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 that 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 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, or watch a musical Broadway In The Bar this month. Other acts during September include the comedy drama Two’s Company and Inside The Mind Of A Serial Killer.
2. Witness floating candlelight tribute performances of Joe Hisaishi
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 16, kicking off the upcoming floating Candlelights is the best of Joe Hisaishi. Hisaishi is known for the soundtracks behind Studio Ghibli’s movies and will be a treat for every animation fan. Expect covers from My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. Fitting perfectly with the magical narrative of the movies, the concert will take place at The Glenlee ship on river Clyde 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. Head down to Big Feed Kitchen for some street food with a Michelin star twist
If you love street food and fine dining, now you can simultaneously have both at Glasgow’s Princes Square ground floor. You can gather at the Big Feed Kitchen street food market for some bao buns, wagyu beef burgers and Korean buttermilk chicken. Every Thursday to Sunday, Princes Square will turn into a full-blown feast full of love for exceptional food and quality cocktails within the heart of the friendliest city in the UK. Big Feed is the biggest street food market in Scotland, bringing together foodies from all over, so the brand new central venue is a true treat.
4. Try delicious food served by diverse communities at One Big Picnic in George Square
This is a fantastic free event that will take place on September 3 in George Square. One Big Picnic is a flavoursome event where diversity in Glasgow is celebrated in full swing. There will be various food stalls offering free sweet and sour food for everyone, so it is best to arrive early to avoid disappointment. The event is a brilliant way to talk to people of various religions, beliefs and backgrounds, as well as form a stronger sense of community. So grab your partner, mother, best friend or your furry friend and enjoy an afternoon of some mouth-watering fun.
5. Zipslide the Clyde at the Riverside Museum and simultaneously raise money for charity
Ever wanted to zipslide the River Clide? It even rhymes! Well, September is your lucky month. Not only can you zipslide 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 zipsliding while raising funds between September 16 and September 18, 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).
6. 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 Kai Humphries, Kate Lucas and Liam Witnail.
7. Soak up possibly the best views on this Glasgow terrace
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 as 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 where the Scottish sun isn’t quite out. The rooftop terrace at Red Sky Bar is the perfect spot for a catch-up with friends, a special occasion or a post-shopping tipple.
8. Discover more of the city during Glasgow Doors Open Day
Taking place between September 12 and 18, Glasgow Doors Open Day 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. Some old favourites are returning, like roller-skating at The Borrowland Ballroom for one night only on September 2, as well as the addition of new undiscovered jewels across the country. Visitors will also get to go along to Barras Market after it maked its 100 anniversary last year 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.
9. Eat rainbow crepe cakes at Glasgow’s cutest cafe
Grab yourself a crepe cake of your choice at Okashi Cafe on Gray Street. You can choose amongst a myriad of flavours such as the famous rainbow crepe cake, Ferrero Rocher, strawberry, chocolate and even crème egg during Easter! On top of that, grab a biscoff frappe or a Kinder Bueno milkshake, and if you feel like a hot drink, opt for a Kaika Cherry tea. The cafe is decorated with a rose wall and is the perfect picture-worthy spot.
10. Sip on some delicious concoctions during Glasgow Cocktail Week
From September 23, Glasgow Cocktail Week will once again bring together the city’s finest venues, delicious drinks, parties and even bigger events to celebrate mixology. This year they’ve shaken things up to give you a new experience featuring a colourful Cantina Truck with Tacos and PATRÓN tequila slushies. Other new events include interactive and sensory cocktail brunch at VEGA featuring Silent Disco Drinks in the Sky on the top floor of YOTEL The experience will combine brunch, neon-lit silent disco with a different music genre to match Instagrammable cocktails, as well build your own bellinis. Plus, there’s also unlimited exclusive discounted cocktails in your favourite bars across Glasgow!
11. 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 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.
12. Find love while playing crazy golf at this speed dating event
How about some speed dating topped with crazy golf in Glasgow this September? As the nights are getting longer and the heatwaves are over, people are starting to wonder if they should get back out there. To speed date or not to speed date is the question: Fore Play Crazy Golf in Glasgow is bringing a pop-up speed dating event in partnership with SpeedDater on September 28. During the fun-filled different take on speed dating, singles will be able to show off their putting game on a run of four-minute dates. We say everything is worth a try at least once in your life, so why not?