Glasgow’s Summer of Music
As the UK’s first, and Scotland’s only UNESCO City of Music Glasgow is home to one of the most vibrant music scenes in the UK. With There are numerous events and festivals taking place in the city this summer, covering every taste and genre - so check out our top picks for a summer of music.
Live at No: 40 (3 July – 1 August)
Live at No. 40 is a month-long outdoor celebration of music, theatre and opera from three of Scotland’s premier cultural organisations - Scottish Opera, Citizens Theatre and Scottish Ensemble. Audiences can rediscover the magic of live performance, with each of the shows specially created to take place outdoors at Scottish Opera’s production studio car park, which has had an atmospheric makeover. Visit Live at No 40 online to view the full programme, which includes A Comedy of Errors, a new production of Verdi's Falstaff and Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.
King Tut's Summer Nights (4 August - 31)
One of the country's best-loved music venues, King Tut's Wah Wah Hut is hosting its Summer Nights Festival to showcase fresh Scottish music talent to audiences. The festival line-up, which includes Cara Rose and NOVA, will feature 75 bands across 19 evenings. Check out the full list of acts on King Tut's website.
Piping Live! Glasgow International Piping Festival (7 August - 15)
A celebration of all things piping with performances, competitions, book launches, workshops and more. Early bird passes are now on sale for the festival’s virtual performances. The festival is hoping to confirm in person audiences nearer the time. Keep up-to-date by visiting pipinglive.co.uk.
Queen’s Park Disco Sessions (various dates throughout August and September)
One of the UK’s longest running club nights, Melting Pot and Heverlee are presenting Queen’s Park Disco Session at the park’s bandstand. Music will be influenced from New York City venues of the disco era including Studio 54 and Paradise Garage. As well as music, expect face decorators, performances and glitter bombs!Check out dates and line-up online.
Riverside Festival (3 September - 5)
The Riverside Festival is Scotland’s premier electronic music event, taking place each year on the grounds of Riverside Museum. The line-up includes Jamie XX, Ewan Chambers and Éclair Fifi, with the after-party, Riverside By Night at SWG3, a late-night festival in its own right. Check out the full line-up online.
TRNSMT (10 September - 12)
The summer spectacular that is TRNSMT is back this September, bringing some of the biggest music acts to Glasgow Green. Confirmed acts for 2021 include Liam Gallagher, Courteeners, Primal Scream, Snow Patrol and Tom Odell, amongst many others. Visit trnsmtfest.com to book tickets.
Glasgow’s Music Scene without a ticket
Even without a ticket to a gig or festival, there are other great ways to experience Glasgow’s vibrant music scene.
Take a tour with Glasgow Music City tours. Follow in the footsteps of Glasgow’s greatest artists during a walking tour exploring the city’s rich musical history and discover fun facts about bands, DJs, venues and a few legendary tales of Glasgow’s monumental music scene. Choose from their Music Mile or Merchant City tour.
Or download the new Glasgow City Pass app that includes a music audio tour curated by one of the expert guides from Glasgow Music City Tours. It also includes discounts to local restaurants too. Another audio music tour to try is from the Walking Heads company, which will open your mind and ears to how Glasgow has shaped global music over the years.
Because of Glasgow’s love of music there is a vast array of record shops covering all genres of music. Independent favourites include Rubadub, Love Music Glasgow, Monorail music and Some Great Reward Record Café.
Some of Glasgow’s fascinating murals also pay homage to musicians, including many of the portraits curated by Art Pistol around The Clutha, alongside Rogue Oner’s ‘The Musician’ on Sauchiehall Lane and also The Album Pathway at Barrowland Park, which lists the names and dates of the thousands of bands that have played the legendary Barrowlands.
Another way to experience the city’s music scene without a ticket is to take a stroll around the city centre, there you will hear the sounds of some of Glasgow’s most talented buskers.
For more information and inspiration for things to see and do in Glasgow, check out: peoplemakeglasgow.com
