The 23rd Commonwealth Games are being held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026, across key venues like the Scotstoun Stadium and Tollcross International Swimming Centre. This year’s games are being held in a new low-cost model as a bridge to a new era of a more financially responsible and sustainable Games, so that more cities are encouraged to bid in the future.
That does not take away the excitement that the Games has to offer. The Para programme is the biggest so far, with 47 Para medal events in six sports, including powerlifting, swimming and track cycling. In addition, there is the return of the Commonwealth Mile, the comeback of the celebrated sprinter, Jamaica's Shericka Jackson, and a greater percentage of the next generation of players featuring in the Games, like 20-year-old distance runner Innes FitzGerald and Jersey’s European junior champion, Filip Nowacki.
If you find yourself in Glasgow this Commonwealth season, here are a few things you should definitely try out as you enjoy the Games.
Festivals To Experience
Govan Food And Drink Festival
In the first-ever rendition of this festival, you can enjoy dishes from countries like Mexico, Sri Lanka, and Japan. It will be held in the Govan waterfront, across the OVO Hydro, where the opening and closing ceremonies and netball events are scheduled. The food festival will showcase Glasgow's street food culture and feature a range of drinks, including cocktails, ciders, and beers. The festival will also have live music and curated programmes for children.
Merchant City Festival
This festival, set to be held from July 24 to August 2, is a combination of art and performances brought out of the theatre onto the pavements. Guests will have to look forward to some of the finest artists in Glasgow, including Noel Bridgeman’s five-metre-tall puppets celebrating Caribbean culture. Stalls will feature local produce and special delicacies, offering a microcosm of the city.
Summer Nights At The Bandstand
This popular outdoor music festival is returning to the park for the 11th year. It will be held at the Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre in Kelvingrove Park, and the opening performance will be by Grammy-winning The Flaming Lips. While enjoying the music, you can also explore the park's serene surroundings and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum's themed galleries.
King Tut’s Summer Nights
If you are curious about UK grassroots music, this is your place to be. With over 100 of the best musicians in rock, pop, indie, and more, this festival will run until August 29, with local punk-rock band, Sean Choon and the Prawn Monsoon closing the event. The location is just a 7-minute drive from OVO Hydro.
Iconic Places To Visit
Riverside Museum
If you are travelling to Glasgow for the first time, take some time out to explore the city. The Riverside Museum is Glasgow’s award-winning technology and transport museum. It is located at the confluence of the Rivers Kelvin and Clyde and reflects Glasgow’s contribution to heavy industries such as shipbuilding and railway manufacturing.
Glasgow Cathedral
This is one of the classics of every Glasgow tour. It is the oldest cathedral in mainland Scotland, and the oldest building in Glasgow, in continuous worship for 800 years. The cathedral has one of the finest post-war collections of stained glass windows in Britain, and a ceiling dating from around 1500 by Archbishop Blackadder.
Glasgow Necropolis
If cemeteries fascinate you, then this 37-acre Victorian garden cemetery located on a hill behind the Cathedral should feature in your list of places. This was opened in 1833 and modelled after Paris’ Père Lachaise. It contains 3,500 monuments and is the final resting place for roughly 50,000 prominent Glaswegians.
FAQs
1. When are the Commonwealth Games 2026 taking place?
The Commonwealth Games 2026 will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026.
2. What are the best festivals to attend in Glasgow during the Commonwealth Games?
Visitors can enjoy the Govan Food and Drink Festival, Merchant City Festival, Summer Nights at the Bandstand, and King Tut's Summer Nights, all taking place during or around the Games.
3. What are the top tourist attractions in Glasgow?
Some of Glasgow's must-visit attractions include the Riverside Museum, Glasgow Cathedral, and the Glasgow Necropolis, along with Kelvingrove Park and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
4. Is Glasgow worth visiting during the Commonwealth Games?
Yes. Beyond the sporting events, the city hosts cultural festivals, live music, food experiences, museums, and historic landmarks, making it an ideal destination for visitors.
5. What can families do in Glasgow during the Commonwealth Games?
Families can explore the Govan Food and Drink Festival, enjoy children's activities at local festivals, visit interactive museums like the Riverside Museum, and spend time in Kelvingrove Park.
