2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet for Scotland's vibrant cultural capital. From global sporting events and world-class music to an ever-evolving food scene and a growing reputation for sustainability, Glasgow continues to shine. Recently, Condé Nast Traveller readers named it the friendliest city in the UK and ranked it fourth overall in the prestigious Readers' Choice Award.

A city of music and celebration

A UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow stands as Scotland's musical capital. Home to one of the most vibrant and diverse music scenes in the world, where everyone from global stars to local new talent fill the city's stages, bars and legendary live venues every night.

Among the highlights are Celtic Connections, the world-renowned winter celebration of Celtic and folk traditions, Counterflows, taking place in April, which champions boundary-pushing experimental sounds and underground talent from across the globe.

For the first time since 2019, The Royal National Mòd will return to Glasgow 9-17 October. Gaeldom's most highly anticipated annual event strong which celebrates the Gaelic language heritage, history, and culture.

Summer brings music to the heart of the city, with TRNSMT lighting up Glasgow Green in June and Glasgow's iconic Summer Sessions are set to return with a spectacular line-up, including Teddy Swims and My Chemical Romance headliners. SEC venue, OVO Hydro is set to welcome major popstars such as Olivia Dean, Louis Tomlinson, Raye, and host popular annual events like Country to Country.

The Big Nights Out concert series will also return, transforming the Kelvingrove and Queen's Park bandstands into vibrant open-air venues, with an exciting line-up of homegrown talent and international favourites.

Sporting spirit: The 2026 Commonwealth Games

In 2026, all eyes will turn to Glasgow as the city proudly hosts the Commonwealth Games, welcoming athletes and visitors from across the globe. The Games will not only showcase internationally acclaimed sporting talent but also shine a spotlight on Glasgow's passion, community spirit, and commitment to sustainable major events.

Taking place from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August, the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place and will feature a 10-sport programme including the largest ever Para Sport Medal Event Programme. Beyond the arenas, the excitement will ripple through every corner of the city, with celebrations capturing the spirit of Glasgow.

A taste of Glasgow: food and drink flourish

The city's fast paced and dynamic culinary scene continues to evolve, with cult-favourite events returning, and a wave of new openings in the restaurant scene. From stylish cocktail bars to locally inspired dining, Glasgow's food and drink offering has never been more diverse and exciting for foodies to explore.

Scottish National Whisky Festival will return to Glasgow's SWG3 in January 2026, bringing together exhibitors from across the whisky industry with hundreds of whiskies and spirits available to sample. Guests will also be able to enjoy live music and entertainment from celebrated Scottish artists.

Also set to return to SWG3 is Meatopia. In June 2025 the first Meatopia brought together 6,000 people with 40 chefs, DJs and eclectic bands for a three-day-long event of food and fun. In 2026, the event is set to return to Glasgow with its top chefs and ethically sourced food and sustainable cooking materials.

Glasgow Clydeside Containers are set to open early 2026, bringing a vibrant outdoor space to the Clydeside for locals, tourists, and event-goers can come together and enjoy high quality, affordable food and entertainment.

The highly regarded Princes Square is set to welcome a cookery school, the Scottish Academy of Food and Drink which will offer masterclasses in cooking, cocktails, and whisky, along with a deli counter and coffee stand open to the general public.

Finally, the ever-evolving restauraunt scene continues to impress Glasgow's ever-evolving food scene continues to impress, with a new wave of restaurant openings capturing the city's adventurous spirit. Fook Mei, Malocchio, and Grilled by Ajay Kumar have quickly become the talk of the town, drawing locals and visitors alike with bold flavours and inventive menus. Having opened their doors in late 2025, these hotspots are already making their mark and their popularity is only set to rise.

Arts and culture

Glasgow's arts scene continues to thrive, with Barbie®: The Exhibition set to make its Scottish debut at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum from 13 June 2026, promising to draw visitors from near and far to experience the history and design of one of the world's most famous dolls. The showcase will feature over 250 objects including 150 remarkable dolls, including a Barbie from 1959, a rare first edition.

Heading into its 22nd year, the Glasgow Film Festival is set to take place from 25 February to 8 March and as always, will bring together a packed programme of international premieres to sit alongside the best of Scottish cinema, special events and Q&As.

Also returning for 2026 is Sonica Glasgow, an 11-day biennial festival dedicated to globally celebrated audio-visual art and sound, produced by Cryptic. Presenting the best International and homegrown talent, the festival takes place in numerous venues across the city exploring visual music, sonic and digital arts in collaboration with renowned co-producers.

The 2026 Glasgow International Comedy Festival runs from 11 to 29 March, bringing three weeks of laughter to the city. One of Europe's largest comedy festivals, it features stand-up, sketch and improv from Scotland and beyond. Audiences can enjoy local talent plus see their favourite acts from across the world at some of Glasgow's iconic venues including the King's Theatre, Oran Mor, The Stand and Barrowland Ballroom. With a mix of rising stars and household names, the festival spotlights Glasgow's signature humour, cementing the city as a renowned destination for comedy.

The 11th edition of Glasgow International, the city's biennial contemporary art festival, will run from 5 to 21 June, transforming venues citywide with cutting-edge contemporary art. The exciting festival will bring together a mix of artist-led projects, large scale installations and public art for a celebration of the city's vibrant creativity.

A stay to remember

Glasgow's accommodation landscape is growing fast, two exciting new properties are joining the scene, with one in time for the Commonwealth Games.

Located next to the iconic OVO Hydro on the SEC Campus, Glasgow will welcome the UK's first Prize by Radisson in summer 2026. The lifestyle property will feature 163 guest rooms, with stylish design, modern décor. There will be a bar and all-day dining concept, perfect for relaxing or socialising before or after concerts, events, or sport.

Opening in Autumn 2025, The Wellington Glasgow by Adina offers a different style of stay: an apartment-hotel format with 98 studios just off George Square. Each unit includes its own kitchenette and a flexible living space. The hotel is centrally located, making it ideal for visitors wanting easy access to Glasgow's nightlife, music venues, and events.

A global leader in sustainability and hospitality

Glasgow has climbed to an impressive 5th place in the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index, up from 12th last year, reaffirming its position as one of the world's most forward-thinking and environmentally conscious destinations and reaffirming the cities goal of being net zero by 2030.

Adding to the city's accolades, Condé Nast Traveller readers have voted Glasgow the friendliest city in the UK and ranked it 4th in the UK overall in the prestigious Readers' Choice Awards, a testament to the warmth and authenticity that greet every visitor.

Whether you are a first-time visitor, or returning to experience something new, Glasgow 2026 promises a year of unmissable moments. Join us and be part of the celebrations.

-ends-

Issued on behalf of Visit Glasgow by Frame.

For more information, please contact:

Brooke Stirling-Kerr, brooke.stirling@framecreates.co.uk / 07578 139 237

Abbie McDowall, 07709 686 469 / Abbie.McDowall@framecreates.co.uk

Notes to editors

The Visit Glasgow brand is part of Glasgow Life, a charity working for the benefit of the people of Glasgow.

Glasgow Life's work is designed to promote inclusion, happiness and health, as well as support the city's visitor economy, in order to enhance Glasgow's mental, physical and economic wellbeing.

Glasgow Life is responsible for the city's destination marketing and the People Make Glasgow brand. It manages nine award-winning civic museums, including Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum and the Burrell Collection.

Glasgow Life is also responsible for the city's world-class music venues including Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, and a number of cultural events, such as Celtic Connections, the Mela, the World Pipe Band Championships and the Merchant City Festival, among others.

For more information, visit glasgowlife.org.uk/about-us