Whether you’re a shade-seeker or the kind who likes to soak up every inch of sunlight while it’s around, you’ll want to finally break out of hibernation this July. From fun festivals and exciting experiences to epic activities to try out with friends like obstacle courses and sipping summery drinks, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Glasgow this July.
1. Enjoy beach club vibes inside this bar’s tiki huts alongside boozy snow cones and frosé
The temperature is gradually rising and summer is coming so it’s time to chill out with delicious and refreshing drinks and good company. Escape to these brand new tiki huts in Glasgow this season, perfect for those in search of a tropical destination without the hefty-priced plane tickets and summery get-togethers with friends and family. Set to be the hottest spot in town during the warmer months, Brel has transformed their beer garden to become the ultimate summer setting and bringing plenty of beach club vibes. You can sip on a glass of frosé round the fire pit or enjoy a boozy snow cone or two tucked away on Ashton Lane.
2. Hear movie soundtracks by candlelight on board this Clydeside ship
One of the most unique Candlelight venues so far, music fans will be able to experience the beautiful sounds of movie soundtracks played by incredibly talented musicians, all the while immersed in a stunning, candlelit environment on board The Tall Ship by Glasgow’s waterside. From Harry Potter to Titanic, there’s a fantastic programme in store – as well as a fully stocked bar to enjoy throughout the event. This candlelight concert takes place on July 9 and you can get tickets here.
3. Get into the festival spirit minus the mud with this Glasgow bar’s Recharge Brunch
It’s officially festival season in Scotland and Glasgow’s sky-high bar VEGA has the perfect pre-party lined up with the launch of their new Recharge Brunches, complete with live DJs, festival glam stations from Blow and Onyx, an epic brunch offering and Poncho-Star Martinis. VEGA’s Recharge Brunch at YOTEL Glasgow is a one-stop shop for all pre-festival needs, running for one weekend only to celebrate the return of the city’s biggest festival, TRNSMT. Taking place on July 9 and 10, from 12 – 4pm, VEGA’s Recharge Brunches will welcome guests to the ultimate luxury festival experience with glam stations, build your own bellinis and live music – no Portaloos in sight!
4. Get a splash of colour as you leap over and dodge obstacles at this fun outdoor event
Venture over to Strathclyde Country Park where a colour obstacle course is taking place on July 16, and there will be no shortage of colour. This totally unique and memorable experience is so much more than just a running race, with this year’s event expected to have even more colour alongside new and exciting surprises. All the obstacles in the race are different and there will also be many other activities to make you slide, bounce, fall and laugh even more! Book your place for this colourful event here.
5. Chill out at these summer-themed gardens featuring an Aperol terrace
Here to brighten up our summer and take us to a chilled paradise without having to hop on a plane is one of the Glasgow’s biggest beer gardens. Cranside Kitchen has been reimagined like never before, with three new spaces and the ultimate summertime glow-up transforming the venue into the place to be this season. The massive Summer Gardens features palm trees, garden picnic tables and benches, and a beach hut Tiki style bar, as well as a giant ‘Aperol Tuscan Tree’ to soak up the sun under.
6. Forget the Vatican and head to this impressive Sistine Chapel exhibition in Glasgow
Following much success around the UK and internationally, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition will has arrived at the Old Ice Rink at Braehead Shopping Centre. Boasting 34 replicas of the famous Sistine Chapel frescoes from the Vatican in Rome, this exhibition offers a new way to see the magnificent works: up-close like never before. Glaswegians can get a taste of the Eternal City on their doorstep, as licensed high-definition photos and a special printing technique are employed to reproduce the look and feel of Michelangelo’s original works. Grab tickets here.
7. Make a visit to Grain and Grind’s new coffee shop in Glasgow’s West End
People of Glasgow’s West End (or those heading that way) it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee, as independent coffee roasters Grain and Grind has launched their latest venue and seventh Scottish store in the area. With five branches located in Glasgow’s Southside, those north of the river can now find out what all the fuss is about. From freshly roasted coffee, plenty of brownies and bakes, sandwiches and a dog-friendly, welcoming ethos, it’s a coffee lover’s dream. Plus, the new West End venue has its benefits as it’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee with friends before a stroll through Kelvingrove Park or to catch up on emails with Scottish roasted coffee from Grain and Grind to keep you going.
8. Explore the beauty of craft beer at the brilliant Glasgow Craft Beer Festival
This July, the Glasgow Craft Beer Festival will be making its Glasgow debut; beckoning in brewhounds with the promise of refreshing lagers, golden ciders, amber ales, fruit-fuelled sours and creamy stouts. This is a must for any craft beer fans looking to taste a wide range of hops from over 30 world-class breweries. Tickets include all your beer for the session, so guests can find their new favourite – from Amundsen’s ‘Pastry World’ stouts inspired by pastries and cakes, to Fyne Ales family-brewed ales or gluten-free beers from Bellfield Brewery, there’s something for everyone. You can also expect DJ sets from Glasgow’s Optimo, Greg Wilson and Huey Morgan as well as food pop-ups from the very best of Glasgow’s food scene including El Perro Negro, Babos and Beirm. Grab tickets here.
9. Embark on an enchanting immersive adventure just a hour away from Glasgow at Paddington Marmalade Messiness this summer
Pack your marmalade sandwiches (or stick them under your rumpled red hat in case of emergency) and scrub up on your manners, Paddington Marmalade Messiness: The Immersive Adventure is heading to Edinburgh. Set to unfold in the idyllic wilds of Dalkeith Country Park – found under an hour’s drive from central Glasgow – from July 1, this exciting escapade is perfect for families who are fans of the great outdoors. You’ll be tasked with tracking down the charmingly polite – though hopelessly clumsy – bear while encountering all sorts of storytelling, theatre, puppetry and more along the way. Book tickets for this fun day trip here.
10. Sip on frozen Solero Exotic cocktails at this Glasgow bar
Glasgow bar, The Social, has conjured up this boozy version of the iconic ice lolly by blending vodka, Passoa, passionfruit, lime and vanilla, which can either be served frozen or straight up. Located at Royal Exchange Square, The Social has a number of refreshing cocktails to be enjoyed including this exotic drink dedicated to one of our favourite fruity ice lollies. But that’s not all when it comes to these tropical cocktails, as you can enjoy them as part of The Social’s infamous cocktail trees. Sit back and sip on these summer drinks whilst sat looking out at the square on the bar’s terrace, or even in their modern and sleek indoor restaurant featuring booths, neon lights and leather stools.
11. Sit back and watch a movie at one of these top independent cinemas
We may have got used to lounging in front of the telly at home but the comfy seats, popcorn-scented screening rooms and of course the big screen are things we love about the cinema. Plus, Glasgow’s oldest cinema The Grosvenor is now back after a major renovation so it’s definitely the excuse to watch a film there. Whether you want to dive back into a cult classic at a small screen, check out an abstract movie from an up-and-coming filmmaker, or catch the latest Pixar installment, this city has got it all. Check out our guide to the best independent cinemas that Glasgow has to offer.
12. Witness an open air candlelight concert with music by Vivaldi & Mozart at the picture perfect Pollok House
On July 9 you will have the chance to see Vivaldi & Mozart at the formidable Glasgow venue, Pollok House, which is one of the grandest venues under the National Trust of Scotland’s care. With such a classic venue it makes sense to have two of the great names of classical music grace the site’s grounds. To add to the elegance of the occasion this is going to be an open air candlelit concert. Sound good? Then get your tickets here.