Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games is back for another stint from 23 July – 2 August 2026. Held every four years, this multi-sport event welcomes athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations, competing for medals while celebrating our rich sporting culture. This summer, be part of the sporting action and plan a city break to Glasgow with lots of things to do and if you have time, the opportunity to explore further.

De Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026

Key facts about the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Glasgow

Official name: XXIII Commonwealth Games

Host city: Glasgow, Scotland

Dates: 23 July – 2 August 2026

Nations participating: 74

Athletes participating: 3,000

Events: 215 medal events

Sports: 10 (Athletics and Para Athletics, Swimming & Para Swimming, Track Cycling & Para Track Cycling, Artistic Gymnastics, 3x3 Basketball & Wheelchair Basketball, Boxing, Judo, Netball, Bowls & Para Bowls, Weightlifting & Para Powerlifting)

Venues: Scotstoun Stadium (athletics), Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena & Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Scottish Event Campus (SEC)

Fourth time Scotland hosts (1970, 1986 Edinburgh; 2014 & 2026 Glasgow)

Things to do during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Whether you’ve got a ticket for the Commonwealth Games or wish to experience the buzz of the city, Glasgow has a wealth of attractions to suit all ages and budgets. Check out some of our top recommendations on where to visit.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow

Experience Glasgow’s cultural scene

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

Discover world-class art, historic artefacts and natural history displays. Highlights include Salvidor Dali’s, Christ of St John of the Cross, a real WWII Spitfire plane, ancient Egyptian artefacts and famous artworks by Van Gogh, Monet and Scottish artists all spread across 22 galleries.

Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA)

During the Games, make sure to catch Liquid Land. This large-scale exhibition runs from June until September 2026 and explores powerful global stories about identity and heritage. If you’re into your photography, Still Glasgow is a must-visit exhibition and showcases over 80 images that capture the city’s people, culture and changing identity over time.

Enjoy a day out at the GoMA

Glasgow Science Centre

If you’re looking for something for all the family, make sure to add Glasgow Science Centre to your list. Inside, you’ll find hundreds of hands-on exhibits from trying out cool experiments and watching live science shows to exploring space in the planetarium. It’s also home to Scotland’s largest IMAX cinema, a great place to relax and watch a blockbuster film.

Discover Glasgow Science Centre

Streetfood van Mowgli, Glasgow

Delicious food and drink experiences

An action-packed day of sporting events and sightseeing will no doubt give you an appetite! In Glasgow, you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines that will keep you refueled throughout the day. Check out the best dining spots across the city and make a reservation before tables are snapped up.

City Centre – ideal if you’re around fan zones, George Square or shopping areas

Paesano Pizza – quick and affordable pizzas
Bread Meats Bread – a family-owned business known for their standout burgers, poutine and creamy milkshakes.
Mowgli Street Food – authentic Indian tapas, perfect for group bookings

West End – a perfect spot if you’re watching athletics events

Ka Pao – Southeast Asian cuisine, offering a variety of meat and seafood dishes
Ox and Finch – contemporary sharing plates open from noon until late
The Ubiquitous Chip – sample some of the best Scottish cuisine

Finnieston – best for quality and variety

Eleven Fifty Five – celebrates the best of Scottish cuisine
Crabshakk – a tasty seafood favourite
El Perro Negro – enjoy a selection of mouth-watering burgers

Casual dining spots – perfect for a quick bite to eat between events

Topolabamba – freshly prepared dishes made from scratch which focus on Mexican cuisine.
Pizza Punks – create your own pizza with your choice of toppings.
Mono – perfect for our veggie and vegan friends

Find more food and drink spots in Glasgow

De Finnieston kraan en de Clyde Arc aan de rivier de Clyde, Glasgow

Explore Glasgow outdoors

With summer in full swing, step into the fresh air and make the most of the longer, brighter days. Soak up the sunshine in Glasgow Green or Kelvingrove Park, where you can relax with a picnic and recap with friends or family on all the sporting action of the Games. If you’re looking to explore the city on two wheels, the River Clyde’s dedicated cycle path offers a smooth and mostly flat ride, keeping you away from busy traffic.

Sporting events

Scotland’s sporting calendar is only just beginning. Check out other exciting events taking place in 2026.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup

This international off-road cycling international race at Kelvingrove Park features the world’s top riders battling mud-soaked, technical courses.

The Gravelfoyle Weekender

This gravel cycling event offers off-road routes through The Trossachs for all abilities.

Scottish National Athletics Championships

Scotland's top track and field athletes compete for national races.

Explore further

Discover unforgettable escapes just beyond Glasgow. From the serene beauty of Loch Lomond and Ayrshire’s coastal charm to the rich history of Stirling and the vibrant culture of Edinburgh.

Ayrshire

Discover the beauty of Ayrshire with historic links to William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Robert Burns.

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park

Discover centuries of history and a beautiful landscape, right on the doorstep of the central cities.

Stirling

Let Scotland's historic past capture your imagination in Stirling.

Edinburgh

Explore the wealth of historic and modern wonders in Scotland's capital city.

Frequently asked questions

OVO Hydro at night

When is the best time to visit during the Games?

This will entirely depend on the experience you’re after. The first weekend (23-25 July) offers the biggest buzz, with the opening ceremony kicking things off. If you’re looking for a quieter affair, visiting Glasgow midweek will give you more flexibility when it comes to booking places for a bite to eat and exploring some of the city’s top sights alongside the sporting action. Prepare for the final weekend (1-2 August) to be emotional with medal events galore and with the grand finale of the closing ceremony.

Will there be an opening and closing ceremony?

Yes, the opening ceremony will be staged at the OVO Hydro on 23 July 2026, and the closing ceremony will be held on 2 August 2026 with the venue still to be confirmed.

Where are the fan zones?

Although fan zones are expected to be announced in the next coming weeks, expected areas are likely to be the following:

Glasgow Green (main hub)
George Square & city centre
Areas around major venues (SEC, West End)

De ingang van het metrostation van Buchanan Street, Glasgow

How easy is it to get around Glasgow?

Very easy. With all the venues located within a compact eight-mile radius, you won’t need to travel far between events. Public transport options such as trains, buses, and the subway make it simple to move around the city between venues, fan zones, and attractions with minimal hassle.

Find out more about public transport in Glasgow

Will transport be busy?

Yes. Transport will be busier than usual during the Games, so make sure to allow extra time for your journeys. You can expect increased demand across trains, buses, and taxis as well as possible road closures.

Where should I stay?

Glasgow’s city centre is the most convenient base with great transport links, while the West End or Finnieston offers a more lively, local feel close to the SEC. Ultimately whatever you choose will entirely depend on your budget.

Find a place to stay in Glasgow city centre

Check out accommodation options in Glasgow’s West End

Search accommodation places in the Finnieston area