The days might be getting a wee bit shorter, but there’s still plenty of summer fun between us and the chilly grip of another Scottish winter. August 2022 in Glasgow has got plenty in store to keep you entertained, and as always, Secret Glasgow is on a mission to help you sniff it all out. From boozy and brilliant events to brand new openings for you and your mates to explore, here’s our one-stop guide to the best things to do in Glasgow this August!
1. Catch Glasgow’s Sistine Chapel Experience before it leaves town
Due to popular demand, this breathtaking recreation of Michelangelo’s masterpiece has extended its stay in Glasgow one more time. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and August 21 is your last day to visit the Sistine Chapel Experience before it heads off into the sunset. The chance to admire this intricate, moving frescoes in incredible detail really shouldn’t be passed up, so get your tickets here before it’s too late…
2. Or enjoy a dazzling candlelight concert inside the exhibition (August 8)
You may have already enjoyed one of Fever’s beautiful candlelight concerts in Glasgow, but you’ve never experienced one quite like this before. Taking place on August 8 inside the recreation of the Sistine Chapel, it’ll feature the works of Ludovico Einaudi (it had to be an Italian musician!) lit by candlelight, flickering off the walls and transforming the space into something new entirely. Tickets can be found here.
3. Spend a Saturday night on the games at Super Bario
Not just a superbly-named bar, but also a cracking night out for you and the gang, Super Bario is home to beers, retro arcade games, and all-around good vibes. All you’ve got to do first is raid your pockets for pennies, and settle in for a nostalgic night of Mortal Kombat II. Read all about it here.
4. Nip over to Edinburgh for oodles of family fun at this Paddington immersive adventure
Look, we’re not going to send you to Edinburgh any more than we have to, but come on… it’s Paddington! The beloved bear is causing mischief at beautiful Dalkeith Country Park, and with jars of delicious marmalade waiting to be devoured, Paddington is nowhere to be found. Cue you and the little ones, who’ll need to embark on an exciting journey around the grounds to find Paddington and save the day! With storytelling, puppetry, and live performances, it’s an utterly charming day out for all. You can find out more here.
5. Get bowled over by a space age-themed rooftop bar and bowling alley
Spare some time to check out Vega, the seventh-floor bar and bowling alley at city centre hotel YOTEL. Named after one of the brightest stars in the universe, the venue boasts views of the city and an interior inspired by Glasgow’s music scene and British pop culture with a ‘space-age’ vibe – and four lanes with some seriously groovy projections.
6. Swap the city for a gorgeous waterfall walk
Just 45 minutes away from Glasgow lies the Loup of Fintry, and it’s well worth every minute of that drive. The 94-foot waterfall sits amongst scenic hills, and looks fabulous on camera whatever the weather – one word of warning though; visiting in August will maximise your chances of a temperate dip in the pools around the waterfall, but the trade-off is the drier weather means the water likely won’t be thundering over the falls. Then again, did you really fancy swimming here in November? More info here.
7. Slurp fabulous pho at this cult Vietnamese canteen
Tucked away from the public on Ruthven Lane, The Hanoi Bike Shop has been quietly serving up some of the city’s finest Vietnamese cuisine for a while now. Whether you’re in the mood for a fully customisable pho (even the spice level can be tailored to your palate) or want to dive into a banquet of street food, it’ll keep the hunger at bay. See more here.
8. Meander around the peaceful Rottenrow Gardens
Don’t be put off by the name; this neat little spot is anything but rotten. And on a sun-dappled August evening, Rottenrow Gardens transforms from a poignant memorial to the old maternity hospital, into one of Glasgow’s loveliest spots. Check it out here!
9. Sip eco-friendly cocktails at Finnieston’s colourful brunch spot
Featuring plush velvet yellow bar stools and chairs, exposed brick walls, neon lights, tropical designs and plenty of wisteria hanging from above, Derby Lane is a “West End Wonderland”. And it’s got an unbelievable brunch and cocktail menu to match, making it the ideal venue for an August brunch hang.
10. Take in wonderful works of art on Glasgow’s mural trail
In Glasgow city centre you can find huge murals adorning some of it’s buildings, some so colourful that they could brighten up anyone’s day come rain or shine. You can explore the murals, which help to support local artists, and learn more about the inspiration behind them on a Street Art Tour led by knowledgeable locals. Or if you fancy going solo, there is a self-guided tour from City Centre Mural Trail, where you can find a downloadable map or listen to a new audio map.