Govanhill International Festival and Carnival
The Govanhill International Festival and Carnival 2025 returns for its 9th year, celebrating creativity, solidarity, and liberation, from Friday 1st August to Sunday 10th August!
About Govanhill International Festival and Carnival
Organised by Govanhill Baths Community Trust, this year’s festival unfolds as the Baths undergo major renovation, transforming into a Wellbeing Centre shaped by over two decades of community action.
In Govanhill, wellbeing isn’t handed down — it’s built together. From the 2001 occupation to today, the fight for space, dignity and care has never been separated from creativity.
GIFC is a celebration of that spirit. A gathering of artists, organisers, neighbours old and new — not as audiences, but as collaborators. It’s where civic life and artistic life meet. Where anti-racism isn’t a theme, but a practice for the everyday.
Festival Highlights
Parade & Carnival 2025 — A joyful procession of samba bands, lion dancers, street drums and handmade banners (plus a unicorn!) winding through the streets to Govanhill Park.
Govanhill Street Music Festival — The Govanhill International Carnival Parade returns on Saturday 2 August, and you’re invited to walk, dance, play and move alongside your neighbours in a powerful, joyful display of community solidarity. Beginning at Queen’s Park and winding its way to Govanhill Park, the parade transforms our streets into a stage for collective pride, shared rhythm and radical togetherness.
This year’s procession brings together an extraordinary cast of local and international collaborators – from the thunderous drums of Bloco Dardara and the vibrant moves of Latino Dance Project, to artists, activists and community members co-creating something greater than the sum of its parts. A grassroots takeover featuring tropical rhythms, punk folk, sound systems, spoken word and experimental noise sharing the same pavements.
Govanhill Book Festival — The ever-popular Govanhill Book Festival will return to Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church. Opening with Nicola Sturgeon in conversation with Book Festival Director Jim Monaghan, A packed second day hosts talks from poets, performers, theathre maker and artists, culminating in a showcase of exciting contemporary Palestinian voices from Gaza, Galilee and New York.
Palestine Arts Delegation — A powerful celebration of Palestinian culture featuring dance, performance, poetry, traditional music, and underground DJ sets, a discussion on textile industry resistance. These events connect Palestinian craft traditions to contemporary artistic resistance and liberation.
Irish Roots — Working-class migration histories come alive through The Derry Boat to Donegal Hill Heritage Trail, writer talks, and traditional singing circles. Experience Irish language and culture through intimate taster sessions and community events.
Gaelic Heritage — Celebrate Gaelic traditions through children’s language sessions and inspiring talks with Gaelic authors.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Glasgow, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Glasgow? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Sponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Friends of Forth and Clyde Social Group
Come along to Friends of Forth and Clyde's Social Group on Fridays for a heat, a chat or some peace and quiet - your choice!
READ MORE
Full House Fridays: Bingo At Platform
Join Platform Glasgow every Friday afternoon for a game of bingo, bowl of soup, special guests, surprises and plenty of prizes!
READ MORE
French Conversation in Glasgow
The French Conversation in Glasgow group meets on the first Saturday of the month when those who speak French get together for a chat in French!
READ MORE
Visit My Mosque - Open Day at Al-Furqan Mosque
Come along to the Visit My Mosque open day at Al-Furqan Mosque on October 4th & 5th where you can enjoy a tour of the building and learn more about Islam and the mosque itself!
READ MORE
Harvest Festival
Bringing together Glasgow's most exciting food projects, Glasgow Community Food Network are putting on a day of free workshops, talks, creative activities and food at Civic House on October 11th!
READ MORE
Three Jewish Stories
Intrigue, different cultures and food - this brand new venture is for 20-40 year olds, or thereabouts!
READ MORE
Community Circles
Join the Unity for Integration Project for Community Circles, a joyful and empowering 6-week programme designed for migrant, refugee, and low-income families living in Glasgow!
READ MORE
Helensburgh Fireworks Display
Fun for all of the family, Helensburgh HEART are delighted to invite you to their annual firework display, come on down to the waterfront and enjoy a fantastic light show!
READ MORESponsored Links
Find other events in Glasgow
Sponsored Links