Music
Best Live Music in Glasgow This Month: May 2026
Our guide to the must-see gigs, concerts and club nights in Glasgow this month
Glasgow is one of only 75 cities to earn the coveted title of UNESCO City of Music. It’s not hard to see (or hear) why. Scotland’s second city is home to some of the most legendary live music venues in the UK – from the notorious Barrowland Ballroom to the acclaimed Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – and the pantheon of great Glaswegian acts includes Lewis Capaldi, Simple Minds, and Primal Scream. Whether you’re a local or just in town for a visit, you’re guaranteed to find an event that’s up your street, and to make your life easier we’ve put together this handy, regularly updated guide to bring you the best gigs, concerts and raves in Glasgow each month.
Hear Scottish rockers The Twilight Sad on their home turf
- Where? Barrowland Ballroom, 244 Gallowgate, Glasgow G4 0TT
- When: Wednesday 6 May
Scots duo The Twilight Sad are hitting up the Barras on Wednesday evening, shortly after releasing their latest studio album in March. James Graham and Andy MacFarlane have been part of the band since 2003 and originally got together in Kilsyth. Since then, they’ve released six studio albums and are currently touring music from their recent record, It’s the Long Goodbye. They’re headed off on their EU leg of the tour after some more UK dates in June, so catch them while they’re playing up here! Find your tickets at the link below.
Get tickets to The Twilight Sad at Barrowland Ballroom
Let Booshle G. take you on an emotional indie-folk journey
- Where? McChuills, 80 High St, Glasgow G1 1NL
- When: Thursday 7 May
Also promoting a 2026 album release, indie-folk breakout star Booshle G. is on the road this spring! The singer has captured the hearts of many through his endearing vulnerability on show through his songwriting. He has a compelling ability to turn personal struggles and emotional moments into a moving piece of writing, and he’s certainly turning heads more and more as the year wears on. It’s your turn to hear this beautiful music for yourself! Just click on the link below and see if there are any tickets left to grab.
Get tickets to Booshle G. at McChuills
Don’t miss American songwriting legend Paul Simon
- Where? SEC Armadillo, Exhibition Way, Glasgow G3 8YW
- When: Saturday 9 May
Paul Simon’s had quite the breadth of solo success in his 84 years so far, but he started off with Art Garfunkel to make the singer-songwriter duo, Simon & Garfunkel. The pair had skyrocketing success in the sixties before both artists went on to make music by themselves. Paul Simon’s most famous album, arguably, is 1986’s Graceland. So, it’s quite likely you’ll hear some timeless hits including ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ‘The Sound of Silence’ and ‘Mrs Robinson’. It’s worth checking to see if any tickets are left this May!
Get tickets to Paul Simon at SEC Armadillo
Dance your heart out at Clubland
- Where? OVO Hydro, Exhibition Way, Stobcross Rd, Glasgow G3 8YW
- When: Saturday 9 May
Clubland prides itself in becoming “the biggest night of your life”, which is quite the statement! If you want to go test it out, head to the OVO Hydro on 9 May and hear the biggest blasts from the past by Cascada, Darren Styles, Alex K, Flip N Fill, Ultrabeat and so much more. It’s going to be a spectacular 3-hour show rammed with club hits to keep the adrenaline rushing all night long. After previous stops in Aberdeen, Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle, catch the arena tour’s Glasgow stop and have the time of your life.
Get tickets to Clubland at OVO Hydro
Spend a wild night with Canadian pop-punk star LØLØ
- Where? G2 (Glasgow Garage), 490 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3LW
- When: 10 May
Lauren Mandel first grew prominence on TikTok when her music started going viral, and the singer-songwriter has since gained a healthy fanbase and started going by the stage name LØLØ. The 28-year-old is currently teasing her second EP, god forbid a girl spits out her feelings!, which follows on from 2024’s Falling for Robots and Wishing I Was One. If you’re into cheeky pop-punk with a tinge of alternative rock and streaky guitars, LØLØ might be one for you! Grab a pal and head to The Garage.
Watch bbno$ bring the best of Gen Z digital music to a live audience
- Where? O2 Academy, 121 Eglinton Street, Glasgow, G5 9NT
- When: Sunday 10 May
Ripening in our ever-evolving digital age, Canadian rapper and singer bbno$ (pronounced “baby no money”) is climbing the ladder to success with his viral digitally-produced hip-hop and pop. On the lead up to his hotly anticipated debut EP out in October, bbno$ is collecting more fans as he tours the country and further afield. His recent collaboration with VTuber Ironmouse, called ‘1-800’, proved to be a sensational hit in the digital hip-hop sphere. The rising star is becoming a trailblazer for independent artists everywhere, and he’s definitely worth checking out this May!
Get tickets to bbno$ at O2 Academy
Witness a blast from the past at the Example concert
- Where? O2 Academy, 121 Eglinton Street, Glasgow, G5 9NT
- When: Tuesday 12 May
You might’ve grown up with rapper Example’s music if you grew up in the noughties. This world-famous icon has been writing hits and entertaining the masses for years, starting off with his debut album in 2007. Elliot John Gleave, as he’s also known by, broke into stardom by 2010 with the charting album Won’t Go Quietly. He’s been steadily touring and releasing music up until now, becoming a particular favourite for UK festival appearances. Snatch your chance to see him at the O2 this month and check at the link below for any stray tickets.
Get tickets to Example at O2 Academy
Get entranced by The Longest Johns’ bewitching sea shanties
- Where? Saint Luke’s, 17 Bain Street, Calton, Glasgow, G40 2JZ
- When: Wednesday 13 May
Perhaps one of the most unorthodox chart-toppers are The Longest Johns, who’ve gained recognition for their mesmerizing sea shanties and stacked harmonies. The Bristol-born group formed back in 2012 (around a kitchen table, actually) and have since made traditional maritime folk music popular amongst today’s audiences. You’ve probably heard of ‘Wellerman’, the song which, in 2021, brought The Longest Johns their biggest breakout moment to date after it went viral on TikTok. A so-called “Shanty Tok” trend then emerged, and the folk trio have continued their rise to success ever since. Pop along and show them some support at Saint Luke’s.
Get tickets to The Longest Johns at Saint Luke’s
Hear some up-and-coming jams from Glasgow band Youth For Sale
- Where? The Old Hairdressers, 27 Renfield Lane, Glasgow, G2 5AR
- When: Sunday 17 May
Glasgow band Youth For Sale are playing in their hometown this May. With a burgeoning fanbase and performances that poke their way through the thick fog of Glasgow’s busy indie scene, these guys are firmly on the list of the city’s best up-and-comers. The band’s 2021 EP I Feel Fine did well to make them more discoverable to fans of shoegaze, but their injections of metallic guitar licks widens their net to include listeners who are also partial to The Smiths or the Cure, in some cases. See for yourself what they’re all about and book your tickets now!
Get tickets to Youth For Sale at The Old Hairdressers
