OUTLANDER star Sam Heughan is set to take on his next major role: official DJ at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.  

The actor will be entertaining crowds at the SEC Armadillo on 24 July at the 1pm Para Powerlifting session. His debut set will take place before the Glasgow 2026 medal tally is opened, marking the first time in Commonwealth Games history that a Para sport has awarded the first medal of the Games. 

Sam will make his DJ debut at the SEC Armadillo on 24 July during the Para Powerlifting session, where the first medal of the Games will be awarded.

Photography Glasgow 2026

Ahead of his debut gig, he’s learning tricks of the trade from one of Scotland’s best-known DJs, George Bowie, who was recently awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting. 

Sam joined George for a crash course at a Glasgow rooftop, where he learned how to get a Scottish crowd going - including an attempt to remix No Scotland No Party taking inspiration from the Scottish fans in the USA. 

According to Bowie, creating the right atmosphere is less about technical skill and more about “instinct and energy”.  

The Games will not only see record-breaking sporting moments, but will also be a celebration of sporting culture with electric moments unfolding in the field of play as well as a festival atmosphere.  

Sam Heughan, Glasgow 2026 ambassador, said: "Scottish fans are the best in the world - you only have to look at what’s happening across the pond right now to see that.   

“I am excited to see the crowds at a home Games getting behind Team Scotland, just as they did in 2014.  

 
“Atmosphere is everything and I’m proud to have been asked to play a part in creating it. DJ’ing isn’t naturally in my wheelhouse so it was only right to learn from the best. Thanks to George showing me the ropes, I’m ready for my big moment.  

“I don’t want to give too much away, as I want to leave a few tunes up my sleeve, but it’s safe to say that we will boogie.”  

Louisa Mahon, Chief Marketing Officer at Glasgow 2026 said: "Sam and George have captured exactly what Glasgow 2026 is about - great sport, great fun, great atmosphere and a city that knows how to put on a show.  

"Para Powerlifting will be one of the highlights of the Games, and awarding the first medal in Para sport is the first in Commonwealth Games history, making this moment at the SEC Armadillo even more special. It’s a brilliant opportunity for people to be there in the crowd to get behind the athletes and set the tone for 11 magical days of sport.” 

George Bowie added: “The Commonwealth Games returning to Glasgow deserves a special kind of star power, so it was an honour to share a few tips with Scotland’s own global superstar, Sam Heughan, and help get him ready for the occasion. We worked on the setlist together and it’s safe to say there are a few bangers in there.  

“I know more about heartburn than being a heartthrob, so I’m sure the crowd at the SEC Armadillo will be delighted that it’s Sam behind the decks. 

“A home Games is typically a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so, like every Glaswegian, I feel incredibly lucky that they’re coming back. We’re going to make the most of it and it’s going to be the biggest party in town." 

Glasgow 2026 runs from 23 July to 2 August, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories to the city for an 11-day celebration of world-class sport and Scottish culture. 

Glasgow 2026’s final ticket drop is now live. Don't miss out and get your tickets for Para Powerlifting and Sam’s debut set here, with prices ranging from £20 to £45.