From U2 to Underworld, you’ll find some of the biggest names in the music world at this iconic venue and ballroom. First opened as an indoor market in 1934 by the original “Barra Queen” and trader Maggie McIver, the upstairs ballroom at the "Barras" soon became the main attraction. The building was destroyed by a fire in 1958, but was painstakingly rebuilt and the famous neon sign was added a few decades later. If the bright lights of the neon Barrowlands sign doesn’t get you excited, nothing will. Finish your evening with a cosy stay at one of our hotels.
Barrowlands
Glasgow Barrowlands
Music at Barrowlands
Essential information
Glaswegian charm and warmth by the bucket, Barrowlands packs in the crowds every night. With a capacity of 2,100 people, Barrowlands has the cloakroom and toilet facilities you’d expect for a venue of this size. Known for its excellent acoustics and sprung dance floor, a great night of music awaits you at the Barras.
Accessibility
Barrowlands does all it can to be accessible to everyone but, as this is an older building, make sure you let the venue know about any special requirements.
Top tip
If you love being ahead of the curve when it comes to the next big thing, be sure to check out the Best of the Best night. Each year Barrowlands hosts an event showcasing unsigned local talent in the main ballroom. Which superstars of tomorrow will you see?
Eating and drinking
Looking for a bite to eat before the show? There’s plenty of choice near Barrowlands.
From modern cafés to an late night takeaways, you’ll find lots of places in the area to either get a quick bite or sit down to a full meal. Head to Café Source for classic Scottish dishes or Café Gandolfi for locally sourced food. Looking to spice things up? You can get an excellent curry at Obsession of India.
Located right in the heart of the city, there are lots of places where you can stop off for a drink before or after your gig. On the same road as Barrowlands you’ll find traditional pubs, the Saracens Head and Babbity Bowster. For great cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere, head to Tron Bar.
Getting to Barrowlands
Situated smack-bang in the centre of Glasgow, getting to the Barras is a easy.
By car
If you’re driving to Barrowlands, you’ll find lots of free parking close to the venue.
By bus
The Ballroom is 15 minutes walk away from Buchanan Street Bus Station, where you’ll find plenty of regular local bus services to get you around the city.
By train
If you’re arriving in Glasgow by train, you’ll have no trouble getting to the venue for stage time. Barrowlands is a short 10-minute walk from both Glasgow Central and Queen Street stations.
By subway
The Ballroom is just 5 minutes’ walk from St Enoch's underground station. Exit on Argyle Street and turn right, then take the left hand fork at the Glasgow Cross and you’ll see the famous neon sign.