A much-loved festival is bringing its biggest ever programme of free family fun to the heart of Glasgow this summer.
The annual Merchant City Festival, delivered by Glasgow Life, returns from July 24 to August 2,offering visitor 10 days of entertainment across the Merchant City and surrounding areas.
Thanks to new funding from the Glasgow 2026 Festival, this year’s event will feature more than double the number of events and performers than in 2025.
The majority of events are free to attend, making the festival one of the most accessible options for summer entertainment in Glasgow
For the first time, the festival will also expand into The Briggait, transforming the historic venue into an indoor cultural hub.
The Briggait will host Clydeside Commons, a dedicated space offering street food, DJ sets and interactive family activities inspired by the River Clyde.
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The Briggait (Image: Contributed)
This year’s programme includes live music, creative workshops, global street food, storytelling and dance.
Two highlights in the expanded Briggait programme are the Watershed children’s activities and the Clydeside Commons food and culture zone, both of which offer a relaxed indoor setting for families to enjoy between events.
One of the standout events for children is the storytelling picnic led by Zimbabwean poet and storyteller Tawona Sithole.
The session, running on July 25 and 26 from 12pm to 1pm, will invite children to bring their cuddly toys and enjoy stories inspired by the River Clyde.
Vince Virr (Image: Contributed)
Another fun addition is Future Town Planners, an interactive workshop led by artist Katrine Turner.
Children will be invited to imagine the future of the Clyde, donning fake moustaches and exploring what Glasgow could look like through hands-on play.
This session will run on July 25 and 26 from 1pm to 4pm.
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The Briggait will also come alive in the evenings with DJ sets featuring global sounds and Glasgow talent.
A special session curated by Parveens will take place on July 31, followed by Radio Buena Vida x Jess Maloney’s World of Twist on August 1.
Food vendors Raffa’s Kitchen, Uplands Roast and Delhi’s Winter will be on hand throughout the festival.
On July 25, a free family ceilidh featuring the Celine Donoghue Band will be held at Merchant Square from 5pm to 7pm.
Merchant Square will also host a family day on July 25 and 26 from 11am to 5pm.
The event will feature roaming performers, entertainers in towering wigs, clown acts, acrobatics and playful activities for children of all ages.
Candleriggs Square will be home to a 10-day street food market featuring flavours from around the world, as well as a live music stage and a family activity area.
Full details and booking information are available at glasgowlife.org.uk/whats-on/merchant-city-festival.