1 Glasgow International Comedy Festival
Across Glasgow, from Thu
With more than 420 shows over the next eighteen days, Glasgow’s springtime comedy showcase is one of Europe’s largest. As ever, the programme bristles with a dazzling mix of household names, homegrown favourites, cult stars and emerging talent. With headliners including the likes of Frankie Boyle, Bridget Christie, Adam Hills and Rob Delaney, there are also sketch shows, plays, films, and a late night Festival club - plus lots for younger fans. www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com
2 Young at Heart
South Lanarkshire, from Thu
Taking place over the next two weekends across South Lanarkshire, this annual festival aimed at those over the age of features a variety of engaging and accessible arts events spanning live comedy, theatre, music, workshops and classic movies. An early family-friendly highlight is Sunday’s Arts in the Park - a great chance to get together with the grandchildren for a day of fun, free activities in Chatelheralt Country Park. www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk
3 Celts
National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, from Thu
Staged in partnership with the British Museum, this major new exhibition focuses on the decorative art and cultural links between groups with Celtic heritage living across Europe from the Iron Age to the early medieval period. Among a dazzlingly diverse collection of objects on show are four exquisitely detailed gold torcs found near Stirling in 2009, and the Gundestrup cauldron, a richly decorated silver vessel discovered in a Danish Peat bog in 1891. Tickets are £6.50-£10, under-fives free. www.nms.ac.uk/celts
4 AAM Universities’ Boat Race
River Dee, Aberdeen, Sat
Cheer on the action as rival crews from Robert Gordon University and Aberdeen University face off in the north east’s premier rowing event. With action starting from 1.50pm, there are warm-up races featuring alumni, second crew, and local media teams, before the main event at 4pm. Bag a spot on one of the bridges between Bridge of Dee and Aberdeen Boat Club, or at the riverside near Duthie Park for the best views. www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace
5 Masters of the Everyday: Dutch Artists in the Age of Vermeer
Queen’s Gallery, Edinburgh, daily
The innovative artistry of the Dutch was prized long before the advent of Totaalvoetbal. Back in the 17th century, ‘golden age’ painters such as Johannes Vermeer, Gerrit Dou, Pieter de Hooch and Jan Steen were famed for their strikingly detailed renderings of ordinary people in everyday settings. Assembling 28 of the Royal Collection’s finest paintings from the period, this new exhibition runs until July 24. Tickets £3.40-£6.70. www.royalcollection.org.uk
6 Scottish Cycling, Running, & Outdoor Pursuits Show
SECC, Glasgow, Fri-Sun
The first appearance of this new outdoor leisure exhibition, featuring a host of interesting ways to burn off energy, plus stands from a range of top lifestyle brands and advice on everything from buying a new bike to training for a triathlon. Alongside a range of interactive running, biking and climbing challenges, there’s also a Segway course, a children’s cycling zone, and special guests including Mark Beaumont, Graeme Obree and Eilish McColgan. Tickets £8-£12. www.scrops.co.uk
7 MCN Scottish Motorcycle Show
Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, Sat-Sun
The return of the nation’s biggest and noisiest destination for motorbike fanatics. Along with the latest models from the world’s top manufacturers, show-goers can look forward to live stunt displays, special guests, a custom bike show, and an enormous retail village stacked with spare parts, helmets, leathers, boots and accessories. Open both days from 9am, attractions also include Scotland’s biggest collection of classic and vintage motorcycles, and a junior race track for children under 11. Tickets are £15-£17 (under 15s free). www.scottishmotorcycleshow.com
8 Aye Write!
Mitchell Library, Glasgow, from Thu
Glasgow’s annual book festival is back with another eclectic and entertaining mix of literary names, topical discussion and familiar faces from the worlds of politics, comedy, music and celebrity. With 11 days of events on everything from history, science and crime to poetry, fiction and food, guests include Great British Bake-Off winner Frances Quinn, former Bank of England Governor Mervyn King, Blue Peter veteran Janet Ellis, and historian Tom Devine, along with Scotland’s main political party leaders. www.ayewrite.com
9 Mighty Deerstalker
Traquair House, Innerleithen, Sat
Tackle a punishing sequence of hills, rivers, woodland trails, and mud-splattered man-made obstacles in this after-dark off-road running event, returning to the Scottish Borders for an 11th year. For the first time, participants can decide on the day whether they fancy the full distance - vaguely around the 15K mark - or a shorter version of the course. Tweed-inspired fancy dress is encouraged, with a huge party for all at the finish line. Last minute entries from £55.25. www.mightydeerstalker.com
10 Learn to Play Day
Around Scotland, Sat-Sun
For anyone who has ever fancied trying out a musical instrument, this annual national initiative offers the chance to sign up for free taster lessons at participating retailers and commercial academies around the country this weekend. Organised by UK charity Music For All with the aim of inspiring more people to take up music-making, events are suitable for children, beginners and anyone who may have played in the past. www.learntoplayday.com
Don't Miss
The Great Scottish Beer Celebration
Barras Art & Design, Glasgow, Fri-Sat
Try an exciting range of new and interesting beers and hear the stories behind them at behind them at this two-day celebration of the Scottish independent brewing scene. A limited number of tickets are left for the event’s Friday afternoon session priced £8.50. www.greatscottishbeercelebration.co.uk
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