Festival Programme
Glasgow is renowned for hosting festivals and events and has an exciting yearly calendar of events. The Glasgow 850 Festival Fund was introduced to encourage Glasgow 850 programming and celebrations within the festival and event scene, and we are delighted to be working with the following festivals who were successful in receiving funding.
Events for 2025 can be found below:
St Mungo Festival (6-13 January)
Heading into the 16th year, the St Mungo Festival celebrates our patron saint and endeavours to increase awareness of Glasgow's history through free events and exhibitions which attempt to bring alive the story of the city's founding to all its people. A variety of events are hosted across the week and of course marking the Feast Day of St Mungo on the 13 January.
In addition to a wider January programme, June will see the 2025 Molendinar Lecture and a celebration of the city's High Street, the thoroughfare upon which Glasgow was founded and out from which it grew.
For more information please visit:www.stmungofestival.co.uk
Glasgow Film Festival (26 February - 9 March) Glasgow Film Theatre
Youth Takeover - 28 February
Our Young Ambassadors will also be hosting our GFF Youth Takeover. A pop-up event of free cinema, activities and food for under-25s, this event is aimed at young people with a passion for film.
Community Takeover Day - Saturday 8 March
Glasgow Film Festival Community Takeover Day is a free cinema event, created with and for our communities around Glasgow and will be a day of free film, activities and food. This event will cater to all ages and will be planned by members of the local community.
For more information please visit:www.glasgowfilmfest.org
Glasgow International Comedy Festival (12- 30 March) Various Locations Across Glasgow
Gray Matters: A Laugh for Glasgow's 850 Years: 23 March, Oran Mor
Join Ashley Storrie, Christopher Macarthur-Boyd and Alan Bisset for three different performances as they use comedy to celebrate the life of Alsadair Gray as part of the Glasgow 850 celebrations.
2025 is not only a celebration of Glasgow becoming a burgh but what also would have been Alasdair Gray's 90th birthday as the fifth anniversary of the Alasdair Gray Archive's.
Humour is a connective thread through much of Gray's work. This special event is part of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival and will be a must see.
For more information please visit: www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com
Yardworks Festival (3 and 4 May) at SWG3
Yardworks Festival is a vibrant celebration of urban art culture, bringing together international and local talent for a dynamic weekend of live painting and creativity.
Held on the first weekend in May, the festival transforms the Yardworks site into a colourful canvas where artists showcase their skills and innovation.
The event offers more than art, featuring delicious food, engaging activities, and a welcoming atmosphere that's both family and dog-friendly. It's a unique opportunity to experience the richness of urban art, connect with the community, and celebrate creativity in all its forms, making it a must-visit cultural highlight.
For more information please visit: www.swg3.tv
Glasgow Mela (22 June) Kelvingrove Park
The Glasgow Mela, Scotland's largest South Asian festival, celebrates the vibrant diversity of the city with music, dance, poetry, and interactive activities showcasing South Asian culture. Held annually in Kelvingrove Park, this free festival offers global cuisine, artisan crafts, and family-friendly experiences, creating an inclusive space for cultural exchange.
As part of G850, the Mela in 2025 will feature a dedicated stage and programming to highlight Glasgow's history and the contributions of South Asian heritage. New commissions, an Artist in Residence programme, on stage collaboration and participatory workshops will amplify voices, foster dialogue, and celebrate the city's rich multicultural legacy.
For more information please visit: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/arts-music-and-culture/glasgow-mela
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT Festival (11-13 July) Glasgow Green
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT is Scotland's ultimate summer music celebration, bringing the biggest names in music to the heart of Glasgow. Taking over Glasgow Green each July, it's a weekend packed with unforgettable performances, buzzing energy, and incredible vibes.
As one of the UK's top festivals, TRNSMT attracts global superstars and the hottest rising acts, making it a must-attend event for music lovers.From legendary headliners to genre-defining artists, TRNSMT delivers world-class talent across multiple stages.
With an electric atmosphere and 150,000 passionate fans, it's not just a festival - it's the highlight of your summer.
For more information please visit: www.trnsmtfest.com
Merchant City Festival - Mass Cèilidh (19 July) Brunswick Street
Join in a mass street Cèilidh at Scotland's most vibrant and exciting outdoor multi-arts festival. As well as the well-known dances, we will be celebrating the Gaelic roots of the Cèilidh tradition with poetry and storytelling
Free and open to everyone whatever your experience!
For more information please visit: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/whats-on/merchant-city-festival
Govanhill International Festival and Carnival - Irish Roots Project: August (Various Locations across Govanhill)
Irish Roots is a dynamic programme which celebrates the significant contribution the Irish community have made to the social, cultural, and economic history of Glasgow. We will have Irish Heritage Events and Talks by local historians, artists, and cultural organisations including:
- the 'The Derry Boat to Donegal Hill' heritage trail;
- school workshops;
- Irish Language and Singing sessions;
- the Irish History Group Oral History Project and
- the Irish Heritage and Cultural Archive.
We look forward to the celebration of the ongoing 'to and fro' between Glasgow and Ireland which has helped to shape Glasgow over centuries.
For more information please visit: www.govanhillbaths.com
Piping Live! (11- 17 August) National Piping Centre
Piping Live! is the world's biggest week of bagpipes, welcoming artists and audiences from across the world to over 100 events across the week. This includes concerts, come and try sessions, recitals, talks, and performances by indigenous bagpipes from across the world.
Workshops (14-19 April) Various Locations
As part of Glasgow 850, Piping Live! will be bringing its activity to Pollokshields, Castlemilk and Ibrox community venues to give you a taste of the festival. With come and try sessions, games and more these sessions will be a great introduction to hearing and bagpipes for all the family.
For more information please visit: www.pipinglive.co.uk
GlasGLOW (24 October - 9 November 2025) Glasgow Botanic Gardens
GlasGLOW is the UK's biggest and best loved Halloween event and this year we're excited to throw a huge GlasGLOW 850 birthday party!
The perfect autumn night out for all the family, join us for an exciting adventure and experience the Botanic Gardens brought to life by world class sound, light and set design.
For more information please visit: www.itison.com/glasglow
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