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 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
- Glastonbury 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.
- Between the Trees Festival, with its unique theme of nature & science, takes place each August.
- 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.
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.
Events calendar
Samarpan's Double Bill
Samarpan's Double Bill Dance Performance will spotlight two developing Bharatanatyam practitioners alongside a Live Orchestra and the Samarpan Ensemble. Taking place at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, the event will feature two young Welsh dancers - Nithya Menon and Ann Sunny - both well-established performers who have completed their Arangetram and continue to refine their artistry with dedication and depth. Students of Samarpan, they train under the guidance of Dr Santosh Nair, whose mentorship shapes their strong technical foundation and expressive approach to Bharatanatyam. The evening will be preceded by a 20 minute performance by the Samarpan Ensemble.
May
Gwyl Fach Y Fro
Gŵyl Fach y Fro returns to Barry Island this May! This year the festival is teaming up with Run4Wales to bring a whole weekend of Welsh music, culture and good vibes, and all for free. Gŵyl Fach y Fro on Saturday 16 May, and Barry Island 10K on Sunday 17 May. One location, two days of pure buzz!
May
Unstable Arts Spring Open Day
Unstable Arts is hosting a Spring Open Day, where members of the public can access the venue, tour the Resident Artists' studios, view our members exhibition and purchase works made by local artists, participate in workshops including pottery throwing, crochet, collage and more!
May
Barry Island 10K
The Barry Island 10K returns this May! On Sunday 17 May 2026 - sun, sea, and sand provide the backdrop to the Barry Island 10K – which brings a summertime festival of running to the popular seaside resort. The 10K race takes place on fully closed roads passing all of the town's most scenic seaside spots and recognisable landmarks – including Whitmore Bay, the Knap, Romilly Park and Watch House Bay. A host of Junior Races including a Fun Run, Toddler Dash and competitive Future Challengers event take place along the promenade – giving budding athletes and families a chance to get in on the action. Race entries start at £32 and you can enter here. The event is delivered by Run 4 Wales (R4W).
May
Pianoforte
Pianoforte uncovers the remarkable true story of Mary Frost, wife of Newport Chartist leader John Frost, and her central, yet long-overlooked, role in the 1839 Newport Rising. Set against the backdrop of one of the most pivotal moments in British democratic history, this is a story of courage, sacrifice, and the women history forgot.
May
Devauden Festival
A three-day music and arts festival, featuring live music across multiple stages, arts workshops, family-friendly activities, and camping in a scenic countryside setting. The festival showcases local and emerging talent alongside headline acts, creating a vibrant and welcoming summer event for all ages. 22-24/05/2026
May
The Big Banquet
Roll up for a weekend of feasting, fun, and a full-on festival atmosphere inside the historic walls of Caldicot Castle for the late May Bank Holiday. A travelling caravan of celebrated street food chefs will serve dishes from across the world, brought together around long communal tables. Built for all ages, the event includes a free kids' circus school, high-wire performances, bubble discos, and a spectacular evening fire show.
May
Abergavenny Steam Rally
A great day out with something to see and interest everyone in the family, not just steam engines but a nostalgic look at life and living before the internet, but still with a nod to the modern day. Abergavenny Steam Rally is definitely a show not to be missed.
May
Feast On Food Festival
Feast On, the South West’s tastiest independent food festival, is coming to Cardiff for the first time! Taking place at Bute Park from 29th - 31st May 2026, the festival will celebrate independent restaurants, street food traders, and local producers from Cardiff and across Wales. Enjoy live music, open-fire cooking, wine tasting, a cookery school, axe throwing, chef demos, a banqueting area, and talks on food sustainability - all in a vibrant festival atmosphere.
May
Find events in...
To find out what's happening near to where you are visiting take a look at these links.
