10 Magnificent Things To Do In Glasgow This May
Your calendar can start to fill up with more events in store this month.
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 for a celebration of Scotland’s incredible speciality coffee community. After a two-year absence, it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee big time with the return of Glasgow Coffee Festival for its seventh 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. 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. Discover the best of the south of the river at Glasgow’s Southside Fringe Festival
This month will see Glasgow’s Southside Fringe Festival take place between May 14 and 22 hosting an array of events from markets to well-being, from window exhibitions to commemorating the Southside communities courageous acts of compassion. As a celebration of all things Southside, the fringe festival wants to get everyone walking around the Southside and making the most of the ace independent businesses hosting some of this year’s events. One venue to venture to is The Cooperage, a sustainable retail and creative hub, who are hosting a fair on May 14 featuring kids art classes, live mural painting, DJ, stalls and vegan BBQ from their resident shops and studio, all in their Southside courtyard.
4. Tuck into a top fish and chip supper with the arrival of Scallop’s Tale
Fancy shaking up your classic Friday fish supper? Opening on May 2, in Bearsden, The Scallop’s Tale customers can tuck into the likes of pan-fried king scallops with parmesan mash and ‘Posh Fish And Chips’ which consists of breaded lemon sole with a minted pea purée, fries and hot tartare sauce. This latest opening has a menu boasting a wide selection of fish and seafood dishes such as sea salt and cajun spiced calamari; panko breaded mussels; Thai fishcakes; tiger prawn tempura and lemon and black pepper breaded salmon. The turquoise-fronted Scallop’s Tale will also be serving up a speciality of ‘Scallops High Tea for two’, which includes two ‘Posh Fish and Chips’, sourdough bread, and tea with cakes and scones to provide you with the best of both savoury and sweet worlds.
5. Sip on a wee dram at The National Whisky Festival
Returning to SWG3 this May with it’s sell-out event is The National Whisky Festival, enjoy a diverse selection of whiskies and guest spirits. Across two extensive three-and-a-half hour sessions each event will showcase dozens of exhibitors from many of the most exciting and innovative names in the industry. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, you can expect a full programme of live entertainment, tasting masterclasses as well as pop-up food and drink vendors and craft stalls.
6. Discover the story behind the only surviving Mackintosh-designed tearooms
First opened in 1903, the Mackintosh At The Willow tearooms are of huge importance to Glasgow’s architectural and cultural heritage. On this guided tour, you’ll be able to explore the only surviving tearooms designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh for local entrepreneur and patron, Miss Kate Cranston. You’ll visit and learn about all of the main spaces, their relation to the other Mackintosh works, the restoration that brought rooms back to their former glory, as well as a private viewing of the exquisite Salon de Luxe and Billiard Room. Book your tickets for this guided tour here.
7. Taste your way through the finest dishes and produce at Eat & Drink Festival
The Eat & Drink Festival Scotland is returning to the 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 a number of 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 gorgeously quiet lochs
Life can be rather overwhelming and a change in scenery and bit of fresh air is a great way to switch off. Scotland is blessed with a number of beauty spots, including some luscious lochs, 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 most stunning Scottish lochs for a bit of reflection including Loch Rusky, bordering The Trossachs National Park and roughly an hour’s drive away from Glasgow.
10. Get your groove on at this Motown candlelight concert
If your go-to playlist features the soulful beats of the Four Tops, Marvin Gaye and The Supremes, this Candlelight Soul Classics concert is for you. On May 12 some of the UK’s best talents will perform 90 minutes of classic Motown hits in a sultry, candlelit setting at Glasgow’s striking Trades Hall. So, what are you waiting for? You Can’t Hurry Love, but you can hurry and get your tickets today!