The clocks have changed and sadly the nights are getting shorter (Hello, darkness from 4pm- we’ve missed you! Not!) but as tempting as it is to retreat inside from the cold and curl up under a blanket, there is plenty of things to do in Glasgow this November. This month will see old and new events arrive in the city like the adorable sausage dog pup-up café and the latest outdoor activities such as GlasGLOW. So, it’s time to wrap up, explore the city and beyond, as well as tuck into some comforting food and drink- it’s the only way to do November in Glasgow. And to give you plenty of inspiration, check out our guide to the best things to do in Glasgow to make for an unbelievably fab November.
1. Head down to a festive dachshund pup-up cafe filled with sausage dogs
The cutest hangout spot for dogs is coming to Glasgow, and it’s especially for Dachshunds. Pup-Up Cafe: Dachshund Christmas Tour will bring over 150 tiny sausage dogs together at Revolution Glasgow on November 27. There is going to be unlimited puppaccinos, dog treats, doggie props, and of, course, an overload of cuteness. It’s £15 for the dog-less, and £10 for dachshund owners. However, while your doggie comes for free, you will still need to book them a wee ticket.
2. Celebrate the best of Queen at this stunning candlelight concert
Known from generation to generation as one of the most iconic band of all time, the very best of Queen is coming to Glasgow this November– but not as you know it. Making up part of Fever’s best-selling Candlelight Concert series – which has taken up residence at the stunning Òran Mór – fans will be able to immerse themselves in the famous songs like never before, with a number of the band’s biggest tracks in store for the special concert. Expect to sing along to Under Pressure, We Will Rock You, Bohemian Rhapsody and Somebody To Love. Grab your tickets here.
3. Indulge in a heart-warming Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspired food at this newly opened multi-room restaurant
As you walk into the majestic space, you will be greeted with a giant cherry blossom tree trailing along the ceiling of the hall, and the unique décor doesn’t end there. On top of the abundance of picture perfect spots, Bothwell House visitors are able to feast their eyes on the vibrant hues of the modern interior, huge abstract oil paintings and aesthetically pleasing food and cocktails. The menu is plentiful yet not too long, and the dishes have been well thought out with every option having its own signature twist. The cocktail menu is also extensive, with plenty of original creations to choose from.
4. Dance in a club powered by body heat
From November, after three years of development and trials, nightclub SWG3 has finally introduced ground-breaking technology, which will see body heat generated by revellers converted into energy to power the venue. Yep, our minds are blown too. This Scotland first will mark a significant step forward towards reaching net zero in Glasgow. There are heaps of events and club nights to choose from at SWG3, and you can find the full list here to find what you fancy.
5. Travel back in time to The Land That Time Forgot at Glasgow Botanics
Between October 26 and November 13, Glasgow Botanic Gardens will be transformed into a prehistoric world where dinosaurs, creepy crawlies and active volcanoes will prove that time does not have amnesia. GlasGLOW is back for the fifth time, and they are bringing The Land That Time Forgot to Glasgow Botanic Gardens this year. Dinosaurs are to roam the lands once again, and we will be alive to see it. This year, it will be reviving its famous Pumpkin Patch, Marshmallow Land and its GLOW bar for those looking to fossil-fuel up along the way.
6. Indulge in an award-winning burger at this top spot
El Perro Negro not only has drool-worthy burgers, but also has claimed some impressive awards and put Glasgow’s food scene further on the map. The laureate of National Burger Awards, the burger joint took away award such as Best Burger Of The Year. The Top Dog classic burger is a favourite for many, and even if you’ve been before, it’s always worth coming back. For guests who are after something simpler, they can still celebrate with a classic & cheese burger with caramelised onions, pickles and burger sauce, or vegetarians can feast on the Panko bean burger that comes with katsu mayo, Asian slaw and shredded gem.
7. Set sail for a night of unforgettable jazz music at this floating candlelight concert
Ready to drift away from all your worries? Well, hang tight as Fever have the solution with a ferry impressive jazz candlelight concert coming to Glasgow on November 26. Hop on board the splendid ship, the Glenlee, which will be transformed to create a unique jazz club vibe. There will be some truly magical jazz performances at these candlelight concerts, where you’ll hear the greatest jazz classics streaming merrily from the bow to the stern and beyond. Get your tickets here.
8. Tuck into some delicious ramen at Mikaku
Mikaku is a Japanese haven located on Queen Street, with beautiful traditional décor creating a wee getaway feel within Scotland’s friendliest city. Not only is it a gorgeous spot that transports anyone who walks in to a cute Japanese neighbourhood, but the Japanese izakaya dining spot is also famous for its ramen and unique Japanese-inspired cocktails. Until November 1, guests can grab a £1 ramen for lunch as part of Japan Week, and even the full-price food is reasonable for those visiting for the rest of the month.
9. Sip on gaming-themed cocktails and play retro games at this arcade bar
Those were the days… Heading to the arcades and spending every penny with your best friends and maybe even getting a high score in. Well, NQ64 Glasgow has all of that to offer, with neon signs, vibrant décor and all the of famous games – including Mortal Kombat, Pac Man, Street Fighter II, Tekken and newer classics such as Guitar Hero. If that wasn’t enough, the mega-cool spot will have its very own Sega Mega Drive, Super Nintendo, N64 and an original Playstation. On top of that, guests can sip on a brand new menu of cocktails that was introduced by an internal staff competition: basically, whoever invented the best gaming-themed cocktails, got to keep it on the menu.
10. Go to a movie and food night at Sloans
On top of their Mac & Cheese Appreciation Club, Sloans is introducing Christmas Eatfilm events, where cinema lovers can enjoy a film, meal, drink and popcorn for £18 per person. Eatfilm is happening every Tuesday night, and November is not going to be filled with Christmas movies yet, however. The new event is going to kick off with The Notebook on November 1, then screen Speed on November 8, good ol’ Grease on November 15 and finish off with Blues Brothers on November 22.
11. Take off on an afternoon tea bus tour
An afternoon tea on a vintage Routemaster bus? If you’re up to the challenge of eating while on the move while taking in the sights of our Glasgow, then this one is for you. Experience afternoon tea like never before with handmade sandwich selections, homemade baked goods and unlimited tea and coffee. The 90-minute tour will depart Shuttle Street and make its way towards Glasgow Cathedral, then head to the upmarket West End, Glasgow University, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the Transport Museum. You can get your tickets here.
12. Charm yourself with a smash-hit musical
This one is a true delight: Sister Act the musical is coming to King’s Theatre between November 14 – 19, and we cannot wait. The cast is a true dream team, with TV and West End legend Lesley Joseph, West End sensation and Hairspray favourite Lizzie Bea and Emmerdale and Waitress star Sandra Marvin as Deloris. As the days are short and the nights are long, musical theatre is a tempting place for some healthy, heart-warming escapism.