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. Check out Glasgow’s newest viral coffee shop
Having taken the UK by storm, Blank Street Coffee is now opening its doors in Glasgow, bringing its unique matcha flavours to the biggest city in Scotland – like the viral White Chocolate Matcha. It opens at the end of April, just in time for May!
2. Hear tributes to Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings while surrounded by thousands of candles
Ready to drift away from all your worries? Well, hang tight as Fever have the solution with this super impressive candlelight Spring concert returning to Glasgow this May 17. Merchants House of Glasgow is getting decked in a sea of candles, where a string quartet is going to perform everyone’s favourite melodies from Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings. Prepare to be taken into the clouds with these masterpieces! Book your tickets here.
3. Embark on a Celtic Park stadium tour with a three-course dinner
Sports fans can embark on a tour of Celtic Park followed by a three-course dinner at the Number 7 restaurant. The 60-minute tour includes everything you could wish for in exploring a stadium, including the home team dressing room and Celtic FC Boardroom. To book the tour and dine option, head to Fever. What is more, visitors can also opt for just the tour, with the tickets available for purchase here.
4. Attend a Star Wars Day celebration
Another one to add to your things to do in Glasgow list is where Scotland and Star Wars will come together on Friday, May 4 will be celebrated in the best way we know how – day drinking and plenty of food. Street food favourite Dockyard Social is organising a special day for Star Wars Day, where guests will get the chance to connect with likeminded fans and have a blast from 12pm. Plus, expect all the usual street food will also be available, such as Neapolitan pizzas and Greek gyros. You can book your tickets here.
5. 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 23 and 26 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.
6. Witness the magical allure of the Scottish Highlands on this guided tour from Glasgow
A day in the Highlands is always an amazing day trip, offering spectacular vistas and that much-needed nature fix. For those who don’t drive themselves, a guided tour is the perfect option to get out up North, including a stunning waterfall walk. The tour takes around 10 hours, starting at 8am, with a 2-3 hour walk to the Falls of Falloch, as well as exploring Glencoe, the West Highland Way, Loch Lomond, Buachaille Etive Mor, Balloch and more. You can book your tickets here, and the tour fits up to 8 people per booking.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Dance away at this disco and electronic music festival
The annual Springtime Weekender festival organised by Melting Pot is back in Glasgow on May 3 & 4, 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 The Blessed Madonna, DJ Paulette and The Melting Pot DJs are going to delight music lovers, with musicians from all genres uniting festival goers on the dancefloor.
10. Go for a swim at this heated outdoor pool near Glasgow
Gourock Outdoor Pool is improving everyone’s swimming experience by a mile this May, offering a heated swim with vistas over the Clyde Estuary. Part of Inverclyde Leisure, the facilities have also been recently refurbished as part of a renovation project. The heated saltwater pool is re-opening for the season on May 2 this year, making it a delightful family day out, as children travel for just £1 on ScotRail.
11. Play with adorable cats at this cat cafe
When it comes to things to do in Glasgow this May, playing with cats just had to be on the list. Meow Cafe is located on Woodlands Road, boasting the regal presence of cats of all colours, cat play areas, toys, cakes, croissants, as well as tarts, and soft and hot drinks.
12. Attend the famous Ashton Lane Summer Street Party
The epic Ashton Lane Summer Street Party is coming back for the West End Fest 2025, boasting two days of free live music. The event is taking place on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, bringing a full weekend of live music, street performers, DJs, street food and al fresco drinks.
13. Visit TV Chef Jimmy Lee’s newest restaurant
TikTok sensation and TV chef, Jimmy Lee, has doubled up his Cantonese food business with a second Lychee Oriental Southside in Shawlands on April 30. Located on Kilmarnock Road and taking over the Salt & Chilli restaurant site, the new Lychee Oriental Southside is the second Glasgow branch, with the original branch situated on Mitchell Street.