The 37th Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival returns from 17–20 September 2026 and we’re looking for venues, walking tours, workshops, exhibitions, performances, talks and family-friendly events to join the programme.

If you run or own a building, organise walking tours, manage greenspaces or are a heritage enthusiast or creative with a great idea – we’d love to hear from you.

Organised by Glasgow Building Preservation Trust since 1990, GDODF is part of Scotland’s nationwide Doors Open Days programme, coordinated by the Scottish Civic Trust and guided by one simple principle: every event is free and accessible to everyone.

Every year more than 13,000 visitors step or wheel behind the scenes of over 150 heritage and modern buildings, theatres, factories, civic spaces, faith buildings and sites, commercial offices, cultural spaces, artist studios, private homes, ships/boats and greenspaces around the city.

Visitors tell us it’s our passionate participants that make it so special and help create a Festival that’s inclusive, welcoming and rooted in our shared heritage:

“What I enjoyed most was the knowledge and friendliness of the guides.”

“Meeting friendly people who talk with real passion.”

“Seeing places we pass every week in a new light.”

“Discovering something new right on my doorstep.”

“Having new venues to explore every year.”

“How child-friendly it is – the kids had a great time.”

If would like to open the doors of your heritage and modern building, civic space, religious site, commercial office, artist studio, private home or greenspace or lead walking tours, workshops, events, exhibitions or Festival themed experiences then here’s how you take part:

Step 1: Read the essentials (Doors Open Days Community Guidelines, Participant Pack, policies) and our 2026 festival theme

Step 2: Make your plan and gather your info.

Step 3: Apply online via our Online Participant Application by 8 June.