Glasgow Cocktail Week returns in 2026 with an 11-day celebration of cocktails, bars, food, music and mixology across the city. Taking place from Thursday 24 September to Sunday 4 October 2026, the festival brings together more than 70 participating venues, exclusive cocktail menus, parties, tastings, cocktail trails and interactive master classes.
The annual event has been running since 2018 and is designed to showcase Glasgow’s diverse hospitality and cocktail culture. For visitors and local residents, the festival provides an opportunity to discover established cocktail bars while trying drinks created specifically for the occasion.
What Is Glasgow Cocktail Week?
Glasgow Cocktail Week is a city-wide cocktail festival that brings participating bars and restaurants together under one programme. During the 2026 edition, more than 70 venues are expected to participate, with over 250 exclusive cocktails available across the festival.
The festival combines discounted drinks with special events and educational experiences. Wristband holders can access exclusive festival menus and receive £2 off participating festival cocktails, with selected cocktails starting from £6.
Rather than being confined to one festival site, Glasgow Cocktail Week encourages visitors to explore different parts of the city. Cocktail trails, venue takeovers and special events make it possible to create an individual itinerary based on preferred drinks, neighbourhoods and entertainment.
Glasgow Cocktail Week 2026 Dates
Dates: 24 September – 4 October 2026
Location: Various venues across Glasgow
Participating venues: 70+
Festival wristband: £5
Master classes: From £10
The official programme confirms that the 2026 festival runs for 11 days, incorporating the September Weekend.
Visitors should check individual event listings before travelling because some parties, tastings and master classes require separate bookings.
How Does Glasgow Cocktail Week Work?
The festival is built around a digital ticket and wristband system. Visitors can purchase a festival wristband and exchange it at the designated ticket hub from 20 September. The wristband can then be shown at participating venues to access festival offers and experiences.
A typical Glasgow Cocktail Week experience can include:
- Visiting several participating cocktail bars
- Sampling exclusive festival cocktails
- Following curated cocktail trails
- Attending cocktail master classes
- Joining venue takeovers and parties
- Exploring special tasting menus
- Discovering different areas of Glasgow through its hospitality scene
The wristband is valid throughout the festival period, making it suitable for visitors planning multiple nights out rather than a single event.
Participating Glasgow Cocktail Week Venues
One of the biggest attractions is the number and variety of participating venues. The 2026 programme includes bars, restaurants and entertainment spaces across Glasgow.
Participating venues include Absent Ear, Bar Dani, Champagne Central, Devil of Brooklyn, Dishoom, El Santo, Five March, House of Gods, Kelvingrove Café, KONG, Porter & Rye, Saints of Ingram, Tabac, The Gate, The Last Bookstore and VEGA, among many others.
This variety means the festival is not limited to one particular cocktail style. Visitors can discover classic cocktails, contemporary creations, gin-based drinks, tequila cocktails, whisky serves, Champagne cocktails and coffee-inspired creations.
Glasgow Cocktail Week Launch Party
The festival begins on Thursday 24 September with a launch party at KONG, running from 6pm to 10pm.
House of Gods, Absent Ear, Kelvingrove Café and Bar Dani will bring their bartenders and signature cocktails together for the opening celebration. The event is planned to include DJs, festival cocktails, a Spritz experience, interactive tarot readings and other entertainment. Entry is free for Glasgow Cocktail Week wristband holders, subject to availability.
The launch party offers an introduction to the festival atmosphere before visitors begin exploring the wider programme.
Cocktail Master classes at Glasgow Cocktail Week
For visitors interested in learning rather than simply drinking, the master class programme provides hands-on experiences.
Sessions are being hosted at VEGA and cover a range of spirits and cocktail styles. The 2026 programme includes sessions focused on Scottish gin, Margaritas, Spritzes, Espresso Martinis, Old Fashioneds and Champagne.
Examples include:
Scottish Gin Cocktails
The Scottish Gin Cocktails Masterclass explores drinks such as the Bramble, Negroni and Tom Collins while introducing participants to Ben Lomond Gin.
Margarita Master class
The Patrón Presents: Margarita session focuses on the preparation of Spicy Margaritas and Palomas while exploring tequila.
Spritz Masterclass
The St-Germain session explores seasonal Spritz cocktails and provides practical guidance on creating the drinks at home.
Espresso Martini Masterclass
The Brugal 1888 Espresso Martini experience combines cocktail preparation with an introduction to Dominican rum.
Masterclasses are priced at £10, with tickets including cocktails and an interactive session. Spaces are limited, so advance booking is recommended.
Special Events and Parties
Glasgow Cocktail Week extends beyond traditional cocktail tastings. The 2026 programme includes themed parties, venue takeovers and late-night celebrations.
A Dolly Parton 925 Party is scheduled for 25 September at Saints of Ingram, while a day party is planned at VEGA on 26 September. A Belvedere party is also scheduled at House of Gods on 2 October.
The programme also includes a Porter & Rye takeover at The Gate on 3 and 4 October, combining food and cocktails.
These events demonstrate how Glasgow Cocktail Week connects cocktail culture with music, food, themed entertainment and nightlife.
Why Attend Glasgow Cocktail Week?
The festival provides several ways to experience Glasgow’s drinks scene.
Discover exclusive cocktails: Participating venues create special drinks and menus specifically for the festival.
Explore different bars: The city-wide format encourages visitors to move between venues and neighbourhoods.
Learn mixology: Master classes provide opportunities to learn cocktail preparation from drinks professionals.
Enjoy live entertainment: DJs, themed parties and takeovers add a social element to the festival.
Try different spirits: Gin, whisky, tequila, rum, Champagne and other spirits feature throughout the programme.
Plan a group night out: The organisers are also offering group ticket packages, including a four-ticket package for the price of two at the time of publication.
Tips for Planning a Glasgow Cocktail Week Visit
A little planning can make it easier to experience the festival without rushing between venues.
Choose a Cocktail Trail
Selecting venues within the same area can reduce travel time and leave more opportunity to enjoy each location.
Book Master classes Early
Master classes have limited capacity, so advance reservations are advisable for popular sessions.
Check Individual Venue Details
Opening hours, food service, event requirements and booking arrangements can vary between participating venues.
Allow Time between Drinks
With numerous venues and events available, responsible pacing is important. Water, food and breaks can help make a long festival itinerary more comfortable.
Check the Official Programme
The festival schedule can change as additional events and venue details are announced. The official Glasgow Cocktail Week website provides the latest programme, participating venues and ticket information.
Glasgow Cocktail Week 2026: What to Expect
Glasgow Cocktail Week 2026 combines the city’s established cocktail bars with exclusive menus, educational sessions, themed parties and city-wide experiences. With more than 70 participating venues and hundreds of festival cocktails, the event gives visitors numerous ways to explore Glasgow’s drinks culture between 24 September and 4 October 2026.
Whether the itinerary focuses on cocktail trails, masterclasses, food pairings, rooftop-style experiences or late-night parties, the festival offers a broad programme centred on Glasgow’s hospitality scene.
