GLASGOW DOORS OPEN DAYS FESTIVAL RETURNS!
17 – 20 September 2026
We are thrilled to announce that the 37th Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival (GDODF) will return from 17–20 September 2026!
Organised by Glasgow Building Preservation Trust since its inception in 1990, the festival has grown to be Scotland’s largest free celebration of architecture, heritage and community, welcoming thousands of visitors each year to explore the stories, buildings and cultural spaces that shape our city.
STILL TIME TO HAVE YOU PLACE IN OUR FESTIVAL LEAFLET
Good news—we still have some limited space available in our A5, 8-page printed festival leaflet for new participants.
If you’d like to be a festival participant by leading a walking tour, opening your building, or hosting a talk, we’d love to hear from you.
While participant applications are welcome until early September, being in the printed leaflet makes a real difference to your visibility during the festival – as visitors tell us they rely on it to plan their Doors Open Days experience.
Secure your place in the leaflet while you can—we’d love to have you involved! Please contact our Festival Manager Yvonne as soon as possible if you would like to feature:
Email: yvonne@gbpt.org
Tel: 0141 554 4411
2026 FESTIVAL THEME – GLASGOW GOES OUT: THE PLACES THAT MADE US
This year, we’re looking back warmly on shared life in the city, celebrating how Glaswegians, visitors, and all those who have called Glasgow home have come together over the past hundred years to relax, express themselves, and feel part of something bigger.
From grand cinemas, tearooms and bandstands to dancehalls, artist‑led spaces, grassroots music venues and legendary club nights, this nostalgia‑fuelled theme invites visitors to explore or return to – the places that have made generations feel alive, day and night.
By shining a light on both lost and still‑thriving venues, the festival theme seeks to capture and celebrate the buzz, freedom and creative energy that have drawn people to Glasgow for decades.
Through walks, talks, exhibitions and inclusive events across the North, Southside, East End, West End and City Centre, we’re inviting everyone to share their memories of chance encounters, formative moments, and unforgettable days and nights out.
VOLUNTEER WITH US THIS YEAR
We’re delighted to invite you to get involved in this year’s festival as one of our Festival Volunteers.
Volunteers are at the heart of the festival, helping create a friendly and welcoming experience for visitors across the city. It’s also a fantastic way to discover Glasgow, meet new people, and be part of something special.
From welcoming visitors and supporting tours to sharing information about what’s happening across the city, there are opportunities in a wide range of venues and locations.
Many of our volunteers return year after year, and we’re always excited to welcome new faces too. Whether you’re passionate about heritage, keen to explore the city, or simply looking to get involved, we’d love you to join our friendly and diverse volunteer team.
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TAKE A LOOK BACK AT OUR 2025 HIGHLIGHTS
From 18 – 21 September, more than 200 buildings, trails, events and a sold out series of talks came together to make Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival 2025 happen and we are thrilled with the response we’ve had to the programme!
With almost 40,000 visits, 320 primary pupils engaged and 178 participants taking part, the festival was one of our biggest yet.
A huge thank you to everyone who visited GDODF 2025, we hope you enjoyed delving into Glasgow’s rich architectural and cultural history and uncovering hidden gems and long lost stories along the way! Stay tuned on our social media channels for all our latest news, updates and more wonderful moment from the 36th edition of the festival.
EXPLORE THE CITY
Looking for more to explore across Glasgow year-round? Head over to visitglasgow.com for a full picture of everything happening in the city; from Theatre, Music, Ars & Exhibitions, Family Friendly activities and more!
Glasgow is also hosting the Commonwealth Games 23 July–2 August 2026, and we couldn’t be more excited! Visit glasgow2026.com to explore all the sporting events you can go to during the games.
