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.
CAN YOU HELP US REACH OUR £5,000 TARGET?
This year, we’re inviting our festival audiences, supporters, and wider community to help us raise £5,000 by Sunday 20 September through our first-ever GDODF 2026 Crowdfunder campaign.
For 35 years, Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival has opened the doors to some of the city’s most fascinating buildings, stories, and communities. As funding becomes increasingly challenging to secure, we’re turning to you – the people who know, value, and love our festival most – to help ensure it continues to thrive for years to come.
Our GBPT festival team may be small, but we’re passionate about delivering a festival that celebrates Glasgow’s people, places, and stories. Every pound raised will help us to:
Coordinate and deliver the festival each year
Support and promote our 150+ participating venues and organisations
Work with schools across the North, East, and South of the city to grow our Festival Schools Programme
Create meaningful opportunities for our 50 festival volunteers to engage with local heritage and communities
If you’re able to make a donation to our Crowdfunder, you’ll be providing vital support to help us bridge this year’s funding gap and secure the festival’s future.
Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a real difference.
To donate, simply click the Crowdfunder button below, choose the amount you’d like to give, and follow the instructions to complete your donation.
Thank you for being part of the GDODF community and for supporting the festival.
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.
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Receive regular updates on what’s planned for the 2026 festival and how you can get involved!
TAKE A LOOK BACK AT OUR 2025 HIGHLIGHTS
From 18 – 21 September, more than 200 buildings, trails, tours, performances, events and a sold out series of talks came together to make Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival 2025 happen!
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 moments to come from our ‘Glasgow Goes Out: The Places That Made Us’ themed 36th edition.
EXPLORE THE CITY
Looking for more to explore across Glasgow all year-round?
Head over to visitglasgow.com to find out about everything happening in the city – from theatre shows, to music acts, to arts & exhibitions, family-friendly activities and lots more!
Glasgow is very proud to be hosting the Commonwealth Games from 23 July–2 August 2026, and we couldn’t be more excited!
Visit glasgow2026.com to explore and book your tickets for all the sporting events you can go to during the games.
