Southside activities to try out in 2025
The new year brings a fresh urge to explore new activities, and the Southside has plenty to offer – from language classes at MILK to zine workshops at Glasgow Zine Library. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites – all sober, and either free or pay-what-you-can.
Inside Tramway’s foyer
Words and photos by Zara Grew
If you're looking to get active this year, there are plenty of welcoming, budget-friendly community organisations offering a range of wellbeing and arts activities. From group fitness sessions and mindful movement classes to creative workshops and social gatherings, these activities provide a supportive sober space to connect, learn, and engage.
Women on Wheels
Women on Wheels is a Southside based cycling group that helps women get confident on a bike and experience the joy of cycling together. They offer lessons for women and families, as well as leading bike maintenance classes. They have a pay-what-you-can pricing structure and are passionate about making cycling accessible for everyone.
Head along to their weekly Family Cycling Sessions or catch their upcoming event, Inspiring Cycling Stories, where you can hear women telling their unique cycling stories.
When: Saturdays, 9:30-10:30am, 10:45-11:45am or 3:30-4:30pm
When: Monday 24 February, 7-9pm
The Wee Retreat
Another fantastic hub for health and wellbeing on our doorstep is The Wee Retreat, a meditation and wellbeing centre on Myrtle Park, just off Cathcart Road. Some top picks would be the free Community Yoga Class or the free Wee Wander: Health Walk.
When: Mondays, 12:15-1:15pm
When: Tuesday, 12:15-1:15pm
No booking required
Glasgow Zine Library
A self-publishing library, archive and community space located on Albert Road. The library is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays, 12-6pm. But also hosts a range of affordable and accessible creative events throughout the week such as their Poetry Open Mic and their new reading group, To Filth: A transfeminist. They have recently introduced Masked Days on the first Saturday of every month in conjunction with the Covid Action Network when they run their drop-in zine-making workshop.
When: Wednesday 12 February, 6:30-8pm
Where: 32-34 Albert RoadGlasgow, Scotland, G42 8DN
To Filth: A transfeminist Reading Group
When: Wednesday 12 February, 6:30-8pm
Where: 32-34 Albert RoadGlasgow, Scotland, G42 8DN
Tramway
Tramway is a community space and arts venue which hosts a year-round programme of dance, live art, engagement activities, festivals, and free exhibitions. One of their current exhibitions is Maud Sulter - You are my kindred spirit, by the Gorbals born, Scottish-Ghanaian poet, artist and writer publisher Maud Sulter.
Maud Sulter - You are my kindred spirit
When: 23 November 2024-30 March 2025 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Where: Tramway, 25 Albert Drive, Glasgow, G41 2PE
No booking required
The Hidden Gardens
Sharing a space with Tramway is the independent charity The Hidden Gardens who have a beautifully serene, free to access community garden and runs lots of events and activities. They are currently running the Coorie In Craft sessions for adults, a great place to unwind, connect, and get creative.
When: Wednesday, 5 and 12 February, 11-1pm
Where: The Boilerhouse in The Hidden Gardens via Tramway, 25A Albert Dr, access, Glasgow G41 2PE
MILK
MILK is a social enterprise set up to support women from migrant backgrounds. In their new community space on Cathcart Road, they run weekly community meals, ESOL sessions, Internet cafes and more. Heading down to MILK is a wonderful way to make friends in the area, have a chat and get involved in community projects.
When: Fridays, 10-12pm
Where: 378 Cathcart Rd, Glasgow G42 7DF
No booking required
When: Thursdays, 10-12pm
Where: 378 Cathcart Rd, Glasgow G42 7DF
No booking required