-the-bandstand
Top for Celebrating in the City
The Merchant City Festival this August sees the annual arts extravaganza return. If you’ve never been to the festival, the streets of Merchant City are literally transformed into an open-air stage. Think street dance, circus performances and live music. There are also stages set up for acts to perform. Everything from folk music to DJ sets take to stage, as well as hilarious comedians to keep you entertained. For our little cherubs, activities are numerous, including puppet shows, interactive events and even family ceilidhs. Hungry? Dozens of artisan vendors plus international street food will be available if the nibbles attack.
Coinciding with the festival is The Surge Festival on the 1st of August. Surge sees street theatre acts from the UK and beyond perform outdoor theatre, produce incredible installations and get us moving with some dance routines. Think giant puppets mixed with interactive games plus some AI – you’ll get the picture.
All this plus, the small matter of The Commonwealth Games? You’ve got to love Glasgow.
Merchant City Festival/Surge Festival
24rd Jul – 26th Jul
31st Jul – 2nd Aug
Merchant City
w:glasgowlife.org.uk/merchant-city-festival
Best of the Rest
La Boheme
Clyde Opera Group
31st July – 2nd August
Woodside Halls
w:clydeoperagroup.com/#upcoming
Scotland’s Gardens Scheme
Open for Charity
Dates throughout Jul-Aug
Various Locations
w:scotlandsgardens.org/
