The leaves might be starting to turn but you needn’t have to turn your back just because summer has technically ended as this city has plenty up its sleeve to entertain us this month. Some might think autumn is when things wind down and we start to retreat back indoors but in actual fact, it seems Glasgow didn’t get that memo. With concerts, cultural events and delicious entertaining experiences September will be the month to remember!
1. Watch a play or a musical at the iconic Òran Mór
Home to the iconic lunchtime theatre A Play a Pie and a Pint, Òran Mór is a restored church now used for dining, events and weddings. The venue used to be Kelvinside Parish Church which was built in 1862. Before becoming Òran Mór, the building stood unused for four years and was in danger of decay and demolition. The arts and leisure centre opened its doors in 2004, so it has been around for a while and is hardly a secret anymore, but it is a noteworthy reminder of everything it has going on in September. Grab a pie and a pint with a new one-hour lunchtime play every week, called A Play, A Pie, A Pint. Acts during September include ‘Poker Alice’, a “revival from the first-ever Play, Pie, Pint”, as well as ‘The Last Cabaret on Earth’, an energetic show with music and comedy. What is more, Òran Mór often hosts the dazzling Candlelight Concerts, where the venue is changed by a sea of candles, flickering away to various tributes to some of the best music ever created.
2. Witness candlelight tribute performances of Hans Zimmer
Fever’s dazzling array of candlelight concerts are taking Glasgow by storm, and with a huge range of musical styles and incredible venues on offer, there’s something for every music lover. On September 28, kicking off the upcoming Candlelights is The Best Of Hans Zimmer. Expect covers of famous soundtracks such as Time from ‘Inception’, Tennessee from ‘Pearl Harbor’, ‘Gladiator’ Suite and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean Suite. Fitting perfectly with the narrative of the movies, the concert will take place at the Merchants House of Glasgow, creating a magical atmosphere. There are very few things in life more romantic than candlelight, but candlelight plus an evening full of live music on the calming shores of the river is definitely one of them.
3. Zipslide the Clyde at the Riverside Museum and simultaneously raise money for charity
Ever wanted to zip slide the River Clyde? It even rhymes! Well, September is your lucky month. Not only can you zip slide 1000 feet across the river, but also you will be doing it for a good cause. The event is organised by Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland, a charity that supports people with the conditions. SBH Scotland will be zip sliding while raising funds on August 20, 31 and September 1, giving weegies the opportunity to have fun and do good at the same time. The only restrictions are that you have to be over 10 years old and weigh over 25kg (3.9 stone) and no more than 110kg (17.3 stone). Plus, those interested should book in advance as it tends to sell out quickly!
4. Watch a stand-up comedy show at The Glee Club
As the nights will get darker and darker throughout the month, going inside will be more appreciated. Each weekend on Fridays and Saturdays, The Glee Club comes alive with laughter and good banter. Go watch an award-winning stand-up comedy show on Friday or Saturday nights. The shows consist of four acts each with names like Jay Lafferty, Ian Coppinger and Liam Witnail.
5. Soak up the best views on Glasgow’s rooftop terraces
When it comes to hunting down places in the city to soak up the sun with a view, Red Sky Bar is up there. Named one of the top 50 rooftop bars in the world, the bar is a must-visit place for a gin afternoon tea experience and exceptional vistas. Also, as part of Glasgow Girls Club, Glasgow’s only rooftop brunch is hosted here for some brunchin’ and dancin’ with the girls. Plus, they have an indoor area and even heaters for those days when the Scottish sun isn’t quite out. Check out our list of the very best rooftop bars in Glasgow and soak up the sun before the dark nights come back.
6. Discover more of the city during Glasgow Doors Open Days
Credit: Shutterstock
Taking place between September 16 and 22, Glasgow Doors Open Days aims to make Scotland’s built and cultural heritage accessible to everyone and is perfect if you have always wanted to take a peek of some of the city’s buildings behind closed doors. Last year, favourites like roller-skating at The Borrowland Ballroom returned, as well as the addition of new undiscovered jewels across the country. Visitors will also got to go along to Barras Market and an in-person trail through Glasgow’s Old Markets, which will trace Glaswegians’ changing relationship with food through the centuries and explore the connection between local food produce, carbon neutrality and community spirit.
7. Try real Pastel de Nata at this Portuguese-style bakery
Some delicious Pastel de Nata action is happening at Pastéis Lisboa, with around 1200 being baked daily. Visitors can now have a true taste for this Portuguese favourite baked good at Glasgow’s West End, as the owners claim Pastéis Lisboa is going to be baking the best Portuguese custard tarts beyond London. The spot proved to be so popular when it first opened a year ago, that people were queuing to get their hands on this marvel. As well as the classic Pastel de Nata recipe, some flavoured variations are available on the menu, together with an Iberian-style deli where you can grab some cured meats, cheeses, seafood and other delicacies from Portugal and Spain.
8. Try some seriously good beef at this trendy and sustainable steakhouse
What if we told you we found a steak spot in Glasgow called Gōst, that not only offers top-notch beef, but also works with small, sustainable Scottish farms that grass-feed the animals? Gōst is a steakhouse located on Bothwell Street, offering prime cuts, fresh seafood and cocktails, as well as a generous wine list. Check out what we thought of the restaurant in the review, and, most importantly, go try it out for yourself.
9. Go to this massive street party with food and live music
This beautiful area in the heart of the West End will be transformed into a lively event space, with Big Feed in the Park taking place from Friday, September 28 to Sunday, September 29. Kelvin Way and the Kelvingrove Bandstand will be transported into an oasis for music, street food and entertainment, with different sessions throughout the day to appeal to all audiences.
10. Attend this free wellbeing festival with workshops and wholesome events
The Southside Wellbeing Festival is taking place at various venues across Glasgow’s Southside between September 6 and 8. This year, the festival features 40 events, with family-friendly activities for everyone to participate in. Most events are either free or pay-what-you-can, with some at a fixed price of £5 or £7.50. Festival-goers can do yoga, go dancing, attend ukulele, mental health, gratitude, creative writing and pottery workshops, as well as a poetry competition.
11. Try out this community-based golf entertainment spot in town
A community-based golf and entertainment venue, Golf It!, is located on the south bank of Hogganfield Loch. The indoor and outdoor facility boasts a range of “introductory golf formats” including a “twist on pitch and putt, three adventure golf courses, community putting greens and a 52-bay double-decker floodlit driving range.” What is more, Glasgow’s beloved street food vendor Big Feed is making the venue into a permanent home, cooking up a storm with everyone’s favourite street food options.
12. Try Scotland’s first immersive batting cages
The bowling alley, Bowlarama, is opening a new socialising floor and party bar in late August. Gamers can now battle it out at the first immersive batting cages in Scotland and try the augmented disco darts. The immersive batting cages are powered by high-tech and augmented reality, where visitors can choose between baseball, tennis or cricket modes, while the simulator delivers a unique experience for every skill level.