If you've ever wanted to meet the person who made your cheese, shake the hand that distilled your gin, or ask the chocolatier exactly how they get that sea salt crunch just right — Glasgow's Eat & Drink Festival is your chance.
The festival returns to the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) from 22 to 25 May 2026, bringing together around 300 exhibitors from across Scotland's thriving independent food and drink scene. Now in its second year after a successful launch in 2025, the event has quickly established itself as Scotland's premier indoor food festival — and this year's edition promises to be bigger and bolder.
What to Expect
At its heart, the Eat & Drink Festival is a celebration of Scotland's independent producers. Expect stalls brimming with artisan cheeses, small-batch gins, craft beers, handmade chocolates, smoked meats, preserves, and baked goods — all from makers who are passionate about provenance and quality.
Beyond the tasting and shopping, the festival features live celebrity chef demonstrations, interactive mixology workshops, and sessions on sustainable food practices. Whether you want to learn how to make a perfect Negroni, pick up tips on seasonal cooking, or simply graze your way through some of the best food Scotland has to offer, there is something for every palate.
With around 10,000 visitors expected over the festival's run, the atmosphere promises to be buzzing — but the SEC's spacious halls mean there is room to browse without the crush of a Saturday farmers' market.
Why It Matters
Scotland's artisan food and drink sector has been on a remarkable upward trajectory. From the gin revolution that has seen Scotland emerge as one of the UK's leading gin producers, to the renaissance in Scottish cheesemaking and the explosion of craft chocolate makers, the country's food scene has never been more diverse or more exciting.
The Eat & Drink Festival puts all of this under one roof. For producers, it is a chance to reach thousands of engaged food lovers face to face. For visitors, it is a chance to discover new favourites, stock up on treats, and understand the story behind what ends up on their plate.
Practical Details
When: 22–25 May 2026
Where: Scottish Event Campus (SEC), Glasgow
Getting there: The SEC is a short walk from Exhibition Centre rail station and is served by regular bus routes. Glasgow International Airport is just 13km away. On-site parking is available (paid, 500 spaces).
Tickets: Available via the festival's website at eatanddrinkglasgow.com.
If last year's debut was anything to go by, tickets will move quickly. Whether you are a dedicated foodie, a casual browser, or someone looking for a cracking day out with something delicious at every turn, this is one weekend worth marking in the diary.
Scotland's best producers are coming to Glasgow. All you need to bring is your appetite.
