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
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
Vale Pick Your Own
Vale Pick Your Own at Greenland Farm, Bonvilston in the Vale of Glamorgan offers seasonal strawberry, raspberry and pumpkin picking on a working farm. In summer you can head into the fields to pick your own soft fruit before tasting some of the juiciest strawberries in South Wales. In October the farm turns over to pumpkin season, with daytime pumpkin picking and popular Twilight Pumpkin Picking events. As the sun sets over the Vale, the pumpkin fields are lit up to give you the chance to choose your pumpkin under the stars. Wrap up warm, bring your wellies and enjoy a pumpkin spiced latte, cakes, hot and cold drinks and Welsh ice cream from the café.
June
Cardiff Music City Festival 2026
Cardiff Music City Festival – a two-week celebration of music that bringst global stars, local legends, fresh new talent and thousands of music fans to venues across the city. 02-17/10/2026
October
PYO Pumpkins At Forage Farm Shop
Forage Pick Your Own Pumpkins is one of South Wales' most popular autumn experiences, offering a fun-filled day out for all ages. Set on the beautiful Penllyn Estate near Cowbridge, visitors can hop aboard a tractor trailer to the pumpkin patch, choose from thousands of homegrown pumpkins, explore a maize maze, meet friendly farm animals and enjoy seasonal food, entertainment and fantastic photo opportunities. As Halloween approaches, the event also features a thrilling twilight experience with live actors, a scare maze and spooky entertainment, making it a memorable autumn adventure for families, friends and Halloween enthusiasts alike.
October
Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival
The Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival brings some of the best LGBTQ+ short and feature films from around the world to Cardiff. The friendly and vibrant festival celebrates diverse storytelling through film screenings, special events and awards. 12-18/10/2026
October
Sŵn Festival
Cardiff comes alive with three days of live music as Sŵn Festival returns this October. With more than 150 artists appearing at venues across the city, it's a great opportunity to enjoy familiar favourites and discover plenty of new music along the way. 15-17/10/2026
October
Ty Hafan Dark Run 2026
Light up the night and support a fantastic cause at the Tŷ Hafan Dark Run in Cardiff's beautiful Bute Park. This family-friendly evening event brings together runners, walkers and supporters for a fun-filled experience with a glowing Halloween twist. 17/10/2026
October
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
Chepstow Autumn Walking Festival
Chepstow Autumn Walking Festival consists of 21 guided walks to enjoy the best of Autumn splendour in and around Chepstow.
October
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To find out what's happening near to where you are visiting take a look at these links.
