Annual rock festival set to return to Glasgow for 13th year
The highly anticipated Rushfest Scotland is set to make a triumphant return to Glasgow for its 13th year, bringing together fans of the iconic Canadian rock band Rush for a weekend-long celebration. The festival, scheduled to take place from May 15 to 17, will be held at Glasgow’s Drygate Brewery and the historic Barrowland Ballroom, attracting music enthusiasts and artists from across the globe to honor a band that has sold over 40 million albums and entertained fans for more than four decades.
Founded by talented guitarist and vocalist Steve Brown from Fort William, Rushfest Scotland has a rich history of supporting charitable causes. Since its inception in 2013, the festival has raised an impressive £156,000 for cancer charities. This year, all profits from the event will be directed towards Funding Neuro, a Glasgow-based charity that is dedicated to funding groundbreaking research into Glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, as well as the Beatson Cancer Charity.
The significance of supporting brain cancer research is particularly poignant given the passing of Rush’s legendary drummer and lyricist, Neil Peart, who lost his battle with Glioblastoma in January 2020. Funding Neuro is poised to allocate resources towards new research initiatives for this aggressive brain cancer, underscoring the importance of the festival’s fundraising efforts for fans of Rush.
The festival will feature special guests from the United States, including bestselling author Kevin J Anderson and singer Maiah Wynne. Both individuals will participate in fan meet-and-greets and engage in live stage interviews, offering attendees exclusive insights and experiences. Kevin J Anderson has had a longstanding friendship with Neil Peart and collaborated on the Clockwork Angels book series with him, showcasing his deep connection to Rush. Maiah Wynne, the vocalist for Envy of None, a side project of Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson, brings a unique perspective and talent to the festival lineup.
The roots of Rushfest Scotland are closely intertwined with Steve Brown’s band, Moving Pictures, which has garnered international acclaim as one of the premier Rush tribute acts in the world. Known for their electrifying performances, Moving Pictures have graced stages around the globe, including RUSHfest Brazil and revered Canadian venues like Massey Hall and Lakeside Park.
The upcoming Rushfest Scotland 2026 promises a spectacular showcase at two renowned Glasgow venues, with Drygate Brewery hosting the opening night on Friday, May 15. The evening will feature a Meet and Greet with Kevin J Anderson and Maiah Wynne, followed by engaging discussions, an auction, and musical performances by La Villa Strangiato. Saturday’s lineup at Drygate will highlight tribute acts RUSH3TTE from England and Scottish band Outside the Original, offering attendees a diverse array of musical talent and entertainment.
The festival will culminate with a grand finale at the Barrowland Ballroom on Saturday night, featuring performances by Mac Floyd and Moving Pictures with special guest Maiah Wynne. This exhilarating event promises to unite fans of Rush and music enthusiasts for an unforgettable celebration of rock and camaraderie in the heart of Glasgow.