Queens Park Arena has launched its 2026 summer programme after welcoming large crowds for its opening weekend.

The Glasgow Southside venue kicked off its ninth official summer season on July 4 and 5, with organisers describing it as one of the arena’s strongest starts to date.

Queens Park Arena (Image: Supplied)

Running until August 2, the programme features more than four weeks of free and donation-ticketed events.

Opening weekend highlights included the first Cults & Classics outdoor film screenings, creative workshops and the return of the popular Big Fun family sessions.

The arena’s 7.5-metre by three-metre LED cinema screen is now in use, hosting daytime and evening screenings throughout the summer.

From Tuesday to Friday, evening films are preceded by 10 short films from emerging Scottish filmmakers, alongside live performances by local musicians.

The programme also includes the return of Open Stage, showcasing local arts and music, while Glasgow Games will offer fitness sessions and live sports screenings, including the Wimbledon 2026 finals.

Big Fun activities continue throughout the summer with storytelling, toddler movement sessions and more than 45 free soft play sessions each week for children aged two and under.

Queens Park Arena (Image: Supplied)

Tickets remain available for QPA Live performances and several co-produced festivals, including the fifth annual Sub Club Southside Weekender, Melting Pot’s One Day In The Park and Laugh In The Park.

The venue’s 320-square-metre Greenhouse Tent provides a covered, pet-friendly, reduced-noise space for workshops, cinema screenings and sport throughout the programme.

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Chet Capkiner, founding director of Inhouse Event Solutions CIC, said: “What a way to kick off the season.

“The atmosphere in the amphitheatre for the first Cults & Classics screenings was exactly what we hoped for, and it says everything about what this place means to the Southside.

“The team has worked flat out over the past few months to get the site ready, and there is a huge amount still to come this summer.

“We cannot wait to welcome everyone back for the rest of the programme.”