Five of Glasgow’s best-known drinking destinations are joining forces for a major party marking the opening of Glasgow Cocktail Week and the start of the city’s September Weekend.
House of Gods, Absent Ear, Kelvingrove Café and Bar Dani will take over Kong on Thursday 24 September, bringing bartenders and signature cocktails from across the city together under one roof.
Running from 6pm to 10pm, the opening party will feature cocktails created specially for the festival, sets from Glasgow’s best DJs, a dedicated Spritz experience, interactive tarot readings, drink activations, and surprises throughout the evening.
The party will officially open Glasgow Cocktail Week 2026, running from Thursday 24 September to Sunday 4 October. More than 70 of the city’s leading bars will take part in 11 days of exclusive cocktails, parties, tastings and experiences, with more than 250 cocktails on offer.
Nicola Gemmell-Moir, founder of Glasgow Cocktail Week, says 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.”
Participating venues include Absent Ear, Bar Dani, Champagne Central, Devil of Brooklyn, Dishoom, El Santo, Five March, House of Gods, iasg at Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel, Kelvingrove Café, KONG, Locale Lunar, Porter & Rye, Saints of Ingram, Si! Si!Luke’suke’s, Tabac City and Southside, The Gate, The Last Bookstore and Vega.