Country music at the Denny Civic on Friday. A late one at Tempo on Saturday. And on Tuesday, Clydebank and Dumbarton meet in a competitive match for the first time in 25 years.

Here’s what caught my eye across West Dunbartonshire for 8–14 October—with a few ideas for the October school break, too.

Fancy swapping the sofa for a night of country music? The Rotary Club of Dumbarton brings Rock This Country to the Denny Civic Theatre at 7pm. Tickets are listed from £15; check the booking page for the final price and availability. See the concert listing.

What does it take to keep playing when your own country won’t let you? Rose Reilly MBE comes to The Rock, Castle Road, from 7–10pm for an evening about her extraordinary football career. The programme includes the BBC documentary Icons of Football: Rose Reilly, a conversation with Rose and an audience Q&A. Event details and Fanbase tickets.

This one’s for the night owls. Black Traffic takes over Tempo Nightclub & Bar, 70 Dumbarton Road, for PRTY’s club night. Expect a dance-music bill spanning techno, trance and harder styles. 10pm–3am, ages 18+; last entry 12.30am. Check tickets on Skiddle.

Put the phone down. Pick up a pencil. Artist Coll Hamilton leads a small figure-drawing class at Clydebank Library, 10.15am–12.15pm, marking the Royal Scottish Academy’s 200th anniversary. You’ll draw a clothed live model, with boards, easels and materials provided. Contact the organiser about places, cost and any access needs before going. Workshop details and contact.

No audition. No dance experience needed. The two-hour circle-dancing session at Saint Kessog’s Church Hall, 28 Balloch Road, starts at 9.45am and is listed at £6. Learn the steps together, with time for a cuppa and a chat. See the session details.

Bankies or Sons? This is a proper date for the local diary: the clubs’ first competitive meeting in a quarter of a century. The KDM Evolution Trophy match at Holm Park kicks off at 7.45pm, according to Dumbarton’s published fixture schedule. Check the clubs’ latest admission arrangements before heading along. Read the fixture announcement.

Schools are off from Monday 12 to Friday 16 October. That’s West Dunbartonshire Council’s published October break. Check the school calendar.

For an indoor outing: From Fairlie to the World: The Fife Design Story is running at the Scottish Maritime Museum’s Denny Tank, Castle Street, Dumbarton. Watercolours, yacht models, tools and historic photographs tell the story of the Fife boatbuilding family. The exhibition listing gives opening hours of 10am–4pm, Tuesday–Saturday. Check museum admission before visiting. Explore the exhibition.

Book ahead for Sunday 18 October: the free Wild Days – Autumn Adventure at Balloch Castle Country Park, 11am–2pm, is for children aged 5–12. It’s a drop-off outdoor session with seasonal activities; booking is required through the organiser’s linked Eventbrite page. Pack for muddy paths and Scottish weather. See the details and booking link.

Taking the number 1 towards Dumbarton late at night? First Bus lists a diversion for Glasgow Road westbound works through Friday 9 October, between 10pm and 6am each night. The route runs via the A82, Stirling Road and Greenhead Road before returning to Glasgow Road. Check the travel alert.

A cheer for our swimming teachers: West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust has been named Scottish Water Learn to Swim Provider of the Year. More than 3,100 people now take part in its lessons each week, with the award also recognising support for children with complex needs. Read the local story.

Who’s playing at your local? I want to hear about pub bands, open-mic nights, quizzes and small community events in Clydebank, Dumbarton, the Vale, Balloch, Bowling and Old Kilpatrick. Reply with the venue, date, time, price and a public event link so I can check it for a future edition.

See you next Thursday,
Mary

Details checked on 8 October 2026. Plans and ticket availability can change; check the organiser’s link before setting off.