Best Summer Events in Glasgow for Families and Friends

Looking for the best summer events in Glasgow? If you’re planning a getaway for Glasgow summer holidays 2025 or just visiting, the city has a packed lineup of exciting activities for families and friends. From outdoor festivals to thrilling performances, Glasgow is the place to be this summer. Here’s a roundup of the top events you can’t miss this year.

Why Choose Glasgow for Your Summer Getaway?

Summer in Glasgow is a time to explore, relax, and enjoy. The city’s vibrant cultural scene offers something for everyone, making it the perfect destination for your Glasgow summer holidays 2025.

  • Festive Atmosphere: Glasgow is alive with summer events that bring the city to life, from lively festivals to relaxed outdoor activities.
  • Cultural Experiences: The events on offer span a range of genres, from music and theatre to food and fun family events.
  • Ideal for Families and Friends: Whether you’re looking for activities for kids or fun with friends, there’s always something exciting happening.
  • Scenic Spots: Enjoy events in beautiful outdoor locations, like Loch Lomond, Kelvingrove Park, and Pollok Country Park.

Read Also: Glasgow Homes for Rent: Book Pleasant Hill Scotland with a Hot Tub

1. Pollok Fold Events

summer events glasgow

Dates: June 30, July 7, and July 16, 2025
Location: Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow South Side G43 1AT

If you love animals and outdoor activities, don’t miss Pollok Fold Events. This is a great way for families to learn about Pollok’s award-winning Highland cattle. Enjoy unique experiences, including cattle wash days and photography sessions, all set in the beautiful Pollok Country Park.

  • Engage with the cattle and watch the team at Pollok Fold care for these iconic animals.
  • Some events are free, but a few require prior registration due to limited capacity, so be sure to book in advance.
  • For more details, visit Pollok Fold Events.

2. WestFest

Dates: June 1–29, 2025
Location: Various venues across Glasgow West End

WestFest is one of the largest summer events in Glasgow, with over 130 performances and activities taking place throughout the month.

  • Highlights include Big Sunday at Kelvingrove Bandstand and the Glasgow Vintage Bus Tour.
  • Enjoy concerts, street festivals, theatre, and outdoor ceilidhs, making this an event for all ages.
  • Get the full lineup at WestFest.

3. Dinosaur World Live

glasgow summer holidays 2025

Dates: July 1–2, 2025
Location: Pavilion Theatre Glasgow, 121 Renfield Street, Glasgow City Centre G2 3AX

Perfect for families with young children, Dinosaur World Live brings life-sized dinosaurs to the stage for an interactive experience.

  • See dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, and Giraffatitan up close.
  • Post-show meet and greet with the dinosaurs makes for a memorable experience for the kids.
  • Check out the details on Dinosaur World Live.

4. Loch Lomond Shores Summerfest

Dates: July 5–6, 2025, 10 AM – 5 PM
Location: Loch Lomond Shores, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch G83 8QL

Set against the stunning backdrop of Loch Lomond, Loch Lomond Shores Summerfest offers a perfect mix of food, music, and entertainment.

  • Enjoy live performances, street food, shopping, and family activities.
  • A beautiful festival in one of the most scenic parts of Scotland, ideal for a relaxing day out.
  • For more information, visit Loch Lomond Shores Summerfest.

5. Alexandra Park Festival Day

Date: July 19, 2025, 12 PM – 4 PM
Location: Alexandra Park, 10 Sannox Gardens, Glasgow East End G31 3JE

Alexandra Park Festival Day is a fantastic family-friendly event with something for everyone.

  • Enjoy live music, children’s activities, market stalls, and sports tasters.
  • Kids will love the rides and inflatables, making it the perfect event for a fun day out.
  • Visit Alexandra Park Festival Day for more details.

6. The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition

Dates: July 25–26, 2025
Location: Theatre Royal Glasgow, 282 Hope Street, Glasgow City Centre G2 3QA

Catch a youth performance of the beloved classic The Wizard of Oz at Theatre Royal Glasgow. This family-friendly show follows Dorothy on her magical journey through the Land of Oz, filled with music, adventure, and memorable characters.

  • A fantastic experience for families to enjoy a classic story performed by young talent.
  • Enjoy this timeless production performed by young talents in a stunning theatre setting.
  • Learn more at The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition.

7. Zippos Circus at Glasgow’s Queen’s Park

Dates: July 30 – August 4, 2025
Location: Queens Park Recreational Ground, Queen’s Park, Glasgow South Side G42 8QR

Britain’s largest circus, Zippos Circus, returns with its spectacular 2025 show “Bravo!” Expect jaw-dropping performances from international artists, acrobats, and animal acts in a family-friendly environment.

  • A thrilling, action-packed show perfect for families with kids of all ages.
  • Zippos Circus promises fun, excitement, and memories for the whole family.
  • Get more information on Zippos Circus at Queen’s Park.

8. Summer Nights at the Bandstand

Dates: Various dates in July and August 2025
Location: Kelvingrove Bandstand, Glasgow West End

Summer Nights at the Bandstand offers a series of outdoor concerts in the stunning Kelvingrove Park, perfect for an evening of live music and fun.

  • Enjoy performances across multiple genres, from indie to folk and soul.
  • This outdoor event is ideal for families and groups of friends looking to enjoy Glasgow’s summer vibes.
  • For more details, visit Summer Nights at the Bandstand.

Read Also: Things To Do In Milngavie, Scotland | Adventures & More

Why Choose Glasgow for Your Summer Getaway?

Glasgow’s summer events offer a variety of activities for all ages, from lively festivals to cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. Exploring Glasgow’s upcoming events, the city offers endless ways to make the most of your summer.

Book Your Glasgow Holiday Rental

With so many exciting summer events in Glasgow lined up, it’s the perfect time to book your stay. Be sure to reserve your Glasgow accommodation to rent early to secure the best spots for your family getaway or summer trip with friends.

Start planning your Glasgow summer holidays 2025 today and make the most of everything the city has to offer!

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The Campbell family has owned the old main house - the large garden villa within its garden grounds &has hosted family & friends gatherings, weddings, memorials, reunion & milestone celebration events

Chris Campbell

Chris and the Campbell family have owned the Pleasant Hill Scotland 200-year-old main house – the oldest in Milngavie – and built this villa within its garden grounds. Chris and the Campbell family live next door and are always available for arranging handovers, and offer all manner of local intel or even support in the event of any emergency. His consistent dedication as a local ‘Concierge’, and routine forwards information about the area, pointers towards local places for eating/drinking, plus advice on sight-seeing or activities during the guest’s stay have rewarded him with Certificates of Excellence, Premier Partner & Superhost status by the major platforms. For the past two decades, Chris and the Campbell family has hosted family & friend gatherings (including Homecomings), weddings, memorials, reunions and milestone celebration events in the Pleasant Hill Scotland villa. So many have now become repeat visitors.