April is here meaning spring is in full swing and the days are getting longer (cue gorgeous sunsets). Although it’s the month of Easter, this April offers so much more than feasting on chocolate (as much as we like doing that regardless of the time of year) as there’s a wicked line-up of things to do in Glasgow to put a spring in your step. From outdoor activities like carnivals and exploring the Scottish countryside, as well as some indoor events like bottomless brunches, markets and candlelight concerts. Without further ado, check out some of the most brilliant things to do in Glasgow this April.
1. Go for an alfresco pint
Last month saw a spell of beautifully warm weather, which lead us to running to the nearest beer garden or terrace, however we’ve heard there could be another heatwave on its way this April (reaching a whopping 28 degrees!) There’s nowhere better than sitting outdoors with a pint or cocktail in hand amongst good company and luckily many Liverpool restaurants created their very own alfresco dining spots last year and they’ll be making another appearance for when the sun is out. If you fancy being super prepared this month for when the hot weather arrives, book yourself a place at one of these outdoor dining spots.
2. Set sail for a night of unforgettable jazz music at this floating candlelight concert
Escape the hustle and bustle and hop on board the splendid ship, the Glenlee, this April. The floating venue will be transformed to create a unique jazz club vibe; complete with moody lighting to give it that cosy, intimate atmosphere. You’ll hear tributes to some of the best jazz singers and musicians at this candlelight concert, such as Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone, as well as new jazz tracks, all whilst on the calming shores of the Clyde. This unbelievable night on Glasgow’s riverside will take place for one night only this spring, with the next available date on April 15– and you can find your tickets here.
3. Step into another galaxy at this new, fun-filled carnival coming to Glasgow
Galactic Carnival, an out of this world experience with a new space-themed fairground, is set to launch in Glasgow this March. The space-themed carnival will take place at Silverburn shopping centre, Pollok and will feature the likes of an epic rollercoaster, thrill rides for thrill seekers, a festival wheel with the best view of Glasgow, as well as rides for little ones. The event will offer up to 14 rides for visitors to choose from, all of which are included with a wristband, and will take place during Scotland’s Easter Holiday, running until April 18.
4. Get a taste of the Mediterranean at this new restaurant in the West End
Popular Greek-Cypriot mezze restaurant Halloumi is widening its net and bringing much more of its tasty Greek grub to Glasgow with the opening of new Greek restaurant, Gyros, in the West End. The menu will include influences and flavours from the wider Mediterranean, as well as being a showcase of the vibrant modern Greek food scene that has emerged over the last decade. Chicken, pork, lamb, meatball, king prawn as well as plant based alternative gyros and souvlaki are at the heart of the menu.
5. Head to the hills and rediscover the beauty of the Scottish countryside
One thing we rediscovered during the pandemic was how wonderful our country really is and the Easter holidays are the perfect time to explore what Scotland has to offer. From the beautiful countryside of Isle of Arran or Campsie Fells to a day at Falkirk to see The Kelpies or closer to home, Finnech Glen – there’s plenty of places just a short drive from Glasgow to explore this month. Check out our full guide to day trips from Glasgow here.
6. Enjoy bottomless cocktails at one of the cheekiest brunches in Glasgow
Incorporating bottomless brunch with bingo, interactive performances, DJ & dancing, and of course, free-flowing bellinis, espresso martinis or mimosas – guests will be able to choose a tasty brunch option, with a menu designed to cater for meat-eaters, vegans and veggies. And while the performers won’t be on the menu, trust us when we say, you’ll be seeing enough of them throughout the event. Taking over the lively Citation in Glasgow, it’s one way to have a marvellous weekend that you won’t forget. Grab tickets here.
7. Be surrounded by cute sausage dogs at this Dachshund pup-up cafe
The most adorable hangout spot for dogs is coming to Glasgow, and it’s especially for dachshund puppies, so if you’ve got one of these tiny sausage dogs yourself (or just love them) this is the event for you. Pup-Up Cafe: Dachshund Edition will be returning to the city and bringing lots of tiny sausage dogs together at Revolution on Mitchell Street on April 24. It’s the perfect place to socialise puppies, featuring free, unlimited puppuccinos and dog treats, toys, goodies to buy and tons of photo opportunities.
8. Make a visit to The Night Market at Cottiers for their Easter special
The Night Market is returning to Glasgow this month, and it’s an Easter extravaganza no less! The first of four events that the organisers have planned at the gorgeous Cottiers, will see some of Scotland’s best makers, artisans and vintage all under one roof. Opening the doors from 5pm on April 14, visitors can also enjoy delicious street food available in the courtyard and of course drinks from the fabulous Cottiers bar. Plus, The Night Market has expanded into the atmospheric Attic Room where there will be even more stalls plus performances from two amazing singer/songwriters, as well as a guest DJ spinning the decks from 6pm.
9. Escape the April showers and head to the big screen with these gloriously priced cinema tickets
One thing we don’t love about April is the typical rainy weather that comes with it, so on a miserable day when you don’t fancy traipsing through the streets of Glasgow head to the cinema instead. Take refuge inside and enjoy a film on the big screen, with some fresh popcorn, of course. Vue Cinemas are offering an unbelievable price on tickets that are impossible to pass up and are sure to brighten your day even when it’s a cloudy or drizzly one outside. For a price of £4.99 you can enjoy a range of brilliant films, on any day and at any time you fancy. Get booking your cinema trip here.
10. Indulge in oysters, scallops and a fine fish supper at newly-opened Shucks
Bringing a taste of the sea to Glasgow is brand new seafood restaurant, Shucks, which is by the team behind Michelin-starred Cail Bruich, Epicures and Brett. Shucks describes itself as “a relaxed seafood restaurant serving up the very best fresh produce from Scottish waters”, with the likes of champagne clams with garlic, chilli, coriander and charred sourdough; BBQ Halibut with trotter glaze; and Hamachi crudo, on the menu. Guests can also enjoy fine wines, local artisan beers and in-house cocktails alongside house-cured and smoked seasonal fare and the finest of Scottish oysters and seafood snacks at their outdoor terrace.
11. Hear the songs of Chris Martin and co as you’ve never heard them before
You may have thought you’d heard all the medleys/remixes/reworks of Coldplay’s biggest tunes in the last 25 years, but well, here’s something a little different! Candlelight: A Tribute To Coldplay will see many fan favourite anthems performed by a talented pianist and exquisite violinist under the glow of candlelight. Taking to the stage at centuries-old Trades Hall will be pianist Tim Abel and violinist Matthew Glossop, who will perform two 65-minute concerts on April 26. Expect to be transported through years of Coldplay’s back catalogue, and hear songs such as Fix You, Paradise, The Scientist, and many many more. Get tickets here.
12. Strut your stuff at this fabulous disco brunch at rooftop bar VEGA
VEGA’s brand new monthly disco brunch is officially the hottest ticket in town, with the first sold out event in March bringing disco dining in the stars to Glasgow’s city centre. The April edition of the Disco Brunch will feature a four hour DJ set from one of Glasgow’s most illustrious disco, funk and soul DJs, Mark Robb, plus entertainment from the bar’s roller-skaters, VEGA karaoke, and much more. For £35 per person, you can enjoy all this entertainment as well as one main course brunch dish, nibbles on arrival, two cocktails plus a half bottle of prosecco per person to build your own Bottega bellinis.