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 be out and about this July. From fun festivals and exciting experiences to epic activities to try out with friends like candlelight concerts and sipping summery drinks, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Glasgow this July.
1. Attend Banksy’s first solo exhibition in 14 years
The internationally known graffiti artist Banksy is hosting his first solo exhibition in 14 years in Glasgow this Summer at Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art from June 15 until August 28, giving plenty of time for everyone to admire the stencils that were used to create the famous street art. The collection is called ‘Cut & Run: 25 Years Card Labour’, as the stencils were previously hidden away to avoid charges, as well as keep Banksy’s identity under wraps. Visitors will be able to see famous pieces such as Kissing Coppers and Mobile Lovers, as well as the explanation of how the Girl With Balloon was shredded within the frame in 2018.
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 music by Joe Hisaishi played by incredibly talented musicians, all the while immersed in a stunning, candlelit environment on board The Tall Ship by Glasgow’s waterside. From Spirited Away to Howl’s Moving Castle and Princess Mononoke, there’s a fantastic programme in store and a fully stocked bar to enjoy throughout the event. This candlelight concert takes place on July 13 and you can get tickets on Fever.
3. Get into the festival spirit minus the mud with this rooftop boozy disco brunch
The rooftop venue VEGA is hosting with their Boozy Disco Brunch with plenty of fizz and cocktails, DJ sets, disco vibes and a good boogie. Running on the first Saturday of each month, the July disco brunch will take place on July 1 between 12pm – 4pm. VEGA’s famous boozy Disco Brunch will welcome guests to fully enjoy themselves this Summer, complete with a four-hour live DJ set, cocktails, a Build Your Own Bellini station and, of course, plenty of snacks to accompany the main meal.
4. Celebrate inclusivity and diversity at Glasgow Pride 2023
This year Glasgow’s Pride is taking place on July 15, with the 2023 theme being Women of the LGBTQ+ Community and Movement. Glasgow’s Pride is the largest Pride event in Scotland, and, as usual, we will see an annual Pride march, as well as a multitude of events in LGBTQ+-friendly bars around the city, such as the late-night party at SWG3. We have put the full details into one place in our Glasgow Pride guide.
5. Explore the rooftop bars around Glasgow
With the sun peeking out more and Summer time officially here, a drink at one of the rooftop bars in Glasgow is overdue after the brisk winter months. We just have got to make the most of the warm weather, so why not check out the rooftop bars around Glasgow, perfect for both sunny days and if you need to stay indoors. Check out our guide to the very best rooftop bars around Glasgow and gather all your pals this July.
6. Check out this brand new destination restaurant with panoramic views over River Clyde just outside Glasgow
A new branch of Scotts has opened its doors in another waterfront spot in Greenock just outside of Glasgow, offering panoramic views of River Clyde. Whether you’re driving or want to take the train to be able to have a few drinks, it takes 40 minutes with both modes of transport to get to the restaurant from central Glasgow. Expect a wholesome menu with all the restaurant favourites, as well as an abundant cocktail menu!
7. Go out for a Mexican Sunday roast
That’s right, there’s a place in Glasgow that does a Mexica Sunday roast, and it’s as glorious as it sounds. El Camino in Glasgow is serving up Mexican Sunday Roasts, with non-pretentious décor, Mexican-inspired murals, all the cocktails as well as plenty of deals available, like £1 tacos between Monday and Wednesday! The famous Mexican Sunday roasts are on every Sunday, accompanied by a selection of £5 cocktails. Expect a massive portion of beef, lamb, chicken or veg with roast potatoes, Mexican greens, and all the other sides you can imagine.
8. Sit back and watch a movie at one of these top independent cinemas
We may have gotten 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 in Ashton Lane is now back after a major renovation so it’s the excuse to watch a film there. Whether you want to dive back into a cult classic on a small screen, check out an abstract movie from an up-and-coming filmmaker, or catch the latest Pixar instalment, this city has everything. Check out our guide to the best independent cinemas that Glasgow has to offer.
9. Check out the free outdoor cinema at Queen’s Park
Glasgow’s Southside has welcomed back a myriad of free cultural events to Queen’s Park Arena this June and July. Visitors can expect classic films, live music, fitness classes and family-friendly activities at the beloved amphitheatre. The Queen’s Park Arena events are hosted by the local, non-profit organisation Inhouse Event CIC, with the summer programme available between June 30 and July 23 and is inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy film screenings, creative art workshops, comedy sets, live music and so much more, no matter the weather.
10. Continue Pride celebrations at this rooftop Pride drag brunch
Glasgow Pride is on July 15, and, thankfully, we can continue the celebrations the weekend after at a Pride Drag brunch with live performances and drinks flowing freely. Rooftop bar VEGA is hosting the event on Saturday, July 22 from 12pm, where guests can expect rainbow decorations, plenty of Instagrammable photo ops and in-person entertainment from October Fist and friends, hosted by Queen Val Halla. Now that’s a boozy occasion we can get behind!
11. Make the most of the sunshine and go to the beach
While Glasgow is not located next to the shore, there are plenty of beaches Glaswegians can find solace in within less than an hour or so from the city. Therefore, we have put some of our favourite beaches into guides so you can have everything in one place. For those looking for the most picturesque beaches check out our top three in this guide, while people looking for a full day out to a nearby town can check out our coastal town with an award-winning beaches guide. Moreover, we’ve even let you in on some secrets with our best hidden gem beaches near Glasgow guide. Believe us when we say, some folk aren’t too happy with us sharing these secrets, but the ‘people have tae know’!