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 cowboy strip show 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. Celebrate the best of Queen and ABBA at this stunning candlelight concert
Known as one of the most iconic artists of the generation, the very best of Queen and ABBA is coming to Glasgow on November 13 and 22 – 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 Merchants House of Glasgow – fans will be able to immerse themselves in the famous songs like never before, with a number of the superstar’s biggest tracks in store for the special concert. Grab your tickets here.
Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA - 4.73 · 11 reviews
2. Enjoy a wee getaway at these glamping pods with hot tubs
Timber Valley Pods are available all year round for that much-needed quaint countryside getaway. Timber Valley Pods is nestled deep into the countryside, around a thirty-five-minute drive from Glasgow, and 13 kilometres from Kilmarnock. The site consists of seven pods overlooking the fields, with each pod coming with a private hot tub, a barbecue and a fire pit. Visitors can also expect to witness plenty of wildlife, as well as farm animals, with bird songs being a regular soundtrack during the stay. So, Timber Valley Pods offer a calming getaway for those in need of a breather in the fresh Scottish air.
3. 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. Plus, the venue also hosts the beloved bingo rave Bongo’s Bingo!
4. Get transported to a Halloween land at Glasgow Botanics
Between October 24 and November 10, Glasgow Botanic Gardens will be transformed into the spooky world of “Glasgow’s Miles Better”. The adventure trail will take up to 70 minutes, bringing chills and thrills to guests of all ages as well as some feel-good interactive light installations. This year, it is bringing back its famous Pumpkin Patch, Marshmallow Land and its street food village for those looking to fuel up along the way.
5. 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 awards 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.
6. Start off the festive season by exploring the new illuminated light trail in Glasgow
The Glasgow Christmas Lights Switch On tradition in George Square has been cancelled this year due to the square being closed, and is being replaced with a light trail across the city. So far, locations include Sauchiehall Street, Buchanan Street and Argyle Street, with art installations created by talented artists filled with “sparkle and shine”. You can find out more here.
7. Attend the Glasgow Christmas markets
This year, Christmas markets will look different, too, and Glasgow will become home to the world’s first solar-powered observation wheel. On top of the usual St Enoch Square location, the market is being moved to Glasgow Green. You can find all the details you need to know in our Christmas markets guide.
8. 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.
9. Check out the UK’s first cowboy strip show
UK’s first Cowboy Strip Show is coming to delight Glasgow starting this November. The show is coming to Maggie’s Rock ‘n’ Rodeo, a refurbished country-themed bar with a bull pit, live rock music every night and live sports. The Cowboy Strip Show is for over 18s only, taking place every fortnight, loaded with plenty of men to be admired by cowgirls, cowgays and everyone in between. You can book your tickets here.
10. 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.
Glasgow Afternoon Tea Experience Bus Tour - 4 · 5 reviews
11. Solve a mystery at Glasgow’s newest escape room
Escape Hunt has brought its newest venue to Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre, including both indoor and outdoor adventures. Glaswegians can expect four escape room adventures with plenty of clues, thrills and discoveries, with themes like ‘Aladdin’ and Ancient Egypt. Plus, there are also outdoor adventures for those wanting to take to the city.
12. Dine with a clean conscience
Glasgow-based restaurant group The Six Company is set to open its newest charitable endeavour that gives back to the community, Bamboleo, on November 8. Guests can expect an intimate dining experience at the new steakhouse, with Spanish flavours, plenty of steaks and a decent wine list. Plus, 100% of its profits will go to Beatson Cancer Charity!