While weegies love a good drink at the pub and sure know how to party, sometimes we either just don’t fancy a drink, or just stop drinking altogether. For example, for those doing dry January and Sober October, the list of things to do that don’t involve going to the pub can quickly run out. Fear not, for we have gathered a list of alcohol-free things to do in Glasgow to help you live your best life.
1. Let it all out at a rage room
There is a rage room in Glasgow, and we’re obsessed. Visitors can let all their frustrations out on inanimate objects that are there to be destroyed. Smash up a TV, hit all sorts of objects with a sledgehammer or bang up a guitar; the possibilities are simply endless. Rage Room Glasgow is Scotland’s first rage room, and it’s been unsurprisingly raking in visitors from all over. You can book a 30-minute session for up to six people, and de-stress in the form of smashing things to rock music. Sounds like the perfect adrenaline-filled sesh, so who needs alcohol, right?
You can book your spot here.
2. Try Fat Hippo’s vegan specials
Next time anyone tells you vegan food is boring, just bring them straight to Fat Hippo. However, they have a whole load of vegan dishes as well as a special burger available throughout January, so the signature gluten-filled goodness can be enjoyed by everyone. Go for the Sloppy Faux burger special with a single plant-based patty, vegan cheese, Beyond Meat® Sloppy Joe sauce and BBQ sauce, topped with chipotle mayo and prickleback slaw. And if you want more, try are the the Sloppy Waffles with waffle fries, Beyond Meat® Sloppy Joe sauce, chipotle mayo and pickles, topped with pink onions. Oh, and did we mention Fat Hippo also has a whopping five vegan burgers on their permanent menu?
3. Attend a stunning Candlelight concert at The Platform
Nestled in the centre of Glasgow, Platform invites music lovers to a new series of Candlelight concerts, where the soft glow of a sea of flickering lights set the stage for a truly intimate musical experience. Hear tributes to your favourite artists like never before, attend a Jazz Club or enjoy beloved film scores performed live by talented musicians.
On January 25, guests will be transformed to a world of Studio Ghibli at The Best of Joe Hisaishi with tributes performed by a string quartet. On the same evening, a tribute to Queen will also be taking place with a string quartet ready to rock Queen style. And on January 27, Platform will be transformed into a candlelit jazz club with a live jazz band covering all-time jazz favourites.
You can check out the full Candlelight concert programme and book tickets here.
4. Give Glasgow Witchy Bazaar a visit
Secrets long forgotten can still be uncovered at Glasgow Witchy Bazaar, where people from the spiritual community can get together for a good ol’ time. The market will be popping up at The Haberdashery on Sauchiehall Street on February 5 from 1pm until 5pm, where you can top up your crystal collection, attend various talks, get a tarot card reading, a holistic treatment such as reiki healing, buy your first tarot deck or even join a coven. And to further get into the witchy spirit, treat yourself to handmade magical jewellery, art from local artists or hand-poured candles.
5. Discover all the best parks around Glasgow
Whether it’s Pollok Country Park or Rouken Glen Park, a wee day out to the park is always a good idea. It’s the perfect opportunity to recharge, spot some wildlife (and Highland coos, of course) or just to clear one’s mind in the fresh air. So, grab a coffee to go, and check out our full list of the very best parks in Glasgow.
6. Go to a live show at the OVO Hydro Arena
Nothing beats a live show. Whether it’s a concert or stand-up comedy, OVO Hydro has got some absolute treats for us this season, and we cannot wait. Lewis Capaldi is storming the arena on January 24, Peter Kay is back on his first comedy tour in 10 years with the first show kicking off on January 29, and Florence + The Machine is there on February 1. With a noteworthy line-up of much-anticipated shows, there is something for everyone at OVO Hydro for alcohol-free things to do this season.
You can check out what’s on and book tickets here.
7. Treat yourself to 30% off food all January at this rooftop venue
VEGA, Glasgow’s rooftop bar and restaurant with panoramic views, is delivering the feel-good New Year vibes for 2023 by offering 30% off all food and drink orders this January. For those strictly committed to the cause and subscribing to Veganuary, dry January or cleaner living in 2023, VEGA’s plant-based menu and mocktails are here to help. Whether aiming to cut down on your meat intake, choosing to go alcohol-free for the month or beyond, guests can enjoy food and drink with a discount for the rest of the month. Veggies and vegans will adore VEGA’s Vegan Beyond Burgers with smoked Applewood vegan cheese and chipotle ketchup, or pinto and black bean chilli, slaw, mustard and BBQ sauce.
You can book a table by selecting the ‘LIGHTSPEED30’ option here.
8. Attend Tea And A Tune events at this tea house
Tchai Ovna is not just a tea house: it’s a place to make new friends, be a part of a community and attend various events as well as discovering innovative tea blends and veggie dishes. Every Tuesday, an event called Tea And A Tune takes place where live music, exciting chatter and creative brews of tea fill the room, creating a welcoming atmosphere. This month a Scottish fiddler Rose Logan will be enchanting visitors with some heart-warming sounds while playing the Hardanger fiddle on January 17. And on January 24, double bassist Rhona MacDonald is set to take the stage as she explores the ‘deep resonances and varied sound worlds of the bass through jazz escapades and folk experiments’.
You can check out the full event line-up here.
9. Try axe throwing, play crazier golf or AR darts at this venue
Boom Battle Bar, found on the upper mall of St Enoch Shopping Centre, is overflowing with all the competitive socialising one could wish for. As to the gaming experiences available at The Battleground, you’ll have the choice of augmented reality darts booths, Crazier NOLF (that’s crazy golf, by the way), axe throwing lanes, beer pong tables, American pool, and shuffleboard. The fun runs rampant here, and to go axe-throwing, no alcohol consumption allowed before or during anyway, making it one of the most convenient alcohol-free things to do on the list. Plus, they offer street food bites and mocktails for that well-needed refill in-between games.
10. Check out the latest movies at this cinema with couches
At Everyman cinema, you can make your dream of hanging out on the couch and having a professional cinematic experience come to life. There’s also great food to take into the screening room as you’re catching all the current films, along with older classics (yes, they’re screening the new Avatar). By the way, their décor is actually what I want my house to look like, except with less couches. Check out their full list of movies here.
And if you’re a fan of independent cinemas, check out our list of the best independent cinemas in Glasgow.
Who said you need alcohol to have fun with all the alcohol-free things to do in Glasgow!