Merchant City Festival

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24 July - 2 August 2026

Join us for a two-weekend celebration of culture and community

The Merchant City Festival returns for 2026, transforming the heart of Glasgow into a vibrant hub of creativity from 24 July - 2 August. From circus and dance to a dedicated family programme, we’re bringing arts and performance out of the theatre and onto the pavement.

There will be more information on our iconic Merchant City Festival markets coming soon! 

Festival Itineraries

🤹‍♀️ Play with the family
🕺 Try something new
🌞 Explore Merchant City Festival for the first time

Use these handy programme guides to plan your ideal trip to Merchant City Festival!

Check them out

Merchant City Festival at a glance

Weekend 1 highlights

Merchant City Festival Hubs

Street Theatre

Glasgow’s streets will become a canvas of world-class outdoor theatre, immersive installations, and high-energy dance.

📅 Saturday 25 - Sunday 26 July & Saturday 1 - Sunday 2 August
🕐 12pm - 6pm

Check it out

The Rail Yard Market

Explore market stalls along Wilson Street and the surrounding area.

The Rail Yard will bring together artisan makers, incredible food, independent businesses and some of Scotland’s finest local produce.

📅 24 - 26 July & 31 July - 2 August
🕐 12pm - 6pm

Click here for more

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Follow us on social media      Facebook @Merchant City Festival  | Instagram @merchantcityfestival

A purple promotional graphic showing the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026 Festival logo on the left and the text ‘Presented with Glasgow Life’ on the right. The background features white geometric line patterns radiating outward, along with curved accents in turquoise, pink, and yellow.

Part of Glasgow 2026 Festival

As a flagship event of the Glasgow 2026 Festival, this year is bigger than ever. We’re bringing an enhanced schedule of performance to the historic Merchant City and nearby venues, proving that in our city, the streets are the stage.

Click here Glasgow 2026 Festival

Watch Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Head to Candleriggs Square for sport on the big screen, family entertainment food & drinks.

📅 Monday 27 - Thursday 30 July
🕐 12pm - 9pm

Click to see what's on

Information and FAQ's

Event Funders

  • Glasgow 2026 Festival

  • Creative Scotland

  • Event Scotland