Five of Glasgow’s best-known drinking destinations are joining forces for a major launch party to mark the opening of Glasgow Cocktail Week and the start of the city’s September Weekend.
House of Gods, Absent Ear, Kelvingrove Café, Bar Dani and Kong will come together on Thursday 24 September, with bartenders and signature serves from across the city appearing under one roof.
Taking place at Kong from 6pm until 10pm, the opening party will feature festival-exclusive cocktails, DJ sets, a dedicated Spritz experience, interactive tarot readings, drinks activations and a number of surprises throughout the evening.
Entry is free for Glasgow Cocktail Week wristband holders, with places available on a first-come, first-served basis. Wristbands can be purchased in advance via the Glasgow Cocktail Week website or at the door, subject to availability.
The launch will officially open Glasgow Cocktail Week 2026, which runs from Thursday 24 September until Sunday 4 October. More than 70 venues are set to take part in the 11-day programme, serving more than 250 exclusive cocktails alongside parties, tastings, takeovers and interactive experiences.
Wristband holders will receive £2 off festival drinks, with cocktails available from £6.
Nicola Gemmell-Moir, founder of Glasgow Cocktail Week, said: “Glasgow’s bar scene is at the heart of the festival, and 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 our launch party 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’s Glasgow Cocktail Week. 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.”
More than 70 Glasgow bars involved
This year’s participating venues include Absent Ear, AC Marriott, Address Glasgow, Bar Dani, Bar Soba, Boom Battle Bar, Champagne Central, Church on the Hill, Committee Room 9, Corinthian, Cosmo St Enoch, Crescent, Delmonicas, 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, Kong, LAB, Lucky Strike, Lunar, Marlborough, Mharsanta, Namaste, Next Door, Porter & Rye, Rioja, Saints of Ingram, Si! Si!, Social, Tabac, Tabac Southside, The DAM, The Gate, The Last Bookstore, The Liquor Shop, The Locale, The Parlour, The Social, Truman’s, Van Winkle, VEGA, West Side Taverns, Woody’s, Wunderbar and Wunderbar West End.
Festival highlights will include a Dolly Parton-themed 9 to 5 party at Saints of Ingram on Friday 25 September, complete with pink cowboy hats, Spritzes and a DJ playing hits including Jolene, 9 to 5 and Here You Come Again.
Tickets cost £10 and include 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 for the first 50 guests.
VEGA will host the return of its Day Party on Saturday 26 September, running from 2pm until 8pm. The event will include DJs, tarot readings, a party atmosphere and views across the city skyline. It is free for wristband holders.
House of Gods will host a Belvedere party on Friday 2 October, promising cocktails, DJs and late-night glamour. The first 100 wristband holders will receive a complimentary Belvedere cocktail.
Meanwhile, Glasgow steakhouse Porter & Rye will take over The Gate on Saturday 3 October and Sunday 4 October, serving Steak Frites, Sunday roast dishes and cocktails.
The festival is due to close on Sunday 4 October with a takeover and closing party at a surprise location. The event will feature a Patrón Tequila cocktail menu, DJs and a collaboration between two Scottish bars, which are yet to be announced.
Cocktail masterclasses at VEGA
Glasgow Cocktail Week has also unveiled a programme of hands-on masterclasses at VEGA at YOTEL Glasgow, taking place on Saturday 26 September and Saturday 3 October.
The sessions will give guests the opportunity to learn from drinks specialists while trying Champagne, Scottish gin, tequila, whisky, rum and liqueur-led serves.
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The programme includes Champagne PIAFF tastings, Ben Lomond Gin cocktail-making sessions, a Hendrick’s Gin session hosted by UK North Brand Ambassador Calum Fraser, Patrón Margarita masterclasses, St-Germain Spritz sessions, Brugal 1888 Espresso Martini workshops and Monkey Shoulder Old Fashioned masterclasses.
Masterclasses cost £10 per person and include two cocktails and an interactive session, apart from the Champagne tasting, which is priced at £15 and includes three Champagne tasters. Advance booking is recommended due to limited capacity.
For wristbands, individual event tickets, masterclass bookings and the full programme, visit Glasgow Cocktail Week.
