Five of Glasgow’s best-known drinking destinations are joining forces for a major party marking the opening of Glasgow Cocktail Week and the start of the city’s September Weekend.

House of Gods, Absent Ear, Kelvingrove Café and Bar Dani will take over Kong on Thursday 24 September, bringing bartenders and signature cocktails from across the city together under one roof.

Running from 6pm to 10pm, the opening party will feature cocktails created for the festival, sets from some of Glasgow’s best DJs, a dedicated Spritz experience, interactive tarot readings, drink activations, and surprises throughout the evening.

Entry is free exclusively for Glasgow Cocktail Week wristband holders. Wristbands can be purchased in advance at glasgowcocktailweek.com or at the door, subject to availability. First come, first served on the evening. 

The party will officially open Glasgow Cocktail Week 2026, which runs from Thursday 24 September until Sunday 4 October. More than 70 of the city’s leading bars will take part in 11 days of exclusive cocktails, parties, tastings and experiences with more than 250 cocktails on offer, with £2 off every drink for wristband holders and cocktails from £6. 

More than 70 bars will take part in the 11-day festival, serving over 250 exclusive cocktails. Wristband holders will receive £2 off every festival drink, with cocktails starting from £6, alongside access to parties, tastings, takeovers and special events.

2026 Venues

Participating venues include Absent Ear, Bar Dani, Champagne Central, Devil of Brooklyn, Dishoom, El Santo, Five March, House of Gods, iasg at Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel, Kelvingrove Café, KONG, Locale Lunar, Porter & Rye, Saints of Ingram, Si! Si!, St Luke’s, Tabac City and Southside, The Gate, The Last Bookstore and VEGA.

Full Programme

Glasgow Cocktail Week has also revealed its full programme of interactive masterclasses, hosted at VEGA. Guests can learn from leading drinks experts while exploring everything from Champagne and Scottish gin to Margaritas, Spritzes, Old Fashioneds and Espresso Martinis with brands including ChamPagne PIAFF, Hendrick’s Gin, Patron Tequila, St-Germain, Brugal 1888, Ben Lomond Gin, Singleton 12YO whisky and Johnnie Walker. 

Nicola Gemmell-Moir, founder of Glasgow Cocktail Week, said: “Glasgow’s bar scene is at the heart of the festival, so there’s no better way to begin than by bringing five brilliant venues together for one huge opening party.

“Your wristband is your invitation to join us at KONG, discover cocktails created especially for the festival and celebrate the people and places that make Glasgow one of the UK’s most exciting cities for drinks.

“This year, we’ve also packed a lot into both our event and masterclass programme after the success of last year. These intimate sessions have been designed to be fun and accessible, whether you’re a complete beginner or want to sharpen your cocktail-making skills and learn more about your favourite spirits.”

GLASGOW COCKTAIL WEEK PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

GLASGOW COCKTAIL WEEK IN 70+ BARS

24 SEPT – 4 OCT

Exclusive menus, parties and discounted drinks in Glasgow’s best bars.

2026 Venues Include: Absent Ear, AC Marriott, Address Glasgow – North, Bar Dani, Bar Soba, Boom Battle Bar, Champagne Central, Church on the Hill, Committee Room 9, Corinthian, Cornershop, Cosmo St. Enoch, Crescent, Delmonicas, Flight Club Darts, Devil of Brooklyn, Dishoom, El Santo, Finnieston, Five March, Fonn Mòr at Òran Mór, Gael & Grain, Gardener,, Halloumi, Hazel, Henrys, Hide & Seek, Hillhead Bookclub, Hope & Vincent, House of Gods, iasg at Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel, Kelvingrove Café, Kitty O’Shea’s & Kitty O’Shea’s West, KONG, LAB, Lucky Strike, Lunar, Marlborough, Mharsanta, Namaste, Next Door, Porter & Rye, Rioja, Saints of Ingram, Sebb’s, Si! Si!, Social, St Luke’s, Tabac, Tabac Southside, The DAM, The Gate, The Last Bookstore, The Liquor Shop, The Locale, The Parlour, The Social Hub, Truman’s, Van Winkle, VEGA, West Side Tavern, Woody’s, Wunderbar and Wunderbar West End.

THURSDAY 24 SEPTEMBER: LAUNCH PARTY AT KONG

6pm – 10pm: Kong

House of Gods, Absent Ear, Kelvingrove Café and Bar Dani will take over Kong on Thursday 24 September, bringing bartenders and signature cocktails from across the city together under one roof. Expect brilliant drinks from all bars, taort, DJs and a few surprises.

Free for wristband holders. 

FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER: DOLLY PARTON 925 PARTY

5pm – 9pm: Saints of Ingram

Expect pink cowboy hats, sparkling Spritzes and Dolly’s top hits and more. Live DJ will soundtrack the party with favourites from Dolly’s remarkable catalogue, including Jolene, 9 to 5, Here You Come Again and Islands in the Stream.

£10 includes a Hugo Spritz or Hugo Blush, made with St-Germain elderflower liqueur and Champagne PIAFF, a Glasgow Cocktail Week wristband and a pink cowboy hat (first 50)
Book now: https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/dolly-parton-925-party/

SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER: DAY PARTY

2pm – 8pm VEGA

The Day party is back at VEGA. With tarot, DJs on the decks to soundtrack the events and masterclasses on VEGA’s U-bar. Come join the party atmosphere and those skyline views. 

Free for wristband holders

FRIDAY, 2ND OCTOBER: BELVEDERE PARTY
7pm – LATE
HOUSE OF GODS

Step inside House of Gods for a decadent night of Belvedere cocktails, DJs and unapologetic late-night glamour.

Expect lavish surroundings, irresistible drinks and a soundtrack made for dancing as Glasgow Cocktail Week takes over one of the city’s most luxurious party destinations. The first 100 guests with wristbands will receive a complimentary Belvedere cocktail, courtesy of Belvedere.

Free entry for Glasgow Cocktail Week wristband holders.

Sign up here https://www.eventcreate.com/e/houseofgodsglasgowcocktailweek

 

SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER + 4TH OCTOBER: PORTER & RYE TAKEOVER

THE GATE
Saturday 3rd Oct:  5 – 8pm Sunday 4 Oct: 1 – 6pm

Glasgow’s top steakhouse is heading East for one weekend. Bringing its must-have Steak Frites and Sunday Roast with banging cocktails on the side.

Book via thegateglasgow.com

SUNDAY, 4TH OCTOBER: TAKEOVER & CLOSING PARTY
TBC
SURPRISE LOCATION

Expect an exclusive cocktail menu created with Patrón Tequila, bringing together the teams from two of Scotland’s most exciting bars – to be revealed soon- for a night of exceptional drinks, good energy and late-night sounds.

DJs will soundtrack the party from start to finish as we raise a glass to another unforgettable Glasgow Cocktail Week

GLASGOW COCKTAIL WEEK MASTERCLASS PROGRAMME

Taking place on Saturday 26 September and Saturday 3 October, the programme will give cocktail lovers the chance to get behind the bar, learn from leading drinks experts and explore everything from Champagne and Scottish gin to Margaritas, Spritzes, Old Fashioneds and Espresso Martinis.

SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER: VEGA AT YOTEL GLASGOW

12.30pm–1.30pm: PIAFF & Popcorn Champagne Tasting

Taste three expressions from the Champagne PIAFF portfolio – Brut NV, Rosé and Blanc de Blancs – during a guided tasting accompanied by popcorn.

£15 Includes three champagnes taters (3 x ¾ glasses)
Book now: https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/champagne-piaff-tasting/     

2pm–3pm: Scottish Gin Cocktails Masterclass

Explore the Bramble, Negroni and Tom Collins with Ben Lomond Gin before learning how to make your favourite. Hosted by Caitlin Marrion of Loch Lomond Group.

Includes two cocktails
Book now https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/scottish-gin-cocktails-masterclass/ 

3.15pm–4.15pm: Welcome to Hendrick’s Gin

Join Hendrick’s UK North Brand Ambassador Calum Fraser for a journey inside the world of Hendrick’s, featuring rare and retired expressions alongside its newest release, Another Hendrick’s.

Includes two cocktails
Book Now: https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/welcome-to-hendricks-gin/ 

3.15pm–4.15pm: Patrón Presents: Margarita

Patrón Brand Ambassador will share the secrets behind the perfect Spicy Margarita and Paloma, accompanied by a guided exploration of Patrón Tequila.

Includes two cocktails https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/patron-margarita-masterclass/ 

4.30pm–5.30pm: St-Germain – A Spritz for Every Season

Discover the origins of St-Germain and learn how to create seasonal Spritz serves at home during this hands-on cocktail session.

Includes two cocktails
Buy tickets here: https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/st-germain-spritz-masterclass/ 

5.30pm–6.15pm: Brugal 1888 Espresso Martini

Learn how premium Dominican rum can bring a rich, smooth twist to the Espresso Martini while exploring the heritage and craftsmanship behind Brugal 1888.

Includes two cocktails
Buy tickets here: https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/espresso-martini-masterclass/ 

Saturday 3 October – VEGA at YOTEL Glasgow

12.30pm–1.30pm: PIAFF & Popcorn Champagne Tasting

Enjoy a guided tasting of Champagne PIAFF Brut NV, Rosé and Blanc de Blancs, accompanied by popcorn.

Includes three champagnes tasters
Book now: https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/champagne-piaff-tasting/     

2pm–3pm: Scottish Gin Cocktails Masterclass

Join Ben Lomond Gin to explore three classic gin cocktails — the Bramble, Negroni and Tom Collins – before making your favourite.

Includes two cocktails
Book now https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/scottish-gin-cocktails-masterclass/ 

3.15pm–4.15pm: Patrón Presents: Margarita

Master the balance of premium tequila, fresh citrus and spice while making the perfect Patrón Spicy Margarita.

Includes two cocktails https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/patron-margarita-masterclass/ 

3.15pm–4.15pm: Mastering Old Fashioneds with Monkey Shoulder

Discover the secrets behind one of the world’s most iconic whisky cocktails and learn how to recreate the perfect Monkey Shoulder Old Fashioned at home.

Includes two cocktails https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/monkey-shoulder-old-fashioned-masterclass/ 

4.30pm–5.30pm: St-Germain — A Spritz for Every Season

Get hands-on with St-Germain and learn how to make a selection of seasonal Spritz cocktails.

Includes two cocktails
Buy tickets here: https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/st-germain-spritz-masterclass/ 

5.30pm–6.15pm: Brugal 1888 Espresso Martini

Explore Brugal 1888’s Dominican heritage and learn how to make a rum-led version of the Espresso Martini.

Includes two cocktails
Buy tickets here: https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/espresso-martini-masterclass/ 

Masterclasses are priced at £10 per person, with each ticket including two cocktails and an interactive session. Spaces are limited, and advance booking is recommended.

Glasgow Cocktail Week wristbands unlock £2 off exclusive festival cocktails at more than 70 participating venues, alongside access to special events and experiences throughout the festival.

Please drink responsibly

Events are strictly for over 18+s only

ABOUT GLASGOW COCKTAIL WEEK

Glasgow Cocktail Week takes place from Thursday 24 September until Sunday 4 October 2026.

Established in 2018, Glasgow Cocktail Week is Glasgow’s longest-running cocktail festival. The independently run, female-founded festival celebrates the city’s hospitality industry through exclusive drinks, city cocktail trails, masterclasses, parties and special events.

Glasgow Cocktail Week is independently owned and is not connected with any other cocktail festival operating in the city.

Glasgow Cocktail Week 2026

Dates: Thursday 24 September – Sunday 4 October 2026

How it works: 

• Buy a digital ticket. Swap for a wristband at the ticket hub from Namaste in St. Enoch Centre from 20th September
• Unlock exclusive menus and discounted cocktails at participating bars, where you’ll receive £2 off each cocktail 
• Flash your wristband to access events, parties and secret events
• Masterclasses will take place at VEGA.

 

Ticket options for 2026

Festival Wristband – £5 valid for full 11 days in participating bars during the festival. 

Masterclasses £10 – includes a masterclass and wristband for Glasgow Cocktail Week

 

Follow on social: 

Facebook.com/glasgowcocktailweek 

Instagram/glasgowcocktailweek

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