Arcadia Scotland

Art and Culture

Culture 2014: Throughout the Beginning of August, Various Venues

A national celebration counting down to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Culture 2014 will showcase dance, theater, music, visual arts, comedy and so much more in the run up to the Games. Everyone’s invited!

Art on Scotland: Through 3 August, Various Venues on Sauchiehall Street

A new arts venture showcasing the work of artists living in Scotland. Creative professionals exhibit work and perform live art demonstrations alongside arts charities promoting their work, live music and street theatre. The events aims to allow exhibitors and visitors the opportunity to meet, trade ideas, make collaborations and appreciate the rich vein of creativity in Glasgow.

The Artist at Arta: A Scottish Perspective: Through 3 August, Arta

Fun, Scottish-themed paintings from J M Fulton.

Building a Legacy: The Athlete's Village: Throughout the Beginning of August, The Lighthouse,

A showcase for one of the most lasting legacies of the 2014 Commonwealth Games: the Athletes' Village, built in the East End of the city and featuring 700 sustainable Eco-homes and a 120-bed care home.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh: Begonias: Throughout the Beginning of August, Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery

View one of Mackintosh's London still lifes, which draws on his lifelong botanical studies.

Music, Comedy and Dance

Angus Lyon and Duncan Lyall: 9 August, CCA, 8pm

Two of Scotland's finest composers, Angus Lyon and Duncan Lyall, embark on a double bill tour of '3G' and 'Infinite Reflections' which originated as Celtic Connections Commissions in 2011 and 2012 respectively.

Magners Summer Nights: Throughout the Beginning of August, Kelvingrove Bandstand and Ampitheatre

A new music festival held at the recently refurbished, 2500 capacity bandstand in Kelvingrove Park. The festival takes place across two weekends in August with performances from Steve Earle (Thursday 7), The Waterboys (Friday 8), Alison Moyet (Saturday 9), Capercaillie (Thursday 14), Teenage Fanclub (Friday 15) and Squeeze (Saturday 16). It also features a Magners Village including a cider garden and street food. Let's hope they're sunny summer nights!

East End Social: Through 8 August, Various Venues

Organized by Glasgow indie label Chemikal Underground the East End Social is part music showcase, part community-engagement project and an official Culture 2014 event. The project aims to bring a diverse range of music to a Glasgow's East End venues with performances from The Nectarine No 9, King Ayisoba and RM Hubbert already confirmed. There are also tea dances, a gala day and music workshops to name a few.

Lori Watson and Fiona Black: 7 August, People's Palace and Winter Gardens, 1pm

Lori Watson – on fiddle and vocals – and Fiona Black – on accordion – perform trad music and song.

New Music Biennial: 1-2 August, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Special weekend showcase featuring a broad range of new work, in classical, world music and other genres.

Piping Live!: Beginning 11 August, Various Venues and Times

It's the tenth year of this annual week-long celebration of piping, including contemporary and traditional, solo and pipe bands and more. The World Pipe Band Championships take place on the second to last day at Glasgow Green, with free family displays in the George Square area.

Lectures, Sports and Local Festivals

Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games: Through 3 August, Various Venues and Times

All eyes are on Glasgow as the city hosts the 2014 Commonwealth Games, offering lucky spectators a spectacular display of power and skill from all over the world. Medals are available in 17 sports, from popular usual suspects athletics, swimming and cycling to quirkier events such as rugby sevens, lawn bowls and squash.

BBC at the Quay: 1-3 August, Science Centre

Live music, food and drink and a big screen show all of your favorite BBC shows for free. The high-punching programme includes sets from Texas, Simple Minds, Paloma Faith and Amy Macdonald, plus loads of BBC-centric activities for the whole family. Access is free, but some events are ticketed.

Glasgow Green Closing Ceremony: 3 August, Glasgow Green, 7pm

Treacherous Orchestra lead a rousing party celebrating the XX Commonwealth Games. It's your last chance to experience Glasgow Green Live Zone before the Closing Ceremony is shown on giant screens.

Merchant City Festival: Through 3 August, Merchant City

Glasgow's swanky part of town continues to round together culture in its diverse festival. Previous years have seen comedy, theater and art events cramming themselves into the area's fashionable buildings, while street performers add to the festival atmosphere.