Glasgow Life confirms 2026 Summer of Events programme
Glasgow Life has revealed a bumper 2026 Summer of Events programme which will see standout local, national and international artists wow crowds across the city.
The family-friendly programme features Glasgow International, WOMAD Glasgow, the Glasgow Mela, Merchant City Festival and World Pipe Band Championships.
On top of all the artistic and musical talent on display in the city in June, July and August, the Commonwealth Games will also make a welcome return to Glasgow. The Games will bring with it world-class sport and city-wide celebrations and events, creating the Glasgow 2026 Festival to help make this summer a truly unmissable experience across Glasgow.
Glasgow Life, the charity which delivers culture, events and active living in Glasgow, is kicking off its Summer of Events with Glasgow International, Scotland’s biennial festival of contemporary art, which returns from Friday 5 June to Sunday 21 June.
Glasgow International is a free, globally renowned festival which this year will showcase the work of more than 60 active artists across over 30 spaces throughout the city. Go to www.glasgowinternational.org for further details.
Glasgow Life’s Summer of Events continues with WOMAD Glasgow in Kelvingrove Park on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 July.
As the first-ever WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) in Scotland, the event will bring high-profile and emerging artists to Kelvingrove Park for two days of pop, dance, folk, jazz and hip-hop performances. WOMAD Glasgow will host workshops led by musicians and dancers from around the world and a series of thought-provoking talks.
WOMAD will be brought to Glasgow by WOMAD International in partnership with Glasgow Life and Celtic Connections, Glasgow’s annual folk, roots and world music festival which will help to programme the event. More information is available at www.womadglasgow.co.uk.
The international music and spectacular performances will carry on that weekend when the Glasgow Mela takes place in Kelvingrove Park on Sunday 5 July.
The Glasgow Mela is Scotland’s biggest South Asian festival and promises free fun for everyone. Visitors to the Mela can expect everything from traditional beats to modern sounds. As a key event of the Glasgow 2026 Festival, which will transform the city into a summer-long cultural showcase, this year’s Mela will boast an incredible line-up of musicians and performers.
The Mela will offer creative and dance workshops and serve up food from around the world. As ever, there will also be a chance to play a mix of sports. Visit www.glasgowmela.com for further details.
From Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August, 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories will compete in 10 sports as Glasgow becomes only the third city in history to stage the Commonwealth Games for a second time, following the unforgettable scenes of 2014.
As the flagship event of the Glasgow 2026 Festival, the 2026 Merchant City Festival will run alongside the Commonwealth Games and take place from Friday 24 July to Sunday 2 August, including an action-packed second weekend. As Scotland’s leading outdoor arts festival, the streets of the Merchant City are turned into a stage for arts, circus, dance and live music from Scotland and around the world, featuring food and hands-on fun for all ages.
This year’s Merchant City Festival site has been expanded to include The Briggait, while Candleriggs Square will screen live Commonwealth Games action every day from 24 July-2 August, funded by VisitScotland. Candleriggs Square is also set to host live music and offer food and drink options. Find out more at www.merchantcityfestival.com.
Glasgow Life’s Summer of Events programme will come to a sensational close with the World Pipe Band Championships on Glasgow Green on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 August.
The World Pipe Band Championships see more than 8,000 of the best pipers and drummers on the planet go head-to-head as they compete to be crowned World Champions. The 2025 event saw 15 countries represented by 207 bands, 53 of which were from overseas destinations including Australia, Oman and Zimbabwe.
Tickets for the 2026 World Pipe Band Championships are available at www.theworlds.co.uk.
Billy Garrett, Director of Culture, Tourism and Events at Glasgow Life, said: “There are so many incredible events to enjoy in Glasgow this summer. Whether it’s local and international musicians starring at WOMAD Glasgow, or some of the world’s best athletes going head-to-head during the Commonwealth Games, there is something for everyone. Glasgow Life’s Summer of Events programme forms a key part of the city’s cultural events calendar and offers people a chance to experience unforgettable moments with family and friends.”
VisitScotland’s Rebecca Edser, Head of Events, said: “Events play a crucial role in encouraging people to visit Scotland and the stage is set in Glasgow to offer exceptional cultural and sporting moments this summer.
“Tourism and events are vital for the visitor economy all year round. They support businesses and jobs, and help bring communities together through shared, memorable experiences.
“Our work supports the delivery of a world-class, diverse, and inclusive portfolio of cultural, sporting and business events, raising Scotland’s profile as a world-leading events destination.”
To stay up to date with Glasgow’s Summer of Events, subscribe to the Glasgow Life newsletter.
Visit www.glasgow2026festival.com for more details on the festival.
Glasgow International, the Glasgow Mela and Merchant City are supported through Creative Scotland, with additional funding to the Mela and Merchant City Festival through the Scottish Government’s Expanded Festivals Fund.
Glasgow International has received support from EventScotland, part of VisitScotland. The Glasgow 2026 Festival is also supporting a new sculptural commission created specifically for the Gallery of Modern Art as part of Glasgow International. The Liquid Land installation is the debut European solo presentation of work by Australian South Sea Islander artist Jasmine Togo-Brisby. Liquid Land is also supported by the Henry Moore Foundation.
The Merchant City Festival’s delivery as part of the Glasgow 2026 Festival and the 2026 World Pipe Band Championships are being supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland.
Glasgow 2026 Festival funds will also be used to widen the programming at this year’s WOMAD Glasgow and Mela events.