May is here which means more fun in store! The novelty of going out hasn’t worn off yet (and we don’t think it will any time soon) and with these events and activities happening this month, it proves that in April we were only just getting started. So without further ado, here are all the best things to do in Glasgow this May.
1. Get an unbelievable caffeine fix with the return of Glasgow Coffee Festival
The beans are being roasted, baristas are poised, so get ready to do all things coffee-related among Scotland’s incredible speciality coffee community taking place at The Briggait on May 13 & 14. It’s time to wake up and smell the coffee big time with the return of Glasgow Coffee Festival for its eighth year. Produced by Dear Green Coffee Roasters, the festival will be welcoming coffee professionals and friends from across the country to showcase their products, their skills and their passion for all things coffee. Plus, the organisers will be taking Glasgow Coffee Festival ‘to the streets’ allowing access to a whole host of deals and discounts from more than 50 of Glasgow’s best indie cafes and retailers for two whole weeks.
2. Hear music from your favourite films while cosying up in the cabin of Scotland’s historic ship
Ready to drift away from all your worries? Well, hang tight as Fever have the solution with this ferry impressive candlelight concert returning to Glasgow this May 5. Hop on board the splendid ship, the Glenlee, for a night at the movies. There will be some truly magical performances at this floating candlelight concert, where you’ll hear classic soundtracks from some of your favourite films streaming merrily from the bow to the stern and beyond. Prepare to be taken into the clouds with these movie soundtrack masterpieces! Book your tickets here.
3. Go see the world’s longest-running murder mystery play
The famous murder mystery The Mousetrap is on its 70th Anniversary tour, the play will arrive at the King’s Theatre between May 1 and May 6 as part of the show’s theatre tour of the UK and Ireland. What is more, the tour will also play EastEnder’s stars Todd Carty as Major Metcalf and Gwyneth Strong as Mrs Boyle. Plus, spectators are not allowed to tell anyone else outside of the show who is the murderer, so it makes it even more exciting that you get to be a part of keeping a secret.
4. Eat some delicious meat at the newest steakhouse in town
Try out the newest steakhouse in central Glasgow, The Merchant Steakhouse, has opened its doors on Friday, April 28 on Ingram Street. Guests can book themselves a table online, so they’re the first in line to try the best of the local Scottish larder. The Merchant Steakhouse is committed to the best of modern Scottish cuisine, serving the finest quality dry-aged Scotch beef, premium wines and signature cocktails. However, guests can still find vegetarian dishes as well as seafood on the menu, just in case only one person is eating red meat on the day.
5. Attend a Mexican-themed ceilidh this Cinco de Mayo
Another one to add to your things to do in Glasgow list is where Scotland and Mexico will come together on Friday, May 5, where the Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo will be celebrated in the best way we know how – a ceilidh. Street food favourite Dockyard Social is organising a special night Cinco de Ceilidh, where guests will dance the night away between 5pm and 11pm. There will be two sittings, one starting at 6:30pm and the other at 8pm, with tickets being £8 and also getting guests a welcome drink upon arrival. Plus, all the usual street food will also be available, such as Neapolitan pizzas and Greek gyros. If you can’t make the Cinco de Ceilidh, Dockyard Social also hosts frequent boozy disco brunches which as sometimes themed, so just check out their events programme.
6. Attend a free panel of conversation at this rooftop venue
Rooftop bar VEGA is welcoming an influential line-up of people from Scotland’s food and drink industry for a free panel of inspiring conversation. On top of introducing its brand new menu, the venue is hosting its newest edition of Work @ VEGA Speaker Sessions, featuring some of the country’s brightest stars from the food and drink scene. Taking place Friday, May 12 from 11am to 12.30pm, the free event is sponsored by Scottish eyewear brand IOLLA and hosted by Capital Scotland presenter Katy Johnston. The Food & Drink panel’s impressive lineup includes Julie Lin (TV Presenter and owner of Ga Ga), Naomi Vance (Photographer and owner of Vance Studios), Rosalind Erskine (Food & Drink Editor at The Scotsman) and Jehad Hatu (owner of Grunting Growler and Lunar). Tickets can be found on the website and are free to book.
7. Taste your way through the finest dishes and produce at Eat & Drink Festival
The Eat & Drink Festival Scotland is returning to SEC Glasgow between May 26 and 29 with even more mouth-watering food and drink from the very best local producers. At this tasty show, you can learn new culinary skills, get top tips on mastering a new dish, discover new wines, beers and spirits, see celebrity chefs cook their favourite dishes, shop for the freshest ingredients and take home fantastic produce from one of several unique artisan producers. With so much on offer, this foodie festival is sure to leave you with new foodie ideas, inspiration and a taste for food you never thought you had.
8. Unleash your competitive side and discover the city of Glasgow with this scavenger hunt
Looking for an exciting outdoor activity in Glasgow? Well, the search is over. Lace up your shoes and get ready to experience the city like never before with this scavenger hunt taking place across the city of Glasgow. Snap pictures, race against the clock and put your navigation skills to the test as you roam through Glasgow discovering different destinations, including some hidden gems, along the way. Work with your team or compete against them to answer trivia questions and solve challenges while learning fun facts about the landmarks that surround you. Grab your mates and book your scavenger hunt here.
9. Escape the hustle and bustle by venturing to these gorgeous hidden beaches
Life can be rather overwhelming and a change in scenery and a bit of fresh air is a great way to switch off. Scotland is blessed with many beauty spots, including some of its beautiful beaches for us to explore, however, some can be rather busy thus preventing us from fully taking in the wonderful surroundings. Check out our guide to some of the hidden gem beaches for a bit of reflection including a tiny sandy beach by the river Kelvin within Glasgow itself.
10. Start the day right at these wonderful breakfast spots
Whether breakfast is the most important meal of the day or not has been debated by experts for a while now, but breakfast can certainly become the most delicious meal of the day if we look in the right places. While the hardcore breakfast lovers out there will already have a favourite spot in mind, check out our favourite cafes and restaurants that serve a phenomenal breakfast in Glasgow. From East to West, and from North to South, Glasgow has plenty of breakfast spots to try. Try a mouth-watering pancake stack, a simple yet effective brekkie roll or just go with a freshly-made pastry.
11. Dance away at this disco and electronic music festival
The annual Springtime Weekender festival organised by Melting Pot and Heverlee is back in Glasgow on May 6 & 7, where melophiles can indulge in a diversity of music genres during the Springtime bank holiday weekend. A splendid line-up of acts such as the iconic Odyssey, Horse Meat Disco and The Melting Pot DJs are going to delight disco lovers, while the artists from other music genres are Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul James Holden and Shy One with her captivating DJ sets.
12. Watch the Eurovision final at this cinema with couches
Out of all the things to do in Glasgow in May, watching Eurovision has become a yearly tradition. Well, Everyman Cinema Glasgow is hosting a Eurovision final live watch party on May 13, as the campest competition of them all is coming to Liverpool this year. So, if you didn’t get a chance to grab those tickets to the live show, you can still enjoy a night of Eurovision chaos from the comfort of soft couches and armchairs. Tickets are £21.40 and include entry, a drink, snacks and a scorecard, so you can join in on judging the performances yourself. Guests are also encouraged to come in their best Eurovision fancy dress, as well as show off all the dance moves!