Music
Guide
Best Live Music in Glasgow This Month: August 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 some of the Deep South’s best alt country from Dylan Earl
- Where: The Glad Cafe, 1006A Pollokshaws Road, Shawlands, Glasgow, G41 2HG
- When: 23 August
Alternative country up-and-comer Dylan Earl lands in Glasgow this month from the grassy corners of Arkansas. He’s bringing with him a certain country twang which seems a rite of passage from a true southerner, but upgraded by distinctly contemplative lyrics of a charmingly intimate nature, making those acoustic ditties of his that much more appealing. We’re expecting to hear a lot from his latest album, Level-Headed Even Smile, from this gig so it’s one worth viewing if you fancy latching onto some fun and fresh new music. Check the link below for last-minute tickets if you’ve got a free night soon.
Get tickets to Dylan Earl at The Glad Cafe
Watch Chicago-born Earl Sweatshirt light up the Glasgow stage
- Where: O2 Academy Glasgow, 121 Eglinton St, Glasgow G5 9NT
- When: 25 August
Thebe Kgositsile AKA rapper Earl Sweatshirt has been around since 2008, when he was once known by the alternative moniker Sly Tendencies. He was also in a group with Tyler, the Creator around that time (Odd Future) before he carved out his own successful solo career which still, of course, stands today. The star is particularly hot right now since he released his latest album Pompeii // Utility just this year, following a long run of charting EPs including his 2013 debut Doris and later albums I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside and Some Rap Songs. Catch the star this week at one of Glasgow’s favourite venues – tickets below!
Get tickets to Earl Sweatshirt at the O2 Academy Glasgow
See McFly in a whirlwind nostalgia trip
- Where: Queen’s Park Recreation Ground, Queen’s Drive, Glasgow Southside, G42 8BS
- When: 27 August
Noughties pop royalty McFly sound like the perfect night out with friends and family! Formed originally in 2003 and from London, the iconic group consists of timeless heartthrobs Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter and Harry Judd. These guys are back to performing shows together, over two decades on, and you’ll likely hear some of their most famous hits including “All About You”, “Obviously” and “5 Colours in Her Hair”. It sounds like a great night already, we can’t lie! Grab your tickets below.
Get tickets to McFly at Queen’s Park Recreation Ground
Experience Callum Beattie come home for a special Glasgow gig
- Where: Queen’s Park Recreation Ground, Queen’s Drive, Glasgow Southside, G42 8BS
- When: 28 August
Following close on McFly’s heels, it’s Callum Beattie’s turn to smash out a gig at Queen’s Park Recreation Ground. It’s always more fun when the artist, like Beattie, comes from Scotland, because a home gig feels that bit more special and intimate. But the 36-year-old star has no small career under his belt, with three albums out since 2020 and a burgeoning fanbase. You might’ve heard one of his earliest songs “Don’t Walk Alone”, or maybe another of his breakout hits like “Salamander Street”. If you have, you’re going to love this gig. But even if you haven’t – who cares? Come along for the promise of good fun and a right laugh with pals. You won’t regret it!
Get tickets to Callum Beattie at Queen’s Park Recreation Ground
Get blown away by The Waterboys’ unbeatable versatility
- Where: OVO Hydro, Exhibition Way, Stobcross Rd, Glasgow G3 8YW
- When: 29 August
Seasoned eighties rockers The Waterboys are heading to the Hydro this week if that’s your jam! These guys were formed back in ‘83 by Mike Scott, who’s another Scot (“Scott”?) on the roster this roundup. Unique to this band, really, Scott has been the only consistent member throughout the years, with all other players rotating between different British and Irish musicians. As for genres, they’re not fussy either. The Waterboys have played a myriad of sounds between rock, punk, funk, folk and even dabs of country. Sounds like a party, to be honest! Get yourself there with tickets below.
Get tickets to The Waterboys at OVO Hydro
Party with Josh Ross, Canada’s favourite country music star
- Where: Saint Luke’s, 17 Bain Street, Calton, Glasgow, G40 2JZ
- When: 31 August
We can’t have enough country on this list, so we’re adding Canadian country-folk singer-songwriter Josh Ross to the mix. He’s a big one in the country realm, with smash hits including “Ain’t Doin’ Jack”, “Single Again”, “On a Different Night”, “Hate How You Look” and “Trouble” to speak for. He’s a fast-risen star with a long way still to go, so we love the idea of catching him while he’s here and on the constant up. The Canadian talent now bases himself in Nashville, so you might find he brings a piece of country music’s rightful home all the way to Glasgow. Catch any tickets left below!
Get tickets to Josh Ross at Saint Luke’s
Get hardcore with anonymous DJ Natte Visstick
- Where: O2 Academy Glasgow, 121 Eglinton St, Glasgow G5 9NT
- When: 28 August
It’s time for some mystery on our Last Chance list this week – how about Dutch DJ Natte Visstick? The name means “wet fish”, if you’re wondering, although we’re not sure that in itself means anything in particular! This intriguing performer likes to keep himself anonymous, wearing a black mask to most gigs. He specialises in a very particular kind of electronic music that some people call “troll n’ bass” – basically tracks that do well in meme culture and normally have a humorous or tongue-in-cheek bass drop. It sounds like most people will find the fun and entertainment in it, so it’d definitely be a good choice if you want a light-hearted night out. Check in below and see if you can snatch any last minute tickets!
Get tickets to Natte Visstick at the O2 Academy Glasgow
Witness Violet Grohl lead the next generation of alt rock heroes
- Where: King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, 272a ST Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5RL
- When: 26 August
Violet Grohl is heading up one of our favourite venues – King Tuts – in the coming days. You probably recognise her surname (she’s the eldest daughter of Foo Fighters frontman and ex-Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl), but she’s got a career of her own that she’d like to share with the people of Glasgow. Be Sweet to Me, Violet’s debut album came out this May to high-flying praise as her following is already fast on the rise, so it’s in no doubt that her King Tuts gig will be fairly heaving. See this rockstar-in-the-making now and spread the word – she’s not one to miss.
Get tickets to Violet Grohl at King Tuts Wah Wah Hut
