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 boozy brunches 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 unbelievably cold weather, which lead us to staying indoors even more, however, here’s to hoping the weather will get warmer in April. There’s nowhere better than sitting outdoors with a pint or cocktail in hand amongst good company and, luckily, many Glasgow 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 movie sountracks 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 candlelit concert, complete with a string quartet to give it that cosy, intimate atmosphere. You’ll hear diverse tributes to some of the best movies at this candlelight concert, such as Mary Poppins and The Godfather, as well as Interstellar, James Bond and Sherlock Holmes, all whilst on the calming shores of the Clyde. This unbelievable night on Glasgow’s riverside will take place for one night only on April 8 – 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 16.
4. Indulge in a Simpsons-inspired doughnut burger
Brace yourselves, the perfect pairing of burgers and sweet treats has arrived to Fat Hippo, and it’s a Simpsons-inspired doughnut burger. The special soury sweetness is the result of partnering of the food industry titans Fat Hippo and Project D, who are the doughnut magicians. The Big D’oh! is available from March 22 until April 22, with a tangy addition of chilli and lime fries in 16 Fat Hippo restaurants across the UK, as well as on Deliveroo and Click + Collect. The doughnut burger is made with Project D’s Homer doughnut with pink icing and sprinkles, Fat Hippo’s signature brined, double-fried, boneless, buttermilk chicken seasoned with chilli and lime, smoked bacon, blueberry jello and herby cream cheese.
5. Head to the hills and rediscover the beauty of Scottish waterfalls
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 Campsie Fells to a day at Devil’s Pulpit, or closer to home, Rouken Glen Park – there are plenty of waterfalls just a short drive from Glasgow to explore this month. Check out our full guide to waterfalls around Glasgow.
6. Attend an extraordinary clubbing experience in a church
There is a unique clubbing experience coming to St Luke’s Church in Glasgow this April. Krystal Klear and Dusky will be taking over the lively space, it’s one way to have a marvellous weekend that you won’t forget. Glasgow 360º events are hosted in historical venues, where the DJs are in the middle of the room, and there will be two back-to-back events in April. Expect colourful projection mapping as well as light shows, and you’ll be glued to the dance floor all night. If this sounds like a bit of you, you can grab tickets on Fever.
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 23. 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. Check out Scotland’s first adult-only fairground
Fayre Play, Scotland’s first adult-only fairground with games experiences, has replaced the former Fore Play crazy golf venue. Located in Kinning Park, Scotland’s first adults-only games experience boasts some old-school throwbacks with a Glasgweigian twist, such as Bulls AYE, Slam Drunk and Lucky Tosser. So why not go check out what the fuss is all about this April and discover that long-lost competitive childhood fun.
9. Embark on a street art tour of Glasgow and learn the real stories behind it
Some people live in a city without knowing its full story, going to all the touristy spots and experiencing it to the fullest. A lot of us just stick to our routines, going to our usual spots taking our regular routes. However, it’s time to experience Glasgow in a new light, exploring its many murals and street art hotspots. The Glasgow Street Art Tour will take locals and tourists alike on a journey through the stories of famous and not-so-famous artists of the city. The tour starts at The Lighthouse, and will last one hour and a half. There are also multiple dates available throughout April, so you can get booking on Fever’s website.
10. Attend a hilarious yet touching comedy show about bipolar disorder
Rich Hardisty is coming to The Stand with a light-hearted yet emotional comedy show about bipolar disorder, Silly Boy on April 20. Following last year’s immensely successful Edinburgh Festival Fringe performance, Rich is embarking on a UK-wide tour sponsored by an anonymous donor. Silly Boy explores themes such as anorexia, bipolar disorder, self-harm, borderline personality disorder and heroin abuse. However, while the themes are as heavy as they get, the show brings out a light-hearted take, offering a celebration of the beauty and silliness of it all, showing that the stigma surrounding mental health is not necessary.
Silly Boy has been praised by both mental health professionals and audiences alike, with even Dr Mark Salter, who is Consultant in Adult General Psychiatry saying: “it was the most accurate portrayal of mental illness and bipolar disorder etc he has ever seen”. You can book your tickets on The Stand website.
11. Discover The Secret Scottish Pyramid
That’s right: there is an actual pyramid in Scotland, and it’s known as The Secret Scottish Pyramid, and anyone can visit it. Located in Cairngorms National Park, the pyramid has a royal background, and is unconnected to the Ancient Egyptians. There are a total of 11 Scottish cairns out there, but the one in question is the largest. Nestled among the majestic woodland, the Prince Albert’s Pyramid has an instantaneous wow factor overlooking Cairngorms National Park. Finding it is also quite straightforward, just follow the circular woodlands path on the Balmoral Estate, even though there are more routes to reach the destination.
12. Strut your stuff at this Poptastic boozy brunch at rooftop bar VEGA
VEGA’s monthly The Brunch Project is officially the hottest ticket in town, with changing themes every month. The April edition is called Poptastic, which will feature a four hour DJ set playing all the pop hits old and new, plus plenty of gin cocktails and prosecco. For £39 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.