Glasgow 2026 Festival

Glasgow is the place to be this summer. Join the city-wide celebrations featuring new artworks, cultural events, and opportunities to take part in sport, physical activities, and fun workshops, alongside the Commonwealth Games.

From 23 May to 9 August, the Glasgow 2026 Festival will be truly unmissable. There’ll be moments of joy, wonder and collective celebration. The Festival will be brought to life by Glasgow’s diverse communities, creative industries, social enterprises, sport clubs, cultural organisations, artists and musicians, ensuring a cultural celebration that will live long in the memory.

Three dancers from Whacking Scotland strike dynamic poses on a cobblestone plaza in Glasgow, with the Finnieston Crane and SEC Armadillo behind them. On the left, Nicolette McCormack leans back with an arm raised, wearing yellow trousers and a black mesh top. In the center, Leah James strikes a low stance in red velvet trousers, her long red hair down. On the right, Dorine Mwesiga reaches upward mid-motion, wearing a flowing, semi-transparent red dress over boldly patterned wide-leg pants.

You’re invited to discuss the history of the Commonwealth and shared futures, while celebrating sporting endeavour and the rich cultural heritage of Glasgow and the nations and territories gathering for the Games.  

From major commissions and events to unexpected moments in every nook and cranny of the city, this is Glasgow doing what it does best – opening its doors and welcoming the world to join in. This is how everybody – from Glaswegians to fellow Scots and visitors from around the world can feel part of Glasgow 2026.

This is what Glasgow does best - be part of it.

Four street dancers perform expressive, energetic moves beneath a blue iron bridge in an urban area. They wear casual, loose-fitting clothes and sneakers, striking dynamic poses that convey rhythm and creativity. Behind them, stone buildings and a pink sign reading “People Make Glasgow” highlight the lively city backdrop.

Turner Prize winner Jasleen Kaur confirmed for Glasgow 2026 Festival as events get under way this weekend

Ahead of the start of the Glasgow 2026 Festival this weekend, Turner Prize winner Jasleen Kaur has been announced as a major commission within the 10-week programme of hundreds of cultural, sporting and community events set to create experiences that will stay with people long after the Games.

Find out more

Glasgow-based Creative Director and Choreographer Vince Virr has created a new film, Invitation to Gather, marking the launch of the Glasgow 2026 Festival. The film features performers, artists and sports groups from across the Festival programme.

Featured events

A diverse group of people pose together in a festive indoor setting, wearing colorful costumes and casual clothing, with props like bikes, musical instruments, sports gear, and boxing gloves, celebrating creativity and community.

Glasgow 2026 Festival Fund

Glasgow community groups are celebrating a £1.25 million funding boost linked to the return of the Commonwealth Games to the city.

The Glasgow 2026 Festival will be a celebration of sport, culture and community taking place in the lead up to and during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Learn more about the Festival Fund