Why Glasgow’s Festival Scene is World-Class
Glasgow isn’t just famous for its legendary venues — it’s also home to some of the UK’s most exciting music festivals. Whether you’re into folk, electronic, jazz, rock, or global fusion, there’s a festival in Glasgow that speaks your language.
Thanks to the city’s status as a UNESCO City of Music, its festivals are internationally respected, locally rooted, and deeply diverse.
Here’s your year-round guide to the top festivals in Glasgow that every music fan should experience.
1. Celtic Connections (January–February)
Best For: Folk, world, roots, traditional Scottish music
Location: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall + 20+ city venues
Website: celticconnections.com
Celtic Connections is Europe’s largest winter music festival, celebrating the traditional and contemporary Celtic sound. Since 1994, it has grown to include artists from over 40 countries, showcasing global roots music, storytelling, and cultural exchange.
Highlights:
- Opening Night Gala
- World music workshops
- Live storytelling & folk sessions
- Artist collaborations across borders
2. TRNSMT Festival (July)
Best For: Pop, indie, rock, mainstream headliners
Location: Glasgow Green
Website: trnsmtfest.com
Born in 2017 as the successor to T in the Park, TRNSMT is Glasgow’s flagship summer festival. It takes over Glasgow Green each July and has hosted global icons like Lizzo, The 1975, Stormzy, Lewis Capaldi, and Paolo Nutini.
What to expect:
- 3 stages over 3 days
- Pop-up bars, food trucks & sponsor villages
- A mix of Scottish legends and global stars
- A vibrant, youthful, electric atmosphere
3. Riverside Festival (May/June)
Best For: Techno, house, electronic, rave culture
Location: Riverside Museum + SWG3 Afterparties
Website: riversidefestivalglasgow.com
Riverside Festival is Glasgow’s premier outdoor electronic music festival, set against the stunning backdrop of the River Clyde. Curated by local heroes Slam and SWG3, it brings together the best in underground house and techno from across the globe.
Previous headliners: Peggy Gou, Honey Dijon, Amelie Lens, Dixon
Insider tip: Book your SWG3 afterparty tickets early—they sell out fast.
4. Glasgow Jazz Festival (June)
Best For: Jazz, blues, funk, experimental, soul
Location: Merchant City + Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Website: jazzfest.co.uk
First held in 1987, this is one of Scotland’s longest-running music festivals. It features everything from old-school swing to cutting-edge fusion. The festival brings jazz to both traditional concert halls and intimate street corners, blending high art with street soul.
2025 highlight: Rooftop jam sessions + vinyl-only nights
5. In The City Festival (Coming 2025)
Best For: Global genres, emerging artists, urban culture
Location: Barras Market district
Website: (TBA)
Launching as part of Glasgow’s 850th anniversary celebrations, In The City is set to spotlight Afrobeat, hip-hop, trap, spoken word, and reggae artists from Glasgow and beyond. Think streetwear, food culture, and genre-fluid lineups.
Planned features:
- Live cyphers & DJ sets
- Marketplace stalls from local creatives
- Aurum Tides showcase stage for emerging talent
- Late-night performances in pop-up venues
Other Notable Festivals Worth Exploring
- Tenement Trail – All-day multi-venue indie showcase
- West End Festival – Family-friendly arts, live bands, and street parades
- Counterflows – Experimental sounds from around the world
- Southside Fringe – Celebrates music, comedy, theatre, and visual art in Glasgow’s Southside
Festival Planning Tips
- Book early – Accommodation sells out fast during big festivals like TRNSMT and Celtic Connections.
- Follow local venues – Many host festival aftershows and satellite gigs.
- Explore beyond the main stage – The hidden sets often deliver the most intimate, magical experiences.
Want to Perform at a Glasgow Festival?
If you’re a local or upcoming artist, Glasgow’s festivals offer real opportunities for exposure. Many accept applications for emerging talent stages.
🎧 Aurum Tides also supports artists with:
- Studio sessions
- Artist development
- Performance opportunities at local festivals and pop-ups
Check out our Studio Bookings or Artist Spotlight page for more info.
