Across Southern Wales there are loads of events - from rugby internationals to food festivals, from Welsh cultural events to modern performances.
Year-Round Events across Southern Wales
Southern Wales buzzes with spectacular events perfect for groups throughout the year; from electrifying rugby internationals at the Principality Stadium to vibrant food festivals, rich Welsh cultural celebrations like the Eisteddfod, and dynamic modern performances. Here are some of our top seasonal recommendations to inspire unforgettable group itineraries!
Event highlights
Southern Wales is filled with great, imaginative events throughout the year. The calendar changes each year, so here are some of the regular events across the seasons:
January - March
- As well as Valentines Day, we also celebrate St Dwynwen’s Day, the Welsh patron saint of love, on 25 January.
- The rugby internationals take place in February and March each year.
- St David’s Day, our patron saint, is celebrated each 1st March – you’ll find events in theatres, town centres and in businesses throughout the area, focusing on food, music and traditions.
April – June
- Easter events take place around the region – lots of egg hunts at attractions like Tredegar House and Park, Dyffryn Gardens and A Welsh Coal Mining Experience: Rhondda Heritage Park.
- Usk Open Gardens (featuring around 20 private gardens) takes place at the end of June when gardens are looking their very best.
July - September
- Glastonbarry Tribute Festival takes place in Barry each July.
- Music fills the valleys each July when Steelhouse Festival brings rock bands from around the UK and further afield to the hills above Ebbw Vale.
- Abergavenny Food Festival takes place each September, and the Caerphilly Cheese Festival takes place in August.
- Each summer there is a programme of international music across Cardiff outdoor venues – including Cardiff Castle and Principality Stadium.
- Each September heritage sites across Wales take visitors behind the scenes as part of the Open Doors Festival. This year the programme includes country churches, archives and even the Royal Mint.
October – December
- The Newport Food Festival takes place in October.
- Caerphilly Christmas celebrations including the River of Light Lantern Parade takes place in December.
- There are lots of Christmas events across Cardiff from mid November including light events and Christmas market.
- On New Years Eve the Nos Galan Road Races takes place in Mountain Ash commemorating the legendary Welsh runner Guto Nyth Bran.
- There are always great shows at theatres like the Millennium Centre and New Theatre in Cardiff, The Riverfront, Newport and at the smaller theatres across the region.
Events calendar
Breakfast With Speedboat Santa @ Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs Centre
Santa Claus is coming to Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs this Christmas! With his reindeers building up their strength for Christmas Eve, Santa will arrive in his own speedboat! He will then join his very special guests in the café for festive food. After the meal, he will chat, sit with them for photos and present a gift.
Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon - Immersive Experience
Experience Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon like never before in a truly immersive experience at CULTVR's 360º cinema. Returning to Wales due to popular demand, this internationally acclaimed production offers an immersive audiovisual journey not to be missed.
June
Calan Gaeaf at Dyffryn Gardens
This October half term, uncover the magic of the Tylwyth Teg (Welsh fairies) at Dyffryn Gardens. Join us to mark the turn of the seasons and celebrate Calan Gaeaf, with a touch of Halloween spirit. 23/10-01/11/2026
October
Calan Gaeaf at Tredegar House
As the veil between worlds thins and the gateway to Annwn begins to open, folklore settles over the estate. This October half term, celebrate folklore, the spirit of Halloween and the tradition of Calan Gaeaf at Tredegar House.
October
Abergavenny Round Table Fireworks Extravaganza
On November the 5th the skies above Abergavenny will be alight with colour as The Abergavenny Round Table Fireworks Extravaganza takes place.
November
Sophiaworks Fireworks Display 2026
Sophiaworks is Cardiff’s biggest fireworks display, returning to Sophia Gardens this Bonfire Night on Thursday, November 5. Enjoy an evening of live music, family entertainment, funfair rides and street food before a spectacular fireworks display at 7 pm.
November
Nations Championship 2026: Wales v Japan
Experience the excitement of international rugby as Wales take on Japan at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium in the inaugural Nations Championship. Expect a fantastic atmosphere as two sides meet under the lights for an unmissable autumn rugby clash. Saturday 7 November 2026. Kick-off 4.40pm.
November
Cardiff Christmas Market
Cardiff Christmas Market returns in 2026 from the Thursday 12th November to Wednesday 23rd December, bringing festive sparkle to St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and Hills Street in the heart of Cardiff.
November
Cardiff Winter Wonderland
This annual festive event features the ever popular Ice Rink & Ice Trail, Sur la Piste - the alpine ski lodge bar, the Big Wheel and Family Fairground, festive food and drink and a whole lot more. 12/11/26 - 03/01/27
November
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