EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOUSEGUEST 2026

If you’ve been paying attention to the pulse of Scotland’s grassroots music scene, you know that April in Glasgow belongs to Houseguest. Returning for its third – and most ambitious – edition on April 4th, 2026, this multi-venue, all-day takeover is officially back after two consecutive years of sold-out success.

Taking place across Sauchiehall Street’s Nice’N’Sleazy, 1990 and the neighbouring Art School stage, the festival will bring 29 fine rising bands and artists from Scotland and beyond. The third, and final ticket tier is on sale now for just £30 – working out just over a quid a band – but don’t hang about too long, as if previous years are anything to go on, this will sell out before gig day.

OUR TOP PICKS

Probably the most alluring side to Glasgow’s Houseguest is the level of emerging talent that it pools together every year. Sure, none of these artists are household names – unless you live in an student flat share in Glasgow’s West End – but they do offer some of the most dynamic sounds and energy that you’d find on both local and wider grassroot stages.

I’ve compiled just a fraction of my own “must see bands” from the line up that I would recommend you add to your schedule now.

Opus Kink

With stage times now confirmed, it has been revealed that the festival’s largest stage – The Art School – will be headlined by Brighton sextet Opus Kink at 9pm. If you’ve never seen Opus Kink before – and I haven’t, but I have read the reviews – then this is a show that you cannot afford to miss. Combining jazz theatrics with post punk sensibilities and massive personality, Opus Kink are as sexy as their name suggests. Fresh from the announcement of their debut album Sweet Goodbye for July 31st, this is one band you want to jump on while they’re still playing smaller venues.

Diva Down

A band that has been on my radar over the past year, I’m really looking forward to finally catching these girls in action on Saturday. Releasing their debut single‘I’m Your Girl’ last summer, the Glasgow five piece promise big harmonies and even bigger riffs with an confident feminist edge . Diva Down can be found downstairs at Nice’N’Sleazy at 5pm.

Spyres

From newbies on the scene to one of Glasgow’s most renowned live acts of the past 5 years – Spyres. This band have no shortage of original material to fill their 30 minute set at The Art School on Saturday evening. Set to take the stage at 6pm, Spyres lay an energetic indie pop sound with big hooks and catchy chorus’ every single time. It’s been a few years since I had the pleasure of hearing them live, so this one is gonna be a must see of the “must see list”.

Fog Bandits

Another first this weekend, will (hopefully) be Glasgow’s own Fog Bandits. Blending gritty rock volume with punk energy, the quartet have been filling local line-ups across the central belt over the past couple of years and following the release of their debut EP Coven in July last year, they only continue to grow. If their live sound is anything like their recordings then Sleazy’s (upstairs) is only going to ignite when they play at 8.15pm on Saturday.

Opedius and The Mama’s Boys

For those who can get along early enough, you must make seeing Opedius and The Mama’s Boy‘s a priority. I do fear that my own life responsibilities will prevent me making this one, but I love their big post-punk sound. A massive eight piece band, this bunch bring strings and brass section to the mix which makes a sight to see on that compact Sleazy’s stage. You can see them perform downstairs at Nice’N’Sleazy at 3pm.

San Jose

From the early risers to the late ones, for those looking to make the night last (not me, I have a train to catch home…) make sure to get yourselves along to 1990 (formally Broadcast) to enjoy another rising local band, San Jose. Taking the stage at 1am, the Glasgow band are one of the scenes most talked about live bands of late. Blending sounds of psychedelia, punk and even folk, this band refuse to be caged into any one genre and their late-night set will surely see them raising the bar yet again.

STAGE SPLITS

THE VENUES

There’s not much walking involved at Houseguest festival, meaning you can save your energy for the pits. Nice’N’Sleazy and 1990 are neighbours on Sauchiehall Street. The Art School is around a 5 minute walk away on Scott Street.

All venues will operate on a first come, first served capacity, so make sure to get along early to ensure you secure your spot for your must see bands.

FOOD & DRINK

All venues are licensed premises (over 18’s only) and will be serving your usual selection of alcoholic and soft drink beverages. Sauchiehall Street has plenty of restaurants and takeaways open throughout the day, so make sure to line your stomach between rounds.

TICKETS

Remaining tickets can be purchased now or if you’re willing to risk it, via the event box office situated within The Art School between 1pm – 9pm on the day – Saturday 4th April!

You must exchange your ticket for a wristband at The Art School box office before entering any of the venues.