Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre
Glasgow's restored Art Deco bandstand hosting vibrant open-air performances in a Victorian park setting.
A beautifully restored Art Deco bandstand and open-air amphitheatre set within Glasgow's beloved Kelvingrove Park. Originally built in 1924, this Category B listed venue closed in 1999 due to disrepair but underwent a comprehensive £2 million restoration, reopening in 2014. Today it hosts a vibrant programme of live music, theatre, dance, and cultural performances throughout the year, offering a unique outdoor entertainment experience surrounded by Victorian parkland and iconic Glasgow landmarks.
A brief summary to Kelvingrove Bandstand
- Kelvin Way, Glasgow, G12 8NR, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Check the events calendar before visiting, as the bandstand primarily hosts scheduled performances and festivals rather than being open as a general attraction. Summer months typically feature the most frequent programming.
- Arrive early for popular performances to secure good seating in the amphitheatre, particularly for free or low-cost events that draw large crowds.
- Combine your visit with exploration of Kelvingrove Park's other attractions—the Art Gallery and Museum, riverside walks, and cafés—to make a full day of it.
- Bring weather-appropriate clothing and consider a blanket or cushion for outdoor seating, as performances occur year-round in Scotland's variable climate.
- The venue is accessible by multiple transport modes; the nearby Kelvinhall subway station and several bus routes make it easy to reach without a car.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Subway
The nearest subway station is Kelvinhall, approximately 5–8 minutes walk from the bandstand. Exit the station and follow signs toward Argyle Street and Kelvingrove Park. This is the most direct and reliable option, with frequent service throughout the day.
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Bus
First Bus services 2, 3, and 77 stop directly outside or very near the venue on Argyle Street. Journey times from Glasgow city centre are typically 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Services run regularly throughout the day and evening.
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Bicycle
Kelvingrove Park forms part of the Kelvin Walkway, which connects to the Glasgow Loch Lomond Clydeway and the West Highland Way, making it easily accessible by bicycle. Secure, covered short-term bike storage is available at the front of the building via the Cyclehoop app, with typical rates around £1–2 per session.
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Car
Kelvin Hall (adjacent to the bandstand) is situated on Argyle Street, approximately 6 minutes from the M8 motorway. Street parking is available in the surrounding West End area, though availability varies by time and day. Paid car parks are located nearby on Argyle Street and surrounding streets.
Kelvingrove Bandstand location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Kelvingrove Bandstand
A Century of Music and Heritage
The Kelvingrove Bandstand stands as Glasgow's only authentic remaining bandstand, a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. Constructed in 1924, this distinctive Art Deco structure was designed to serve as a focal point for outdoor entertainment within the carefully landscaped grounds of Kelvingrove Park. For decades, it hosted performances, gatherings, and celebrations, becoming woven into the fabric of Glasgow's social and cultural life. However, by the late 1990s, the venue had fallen into significant disrepair, with essential repairs estimated at £100,000 and full restoration at £400,000. The bandstand closed its doors in 1999, entering a period of decline marked by vandalism and deterioration.From Dereliction to Restoration
The turning point came in 2012 when a comprehensive restoration scheme was finally secured, backed by £2 million in funding. The Glasgow Building Preservation Trust took temporary ownership of the site during the extensive works, which were completed in time for Glasgow's 2014 Commonwealth Games. The restoration project was meticulous in its approach, conserving surviving building fabric while carefully reinstating features that had been lost over the decades, including the Glasgow Coat of Arms to the roof. Innovative solutions were implemented throughout—surviving horn speakers were converted to function as atmospheric lighting, and a modest rear extension was added to accommodate a platform lift, significantly improving accessibility. The amphitheatre underwent substantial improvements to enhance visitor access and comfort, ensuring the venue could serve audiences of all abilities.A Living Performance Space
Since its triumphant reopening in May 2014, the Kelvingrove Bandstand has become a thriving hub for live entertainment and cultural expression. The venue now hosts a packed programme of performances spanning live music, theatre, dance, spoken word recitals, and festivals. From intimate acoustic sets to larger productions, the bandstand's unique open-air setting creates an unparalleled atmosphere for both performers and audiences. The amphitheatre's tiered seating provides excellent sightlines and acoustic properties, while the surrounding parkland offers a serene backdrop that enhances every performance.Setting and Surroundings
Nestled within Kelvingrove Park, a 34-hectare Victorian landscape of national importance designed by Sir Joseph Paxton and laid out from 1852, the bandstand occupies a privileged position. The park's banks along the River Kelvin provide a tranquil natural setting, while the surrounding architecture—including the world-renowned Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the University of Glasgow—creates a distinctive cultural quarter. The park itself is a Green Flag Award winner, recognised for its quality and management. Visitors can enjoy the bandstand's performances while taking in views across the city, wandering through herbaceous borders, or exploring the riverside walks that characterise this beloved Glasgow destination.Modern Facilities and Accessibility
The fully refurbished venue is equipped with modern facilities and infrastructure designed to accommodate diverse events and audiences. The platform lift ensures wheelchair access to the bandstand area, while the amphitheatre's improved layout provides comfortable seating for extended performances. The venue's integration within Kelvingrove Park means visitors have access to multiple cafés, restrooms, and recreational facilities nearby, making it an ideal destination for a full day of cultural engagement and outdoor leisure.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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The Sixty Steps
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McLellan Galleries
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St George's Tron Church of Scotland
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Unmissable attractions to see
Kelvin Way
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Statue of Lord Kelvin
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Kelvingrove Park
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Explore Glasgow’s historic Kelvingrove Park — a vibrant Victorian green space with iconic art, serene river walks, and lively community spirit.
Stewart Memorial Fountain
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A Victorian Gothic masterpiece in Kelvingrove Park honoring Glasgow’s water pioneer, Robert Stewart, and the gift of clean water.
The Suffragette Oak
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Park Terrace
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Elegant Georgian terrace blending historic charm with modern city living in the heart of Glasgow.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
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The Lion and Unicorn Staircase
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A dramatic Gothic Revival staircase guarded by stone lions and unicorns in the heart of the University of Glasgow’s West Quadrangle.
University of Glasgow
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Hunterian Art Gallery
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The Mackintosh House
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Kelvin Hall Open Collections
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Hunterian Zoology Museum
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The wild pork statue
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The Loveable Rogue
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Essential places to dine
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Ox and Finch
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UNALOME by Graeme Cheevers
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Big Slope
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The Gannet
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Porter & Rye
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Discover Glasgow’s premier steakhouse in Finnieston, where expertly dry-aged Scottish beef meets rustic charm and impeccable service.
The Finnieston
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A stylish seafood haven paired with an award-winning gin bar in the heart of Glasgow’s vibrant Finnieston district.
Fanny Trollopes
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Chillies West End
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Goat in the Tree
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La Lanterna West End
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Paesano Pizza West End
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The Bay Tree
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Eighty Eight
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Ubiquitous Chip
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Experience Glasgow’s iconic Scottish dining landmark blending tradition, innovation, and lush ambiance in Ashton Lane’s historic heart.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
University of Glasgow Gift Shop
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VELVET MOON
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The Glasgow Vintage Co
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Gallus Alice
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Decadent Riot
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Downstair Design Co.
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West Vintage
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Oliver Bonas
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Amaryllis Westend
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Papyrus
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Ae Fond Kiss
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McLay's Gift Shop
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Cassiopeia Gift Ltd
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Braw Wee Emporium
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Cut Price Gift Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Park Bar
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Dukes Bar
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The Ben Nevis
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Vodka Wodka
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EightySix
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The Aragon Bar
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Curlers Rest Glasgow
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beGIN
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The Bon Accord
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Firewater
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Saint Judes After Dark
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Buff Club
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The Savoy
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Bamboo
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Kokomo Glasgow
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Popworld Glasgow
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Club Tropicana & Venga
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Platinum Lace Glasgow
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Cathouse Rock Club
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Classic Grand
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Sub Club
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Art Deco Styles
- Vintage Styles
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
