What's On in Glasgow & West of Scotland

Barbie: The Exhibition

Venue: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Website: www.glasgowlife.org.uk

This major new exhibition looks at the history and design of the world’s most famous and iconic dolls. Come and celebrate how Barbie has inspired generations across the world for almost seventy years.Featuring...

10+ sports, unlimited fun!

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.activenl.co.uk/ultimate

With athletics, racquet sports, basketball, cycling, dance and musical theatre, football, golf, gymnastics and netball all included, children can explore new interests, develop existing skills and enjoy...

Autism Friendly Hours

Venue: Glasgow Science Centre

Website: www.glasgowsciencecentre.org

The science centre is an exciting place, bustling with loud sounds, bright lights and lots of people. During autism friendly times a number of measures are put in place to support those with neurodiversity....

Autism Friendly sessions for Clip n’ Climb and Soft Play

Venue: Kelvin Hall

Website: www.glasgowlife.org.uk

Clip n’ Climb and Soft Play sessions will run with a reduced capacity, no music and lower levels of lighting. Sensory toys and mats are available. These Autism friendly sessions are available every Wednesday...

Barbie: The Exhibition

Venue: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Website: www.glasgowlife.org.uk

This major new exhibition looks at the history and design of the world’s most famous and iconic dolls. Go and celebrate how Barbie has inspired generations across the world for almost seventy years.Featuring...

Briarlands Farm

Venue: Blairdrummond, Stirling

Website: www.briarlandsfarm.co.uk

From jumping pillows and football golf to climbing frames and go-karts and this October they also have pumpkin picking available! You'll find plenty of photo opportunities inside the pumpkin tunnel and...

CoderDojo Coding Clubs

Venue: Various Locations

Website: www.glasgowlife.org.uk

Visit your local library and find out how to make computer games, interactive stories, music, art, robots, apps and more. Glasgow Libraries have a network of free coding clubs where kids can learn how...

Discover Glasgow in 45 stops!

Venue: Glasgow City

Website: www.citysightseeingglasgow.co.uk

Discover Glasgow with City Sightseeing’s Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour, featuring 45 stops across two vibrant routes - Red and Yellow. Enjoy unlimited travel for one or two days, exploring iconic landmarks...

Family and Kid's Chess Clubs (Ages 5–16)

Venue: Maryhill, Pollokshields, Partick and Polloshaws Library

Website: www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/kids-chess-clubs

Fun and friendly chess meet-ups at your local library. Whether you're just learning the moves or looking to sharpen your strategy, the chess clubs are open to all. All abilities welcome – from beginners...

Golf It!

Venue: 1240 Cumbernauld Road, Glasgow

Website: www.golf-it.com

On the banks of Hogganfield Loch, Golf It! offers a world of great value activities for all ages and abilities.The most popular attraction is the immersive, family-friendly Driving Range. Equipped with...

Home Educator Visits

Venue: Glasgow Science Centre

Website: www.glasgowsciencecentre.org

Home Educators are welcome to visit Glasgow Science Centre at a discounted rate during weekdays in Glasgow term time only.Families visiting are welcome to join visiting school groups in curriculum-linked,...

Learn to skate with Braehead Ice Centre

Venue: Braehead Ice Centre

Website: www.braeheadicecentre.co.uk/learn-to-skate

Have you always wanted to be able to skate like a pro? Accredited by British Ice Skating, learn-to-skate courses will help you learn how to spin and glide around the ice like a pro! Skating lessons include...

Rangers Soccer Academy Classes

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.rangers.co.uk

Rangers Soccer Centres offer a wide range of opportunities for youngsters during term time. There are also Advanced Soccer Centres for budding footballers who feel they are ready to progress to the next...

Stagecoach Performing Arts

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.stagecoach.co.uk

Stagecoach teaches kids from 4-18 to sing, dance, and act. The Greater Glasgow area has schools in Newton Mearns, East Kilbride, Milngavie, and Kirkintilloch. Lessons are challenging and fun with Stagecoach...

The National Wallace Monument

Venue: Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Road

Address: Stirling

Website: www.nationalwallacemonument.com

Perfect for a family day out, The National Wallace Monument offers something for everyone. Explore interactive exhibition galleries, climb the famous 246-step spiral staircase, and enjoy panoramic views...

The National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCOS)

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.nycos.co.uk/regional-choirs-join-us

Does your child love to sing? (NYCOS) Regional Choirs are a fun and relaxed way for them to develop their musicianship skills while connecting with others. To sign up for a free trial for the upcoming...

Weans’ Scran and Kitchin

Venue: Unit 85, Enterprise Park, 147 Drakemire Dr

Website: https://lnk.bio/weanskitchin

Weans’ Scran and Kitchin are a children’s cooking school based in Glasgow Southside providing cooking classes for 7-12 year olds after-school, weekends and school holidays. They are also available...

Cumbernauld’s Big Variety Bash

Venue: Lanternhouse

Website: www.lanternhousearts.org

This special fundraising event brings together a fantastic line-up of local favourites and special guests, with all proceeds supporting the future of Cumbernauld Theatre.The line-up so far includes Cateran,...

Topgolf Glasgow

Venue: 10 Duchess Place

Website: www.topgolf.com

Play and fun for all ages and all skill levels at Topgolf Glasgow. Book online with code PRIMARY20 for 20% off gameplay. Valid for one bay, not valid on Tuesdays and Sundays, cannot be combined with any...

Halloween Museum Trail

Venue: Kilmartin Museum

Website: www.kilmartin.org

Follow the Halloween Trail through the museum and see if you can spot every hidden pumpkin! A spooky, fun-filled activity for visitors of all ages. The trail is included in the museum admission price.

Swan Lake

Venue: Hamilton Town House

Website: www.slleisureandculture.co.uk

On the edge of a moonlit lake, Prince Siegfried meets Odette - a swan by day, a woman by night, bound by a spell only true love can break. But at the royal ball, darkness rises as the Black Swan steals...

The Enchanted Forest

Venue: Loch Dunmore Faskally Wood

Website: www.enchantedforest.org.uk

Celebrating 25 Years of Scotland’s Favourite Sound and Light Show. Expect spectacular light installations, immersive soundscapes and moments of wonder woven throughout Faskally Wood, all inspired by...

October week at Glasgow Science Centre

Venue: Glasgow Science Centre

Website: www.glasgowsciencecentre.org

Make Glasgow Science Centre part of your Autumn break and join them for fun, hands-on family adventures. With lots to see and do for all ages, visit them by the Clyde this October and discover something...

Brick M8

Venue: Summerlee Museum

Website: www.northlanculture.co.uk

Join Summerlee Museum as LEGO builders from across Scotland display their latest LEGO creations and displays.

Brick M8

Venue: Summerlee Museum

Website: www.northlanculture.co.uk

Join Summerlee Museum as LEGO builders from across Scotland display their latest LEGO creations and displays.

Egyptian Puppets with SMPC

Venue: The Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Website: www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

Go and make your very own Egyptian Rod Puppet, complete with decorative collar and also a king or Queen or Anubis the Animal God. All Materials included. This workshop links with Tales of Ancient Egypt...

Pumpkin Pick and Play

Venue: M&D's

Address: Strathclyde Country Park

Website: www.scotlandsthemepark.com/event/pumpkin-pick-play

Includes unlimited rides all day (wristband valid 12–6pm, usual conditions apply), a chance to pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch (child ticket), ride on the Pumpkin Express Train, Pumpkin arts and...

Scottish International Storytelling Centre

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.sisf.org.uk

The Festival takes place in October each year, as the seasons change with long nights drawing families and friends around the hearth, inspired by the Scottish ceilidh tradition and its sense of togetherness...

Spookfest at Landmark

Venue: Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Website: www.landmarkpark.co.uk

This October, the park will come alive with spooky surprises and eerie excitement for the whole family! From creepy photo ops to frightfully fun activities, there’s something for every little monster...

Tales of Ancient Egypt by Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre

Venue: The Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Website: www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

Accompany the Explorer as he ventures to uncover the tale of the first Mummy. A story of sibling rivalry, magic, and great loyalty. Osiris is the King, but his brother Seth is determined to seize the throne....

There’s A Monster In Your Show

Venue: Lanternhouse

Website: www.lanternhousearts.org

Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ series tours the UK. Expect playful fun for your littlest ones as...

Artie's Singing Kettle - Halloween

Venue: The Pavilion Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com

Take your Halloween spirit and don your most creative costume for a show bursting with magic and merriment. Celebrate the season with fun that’s enchanting for kids and entertaining for adults. Nostalgia...

Crafty Puppets - Make it with SMPC

Venue: The Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Website: www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

Have a wonderful time creating your very own rod puppet. Build your design from colourful bits and bobs and learn to do amazing things with recycled materials. Have fun styling your hair and costume,...

The Giant Bubble Show

Venue: Cottiers Theatre

Address: 93-95 Hyndland St

Website: www.cottiers.com

Bubble Inc presents... The Giant Bubble Show! A fast-paced, high-impact bubble spectacle starring the one and only Bubble Wizard! Expect jaw-dropping giant bubbles, swirling bubble storms, and shimmering...

The Gruffalo 25th Anniversary Tour

Venue: OneRen

Address: 11 Christie Street

Website: www.oneren.org

A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood… Tall Stories’ much-loved magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler returns by popular demand, celebrating...

Autumn Explorers

Venue: National Museum of Rural Life

Website: www.nms.ac.uk

Ever wondered why there’s a school holiday in October? Go along and discover how this tradition began when children would swap the classroom for the fields to help with the tattie howking. Find out how...

Bird workshops

Venue: Edward House

Website: www.visitglasgow.com

Enjoy the sounds and the colours of different birds in these creative sessions led by artists Màiri MacMillan and Cashlin MacKenzie. Suitable for adults as well as children (every participating child...

October School Break: Morbid Mini Mills

Venue: New Lanark World Heritage Site

Website: www.newlanark.org/events/october-school-break-morbid-mini-mills

From digging up bones, to spinning spider webs, the New Lanark is packed with lots of frightful fun this October break. Tues- Thurs at 12pm, 1pm and 3pm. Each session is included in a standard Visitor...

Scotland v Czechia Women's World Cup Play-Off

Venue: The Marbill Coaches Stadium

Website: www.stmirren.com/club/stadium

It’s all eyes on Brazil 2027, as the Scotland Women’s National Team aim to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Head along for the perfect half-term action – you could see world-class players...

Love Spoon Puppets - Make It with Camille Pagniez

Venue: The Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Website: www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

Step into the magical world of spoon puppetry for a fun family time with Camile Pagniez the creator of many of our very own puppet and mask kits that are in the cafe. What quirky character will you make......

Magic Gareth: Balloonatic

Venue: Eastwood Theatre

Website: www.enjoyeastren.org

Ever wanted to see a Balloon fly on its own? Witness the biggest Balloon in the world? Magic Gareth is a total Balloonatic and brings this rip-roaring family magic show live to Eastwood Theatre. MG is...

Magic Gareth: Balloonatuc

Venue: Eastwood Theatre

Website: www.enjoyeastren.org

Ever wanted to see a Balloon fly on its own? Witness the biggest Balloon in the world? Magic Gareth is a total Balloonatic and brings this rip-roaring family magic show live to Eastwood Theatre. MG is...

Monkey Business By Gary Dunn

Venue: The Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Website: www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

Gary and his playful sidekick, Chico the Monkey, are back! Get ready for more monkey mischief and banana antics in a magical show that will delight audiences of all ages, leaving everyone in stitches of...

Make Magic Workshop with Magic Moria

Venue: The Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Website: www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

Go along to see some magic, learn some of magic, make magic! A real hands on workshop with advice given about performing too, as Moira shares her love and passion for magic. Take it home, wow your friends......

The Littlest Yak

Venue: OneRen

Address: 11 Christie Street

Website: www.oneren.org

This musical adaptation of the award-winning children’s book will delight audiences young and old with beautiful puppets, catchy tunes and an uplifting tale of self-acceptance for all the family.A gorgeous...

Giants Live - The World Tour Finals 2026

Venue: OVO Hydro

Website: www.ovohydro.com

The Hydro has hosted countless unforgettable strongman moments — and in 2026, it’s set to raise the bar even higher. Expect raw power, unrelenting intensity, and the ultimate test of human strength...

Halloween Lanterns

Venue: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Website: www.glasgowlife.org.uk

Get into the spooky spirit and make your own glass lantern! Glass jars will be provided. 1pm - 4pm drop in. This event is delivered by RSPB.

Love Automata - MAKE IT with Colleen Magennis

Venue: The Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Website: www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

Design and create your own automata. This workshop will introduce you to some of the basic mechanics used, to make automata twist, jump and twirl...with a turn of the handle let your creativity take flight....

There's a Monster in your Show

Venue: Eastwood Theatre

Website: www.enjoyeastren.org

A high-energy 50-minute adventure featuring lively original music, this show is the perfect introduction to live theatre. Expect plenty of playful fun for your littlest ones as their favourite characters...

Stories Just in Case! by Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre

Venue: The Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Website: www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

Something for everyone, young and old in these short, perfect pieces of theatre. Inside each case lives a story about Mermaids, Fisherman's Wishes and Kings. A lovely magical show for all ages who love...

Gaggle

Venue: Lanternhouse

Website: www.lanternhousearts.org

Gaggle is a theatre performance featuring physical comedy, circus and live music. It is made for audiences of young people with complex additional support needs (ASN), and their families.

GLOC presents 42nd Street

Venue: King's Theatre, Glasgow

Website: www.atgtickets.com

With dazzling tap routines, glittering costumes, and unforgettable songs like “We’re in the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” and “Forty-Second Street,” this high-energy...

Gaggle

Venue: OneRen

Address: 11 Christie Street

Website: www.oneren.org

Gaggle is a theatre performance featuring physical comedy, circus and live music. It is made for audiences of young people with complex additional support needs (ASN), and their families.

Halloween Fright Nights – Stranger Bings

Venue: Almond Valley Heritage Centre

Website: www.almondvalley.co.uk

Stranger Bings transforms the 23 acre site into a mysterious world where mad science has gone spectacularly wrong. Expect eerie encounters, live characters, spine-tingling special effects and plenty of...

Children's Classic Concerts: Creepy Carnival

Venue: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.glasgowlife.org.uk

With fairground frights and flickering lights, will you be brave enough to visit the Creepy Carnival this Halloween? With cobwebbed Ferris Wheels creakily turning and rusty rollercoasters abandoned with...

Gladiators Live Tour 2026

Venue: OVO Hydro

Website: www.ovohydro.com

This adrenaline-fuelled two-hour event sees the legendary Gladiators storm back into the arena to face fearless contenders in a heart-pounding live adaptation of the smash-hit television phenomenon. With...

Guided Tours of Bridgeton Bus Garage

Venue: Bridgeton Bus Garage

Website: www.gvvt.org

Pre-booked guided tours of Bridgeton Bus Garage, home of the Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust. Tours take around one hour and typically include a regular tour (usually 12noon) and a family tour (usually 2pm)...

K-POP Dance Heroes

Venue: Eastwood Theatre

Website: www.enjoyeastren.org

Sing and dance along with the K-POP Dance Heroes as they take you on a musical adventure through the biggest K-Pop hits of all time. Features live vocalists and is filled with high energy, synchronized...

Villain Halloween Party

Venue: M&D's

Website: www.scotlandsthemepark.com

A frightfully fun afternoon for the whole family – no tricks just treats. Go and join the mischievous villains for an interactive party. Be ready to have fun playful surprises, games, songs and much...

Relaxed Afternoons

Venue: National Museum of Rural Life

Website: www.nms.ac.uk

Relaxed Afternoons for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore the museum without noisy...

The Witch's Lair - Halloween Family Party

Venue: Glasgow Science Centre

Website: www.glasgowsciencecentre.org

Get ready for a night of magical mischief as Glasgow Science Centre is transformed into The Witch's Lair.Explore three floors of interactive science, hands-on activities and Halloween surprises designed...

CoCo – Cinema Screening

Venue: Eastwood Theatre

Website: www.enjoyeastren.org

Aspiring musician Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) teams up with charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael Garcia Bernal) on an extraordinary journey through the Land of the Dead.

The Witch and the Egg by Luminous Tales

Venue: The Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Website: www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

One performer and a flock of shadow puppets tell a joyful and heartwarming story about friends, foolishness and flying away! Should she have it for breakfast or hatch it? And what will she do once it hatches?...

Witches, Wizards and Ghosts Shadow Puppet Workshop

Venue: The Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Website: www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

Have an exciting time with the puppeteer, where you can learn to create a shadow puppet. Cast your character's shadow onto the illuminated screen and make up your own spooky story, as Halloween night is...

Stars in the Sky by Luminous Tales

Venue: The Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Website: www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

A shadow puppet show in a scrolling rolling light up shadow box machine otherwise known as a ‘crankie’. As the light comes on, the stars glow and as the doors open the scenery scrolls before your eyes...

Glasgow's Winter Wonderland

Venue: St Enoch and Glasgow City Centre

Website: www.glasgowswinterwonderland.com

Capture the magic of the Christmas Glasgow style, at Winter Wonderland at St Enoch and Glasgow Green this festive season. Take a spin on this year’s bigger and better ice rink and don’t forget to grab...

Strathaven Fireworks and Bonfire Night

Venue: Strathaven Park

Website: www.tickettailor.com/events/strathavenroundtable/2388620

Remember, Remember the 7th of November! To safely manage demand, this will be a ticket only event. Advisable to book early — once tickets are gone, they’re gone!

Helensburgh Firework Display 2026

Venue: Helensburgh Waterfront (Civic Centre)

Website: www.helensburghheart.com

Join Helensburgh waterfront for their annual spectacular firework display. Commencing at 4pm at the Civic Centre, enjoy a drink, some food and live music before the fireworks begin. Plus plenty of novelties...

Junior School Taster Week

Venue: Hamilton College

Website: www.hamiltoncollege.co.uk

The best way to get to know a school? Become part of it for the day. Learn, make friends and get stuck into life at Hamilton College.

Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical

Venue: Theatre Royal Glasgow

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II.Operation Mincemeat...

Snow Queen by Clive Chandler and His Puppets

Venue: The Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Website: www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

Encounter the Icy Snow Queen in a timeless story presented with glove puppets by the seasoned puppeteer Clive Chandler. This adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale explores the battle between...

Jack and the Beanstalk by Clive Chandler

Venue: The Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Website: www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

How does Jack tackle a GIANT problem and show that occasionally having your head in the clouds is beneficial... truly! An entertaining puppet show that captivates both children and adults alike.Also Craft...

Matilda The Musical

Venue: Theatre Royal Glasgow

Website: www.atgtickets.com

With book by Dennis Kelly, music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and directed by Matthew Warchus, Matilda is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares...

The Snaw Queen

Venue: Tron Theatre

Website: www.tron.co.uk

Christmas is running like a dream down in Santa’s workshop. All nice and naughty lists have been checked off. Nothing can go wrong. Until a broken magic mirror unleashes pure chaos and transforms Rudie...

Aladdin (Pantomime)

Venue: King's Theatre, Glasgow

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Enter a whole new world of pantomime with a brand-new version of Aladdin starring Elaine C Smith as Mother Goose, Johnny Mac as Aladdin, Darren Brownlie as Spirit of the Ring, and Hannah Jarrett-Scott...

Aladdie

Venue: Lanternhouse

Website: www.lanternhousearts.org

Aladdie is a boy who’s so poor he hasnae even got a name. He’s just a laddie. Packed with original catchy songs, jokes, dances, thrills, laughter and soapy slapstick, Aladdie is a fast, hysterically...

Beauty and the Beast

Venue: Airdrie Town Hall

Website: www.northlanculture.co.uk

North Lanarkshire Council’s annual festive pantomime returns to Airdrie Town Hall this Christmas with Beauty and the Beast. In conjunction with Spillers Pantomimes, expect the usual fast paced production...

The Polar Express™

Venue: Edinburgh Waverley Station

Website: www.edinburghthepolarexpressride.com

The Polar Express™ train ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story on board a real train. Passengers are served hot chocolate and a treat by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the...

Cinderella

Venue: Citizens Theatre

Website: www.citz.co.uk

You’re invited to celebrate Christmas at the Citz! Join them for a fun twist on the much-loved fairytale. Full of magic and mischief, Cinderella is the perfect choice for families looking for alternative,...

New Lanark's Christmas Experience 2026

Venue: New Lanark, World Heritage Site

Website: www.newlanark.org/events/christmas-at-new-lanark-2026

Designed especially for children aged 1 to 8, every ticket includes a magical visit with Santa in his festive grotto, where each child receives a cuddly soft toy gift. Guests can also enjoy The Wiz That...

Snow White and the 7 Muppets

Venue: Cottiers Theatre

Address: 93-95 Hyndland St

Website: www.cottiers.com

Join Snow White and the gang for an all-singing, all-dancing family pantomime full of cheer. Simply the fairest show in all the pantosphere! Will Snow win Panto’s Got Talent? Can Snow and her Muppet...