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 2023 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. Go to a bingo rave
A bingo rave? That’s right, get your bingo on at Bongo’s Bingo this August, with plenty of craziness to go around, as well as experiencing an outing you’ll remember for a while. Expect drag dancers, rave rounds, crazy prizes and overall good vibes! The infamous bingo rave night will return to its’ usual spot this August, SWG3, for five nights (and one day).
2. Enjoy a dazzling floating candlelight concert dedicated to Elvis
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 10 inside the Tall Ship on the banks of River Clyde, it’ll feature the iconic music of Elvis lit by candlelight, flickering off the walls and transforming the space into something new entirely. Tickets can be found on Fever.
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. Go see a feminist clown cabaret
Dynamic, female-led theatre company Scissor Kick is bringing ‘Shrill’, a clown cabaret performance to Glasgow, between August 8 and 10, as well as on August 13 at 7:30pm. Shrill aims to serve as a “theatrical response to the silencing and belittling of female and femme voices across time and place”. To find out more and see how to book tickets, check out our article on ‘Shrill’.
5. Get pleasantly surprised at this fine dining spot
Glaschu restaurant offers that satisfying feeling of a really good meal, leaving guests wanting more. Glaschu offers is non-pretentious service, a cosy atmosphere and food that is deserving of a place on the Michelin Guide. The restaurant is not too big with views over the Royal Exchange Square with an exclusive members club feel. The menu is modest, yet catering to most tastes, with only six starters and seven mains. However, don’t get fooled by the modesty, as the food will knock your socks off!
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. Take in wonderful works of art on Glasgow’s mural trail
In Glasgow city centre you can find huge murals adorning some of its 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.
10. Visit the ‘Museum of the Year’
Located within Pollok House and its beautiful gardens with Highland cows roaming around, The Burrell Collection was named ‘Museum of the Year’ by the annual Art Fund, recognising the efforts of the six-year-long renovation. Why not give the modern museum some more love by visiting it, witnessing 225 displays spread across 24 galleries of around 9,000 works.
11. Tuck into a Women’s World Cup-inspired burger at this funky burger joint
Fat Hippo, famous for its unique flavour combos, has introduced a brand new burger once again. This time, the brand took inspiration from the land down under, with the new creation Sweet Carolin-a: a burger that “even the gaffer Wiegman herself would be proud of.” The new creation comes with a single beef patty, flat top Cajun chicken, chipotle ketchup, Swiss cheese, Sweet Carolina onions, candied jalapenos and smashed avocado ‘slaw served with a choice of sides, also available as a plant-based option, too! Available until August 20, 50p from each order will also go to directly to a local club to support the next generation of girls’ football.
12. See an open-mic stand-up comedy show at The Stand
Every Tuesday, The Stand comedy club welcomes a stand-up comedy open-mic night, Red Raw. The famous night is celebrating 25 years of laughs, having helped raise comedy legends like Frankie Boyle during their early days. While it might be the first time on stage for some of the acts, guests will see some more seasoned performers trying out new material as well. The event is considered the best open-mic night in the UK and visitors will have a great time no matter what. The entry is a mere £5, but book in advance since it does get busy.