Paisley, a Scottish gem, isn’t just known for its rich history and cultural heritage; it’s also a hub of entertainment and excitement. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend adventure or a traveller seeking vibrant experiences, Paisley and its surrounding areas offer diverse entertainment options. There’s something for everyone, from live music to events, culinary delights to outdoor adventures.

In this article, we’ll explore the entertainment scene in and around Paisley that will make your time in this town an unforgettable experience.

George A. Clark Town Hall and Gauze Street, Paisley, 1894
Gauze Street, showing Town hall, work being carried out at top of Dunn Square. Original source – black & white 7½” x 5¾” photograph

Play games for fun

Paisley is full of adventures, and one way to have fun in Scotland is by playing indoor, outdoor, or online games. You can find indoor games like Bubble Soccer Scotland at the New Sneddon Street, outdoor games such as Giant Jenga, and online games like slots at Buzz Bingo.

Bubble soccer is a recreational game where you play football in an inflated torus bubble. You can play the game with your friends and family in a team. At the Paisley centers for the Bubble Soccer Scotland game, you’ll also have access to activities like combat archery, goggle football, dodgeball, foot darts, and lots more.

On the other hand, if you’d like to go solo during your leisure time in Paisley, you may enjoy playing online slot games.  Most UK gamers love to play slots from renowned operators like Buzz Bingo because they allow new players to maximize their gameplay and take advantage of slot promotions. You can leverage promotions like their welcome offer, which will give you access to a £40 bingo bonus and 200 slot spins  —enough to keep the fun going. So, don’t let your Paisley’s adventure end with just vibrant outdoor games,  add some variety to the mix by exploring online adventures the Scottish way.  

The Paisley music scene

Renowned for its rich music history dating back to medieval times, Paisley has become a cherished hub for music enthusiasts. Samples of the earliest polyphonic music ever recorded in Scotland were found in the Abbey Drain of Paisley. This discovery reflects the musical culture of Paisley, which continues to this day. Many events in Paisley today feature recitals, choirs, and musical performances from classical artists like Justin Currie, James Grant, Edwin Collins, and others. The town is also the birthplace of musical talents like Robert Tannahill, Gerry Rafferty, and Paolo Nutini. 

Just a few yards across Abbey Close is Paisley Town Hall, which was opened to the public in 1882 and has since grown to become a landmark in the town that now welcomes big-named musical artists such as Hipsway, the Selecter, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Cast, Big Country, Admiral Fallow, etc. Many community music events like Two Rivers Rock Festival and Paisley Music Week are held around the city in places like the Cenotaph and the County Square. When you’re next near or in Paisley, you should visit independent live music venues such as The Cave, The Swan, and The Bungalow to watch indigenous artists play.

Events around the Scottish town

In Paisley, there are cool places for outdoor events, like Abbey Close, and fun events like “The Spree” and “The Paisley Food And Drink Festival”. Near Shuttle Street, you’ll find Paisley Arts Centre. It’s a lively place with shows all year round, including comedy, dancing, plays, music, and events for families.

The Shuttle Street area also plays a significant role in the town’s cultural calendar, notably for the Sma’ Shot festival, which graces the streets every July with its lively parade, musical performances, and artistic festivities. The Coats Memorial Church, built in 1984, is now a multi-purpose events venue and has recently hosted large-scale community events. 

Renfrewshire Council partnered with Scotland’s Theme Park to organise Paisley’s Christmas event this year. The Paisley Christmas event will feature the Festive Funfair, Santa’s Workshop, and many exciting activities. The city hosts events like the Paisley Halloween Festival, The Big Art Show, and many more yearly.

There are many fun things to do when you visit Paisley; you have to look in the right places. Apart from the activities we’ve pointed out previously, you can also explore the city’s architecture, food, and even textile culture.

Author

Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X