Arcadia Scotland

Art and Culture

Paddle Steamer Waverley: Throughout the Beginning of July, Glasgow City Chambers, Varying Times

All aboard for a nostalgic trip on the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world – a range of day, afternoon and evening cruises leave regularly from Glasgow's Pacific Quay or by coach connection from Glasgow's City Chambers.

The Games We Play: Throughout the Beginning of July, Scotland Street School Museum

An exhibition looking at the culture of game playing across centuries and countries.

In Honour's Cause: Glasgow's World War I Memorials: Beginning 8 July, St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art

Photographic exhibition documenting the city's WWI memorials, from plaques to monuments, 100 years on from the start of the war.

Douglas Gordon: Pretty Much Every Film and Video Work from About 1992 Until Now: Throughout the Beginning of July, Gallery of Modern Art

An encyclopaedic retrospective of one of Scotland's most celebrated contemporary video artists, including the eponymous installation.

Scott Myles: Mummies: Throughout the Beginning of July, The Modern Institute

Work by Dundonian artist concerned with public spaces and memory.

Building a Legacy: The Athletes' Village: Throughout the Beginning of July, The Lighthouse

A showcase for one of the most lasting legacies of the 2014 Commonwealth Games: the Athletes' Village, built in the East End of the city and featuring 700 sustainable Eco-homes and a 120-bed care home.

Ellie Harrison: Early Warning Signs: Throughout the Beginning of July, Gallery of Modern Art

Artist Harrison created four signs for Artsadmin's Two Degrees festival in 2011. They're free-standing industrial signs meant for advertising use, but in this case bearing messages about important social issues and Harrison decided not to retire them but to go on touring each sign to a different arts venue each year indefinitely, so that they can go on doing their work.

Faces of Scotland: Beginning 3 July, scotlandart.com

The 15th Annual Summer Exhibition of scotlandart.com celebrates the Commonwealth Games, with work from Lesley Anne Derks, Karen Cairns, Peter Nardini, Cate Inglis, Ian Elliot, Tommy Fitchet and many more.

Fred A Farrell--Glasgow's War Artist: Throughout the Beginning of July, People's Palace & Winter Gardens

Sketches and watercolors from the WWI artist.

Rachel Maclean: Happy&Glorious: Throughout the Beginning of July, CCA

New video work from the Glasgow-based artist, exploring themes thrown up by the Commonwealth Games, and featuring her Margaret Tait Award-winning exploration of British identity in the post-imperial age (featuring lots of green screen and a cheap plastic lion mask), A Whole New World.

Music, Comedy and Dance

East End Social: Throughout the Beginning of July, Various Venues and Times

Organized by Glasgow indie label Chemikal Underground the East End Social is part music showcase, part community-engagement project and an official Culture 2014 event. The project aims to bring a diverse range of music to a Glasgow's East End venues with performances from The Nectarine No 9, King Ayisoba and RM Hubbert already confirmed. There are also tea dances, a gala day and music workshops to name a few.

One Man, Two Guvnors: Through 5 July, King's Theatre, 2.30 or 7.30pm

National Theater's satirical, slapstick production based on The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni. Featuring Gavin Spokes as Francis Henshall and Shaun Williamson (Barry from EastEnders) as Charlie Clench.

Gladstone's Bag Presents: Comedy Cine-Variety: Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, 2 July, 7pm

Two programmes of silent films with live music. The 2pm programme is Chaplin shorts and the 4pm programme includes Laurel and Hardy's You're Darn Tootin'.

The Ben Folds Orchestral Experience: 12 July, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 6.30pm

Piano rocker Ben Folds presents hits and new material arranged and expanded for orchestral performances as well as his new piano concerto.

Rhythm of the Dance with the Young Irish Tenors: 8 July, King's Theatre, 7.30pm

Irish dance at its most thrilling, with beautiful costumes, experienced dancers and high production values.

Lectures, Sports and Local Festivals

Glasgow Comic Con: 5-6 July, CCA

Indulge your love of all things graphic at this fiesta of films, comics and fandoms. This year promises opportunity to meet and get sketches and autographs from Hannah Berry (Britten and Brulightly), Rufus Dayglo (Tank Girl), Simon Furman (Transformers), Roger Langridge (Thor), Dan McDaid (Dr Who) and John Wagner (Judge Dredd) among others.

There's also book dealers, toy sellers, indie comic publishers and comic creators – everything your comic-loving heart desires

Culture 2014: Throughout the Beginning of July, Various Venues and Times

A national celebration counting down to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Culture 2014 will showcase dance, theater, music, visual arts, comedy and so much more in the run up to the Games. Everyone’s invited!

International Tartan Festival: 12-13 July, Thistle Glasgow Hotel

Check out all the famous textiles Scotland has to offer – in tartan, tweed, wool – at this international tartan fashion fest. Along with the catwalk show, there's a chance to check out exhibitions, trade stalls and workshops. Register online to attend. Booking is essential.