If you’ve ever thought about visiting Glasgow, 2026 might be the year the stars align. Scotland’s cultural capital is set for a blockbuster calendar of music, sport, art, and food that will turn even the most seasoned travellers into wide-eyed explorers again. And if you’re hitting your 60s or beyond, this city’s warmth, accessibility, and endless surprises make it an irresistible destination.
A City that sings
You can’t talk about Glasgow without talking about its music. It’s in the walls, the pubs, the parks and the people. As a UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow hums with energy – every night, in every corner. You might catch a young busker in Merchant City who sounds like the next Lewis Capaldi or find yourself at the Barrowland Ballroom swaying to a band you loved in the ‘80s.
In 2026, the music calendar is bursting. Celtic Connections in January warms up the winter months with folk and roots performances that celebrate Scotland’s heritage. Then there’s Counterflows, bringing experimental sounds to life in April – perfect if you enjoy a bit of adventure between your whisky tastings. Come summer, the TRNSMT Festival takes over Glasgow Green, while the Big Nights Out concert series transforms the city’s grand bandstands into outdoor stages humming with homegrown talent and international favourites. And for those who love the grandeur of Gaelic tradition, The Royal National Mòd returns in October after a long hiatus, celebrating language, music and identity with spine-tingling performances.
You might come for one show, but you’ll stay for the rhythm that runs through the whole city.
Games, Glory, and community spirit
If sport stirs your heart, make sure July is blocked out on your calendar. The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take centre stage from 23 July to 2 August, drawing athletes and spectators from around the globe. The event promises more than just medals – it’s a celebration of inclusivity, showcasing the largest ever Para Sport medal event program.
But the real draw isn’t just the competition; it’s the spirit. Glasgow knows how to make everyone feel like part of the team. Expect street parties, live entertainment, and a city sparkling with pride. Even if you’re just strolling through a park, you’ll feel the collective excitement in the air – that special Glaswegian mix of humour, hospitality, and heart.
A Feast for the senses
Glasgow’s food scene has been quietly building global acclaim, and 2026 is shaping up to be its breakout year. For anyone who enjoys dining with a side of creativity, this is the place to be. The Scottish National Whisky Festival kicks off the year in January at SWG3, a venue that combines industrial chic with a distinctly modern pulse. Hundreds of whiskies and spirits will be on offer, with live Scottish music setting the tone.
Later in the year, Meatopia returns – a carnivore’s dream of top chefs, smoky grills, and sustainable cooking. Then there’s the new Glasgow Clydeside Containers, opening early 2026, offering an open-air dining space where you can grab lunch under the sky or enjoy live local acts in the evening. And for those who like to mix learning with leisure, the Scottish Academy of Food and Drink at Princes Square will offer masterclasses in cooking, cocktails, and whisky – perfect for anyone who’s ever wanted to step behind the bar and learn a few tricks.
If you prefer table service to street food, make a reservation at one of the city’s newest stars – Fook Mei, Malocchio, or Grilled by Ajay Kumar. These late-2025 openings are already earning rave reviews for their bold flavours and inventive menus.
Art, laughter, and culture everywhere
Culture in Glasgow isn’t confined to galleries – it’s in the conversations, murals, and the laughter spilling out of comedy clubs. But 2026 will see major events that’ll make the city a cultural powerhouse.
Start with Barbie®: The Exhibition at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which opens June 13. It’s a nostalgic journey through 250 objects, including some of the earliest dolls, and is surprisingly captivating even for those who didn’t grow up with Barbie. The Glasgow Film Festival (Feb 25–Mar 8) offers red carpet glamour and eclectic screenings, while Sonica Glasgow in May will immerse visitors in visual music and digital art.
And you can’t miss the Glasgow International Comedy Festival (Mar 11–29), one of Europe’s biggest, filling the city with laughter from household names and sharp local talent alike. By June, the Glasgow International Art Festival transforms the city into a living gallery, with installations and artist-led projects filling streets, warehouses, and historic buildings.
Rest easy in style
After a day of exploring, you’ll want somewhere comfortable to rest your head – and Glasgow delivers. The new Prize by Radisson, opening beside the OVO Hydro for the Commonwealth Games, will offer 163 chic rooms with a lively all-day bar and restaurant. Prefer something more self-contained? The Wellington Glasgow by Adina, opening late 2025 near George Square, provides flexible studio apartments complete with kitchenettes – perfect for travellers who like to stay a little longer and live like a local.
A City with a conscience
It’s one thing to travel; it’s another to travel sustainably. Glasgow gets that. The city has climbed to 5th place on the Global Destination Sustainability Index, driven by a commitment to go net zero by 2030. It’s also been named the friendliest city in the UK by Condé Nast Traveller readers, proof that Glasgow’s biggest draw isn’t just what you see – it’s who you meet.
For 60-somethings thinking about their next big trip, Glasgow offers the perfect mix: world-class events, walkable streets, lively food and music scenes, and genuine warmth that makes you feel like you belong.
So, why visit Glasgow in 2026? Because life’s too short not to dance at an open-air concert, laugh until your cheeks hurt, and toast new friends with a dram of whisky by the Clyde. And in Glasgow, you can do it all – with style, spirit, and a smile.