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
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
Pirates in the Port Shanty & Folk Festival
Our Shanty and Folk Festival set in Newport City Centre, marks its 2nd year, with leading shanty and folk bands playing over 2 days, and raising money for worthy charities.
May
Risca Beach FEASTival 2026
It's a summertime smash! This year, the Risca Beach Party and Risca Food FEASTival come together for one big summer event, with food and fun galore! Risca town centre's Tredegar Park will be home to a giant beach area along with plenty of food and drink for a whole weekend of family fun in the sun!
June
Barry Island Food Festival
Save the date … Barry Island Food Festival is BACK on 6th & 7th June! Get ready for an incredible weekend of food, live music and an indie market packed with independent makers, local producers, chefs, and a few surprises, all right on the beach. Two days. One beautiful location. Don't miss it. Keep up to date and follow @visitthevale and @barryislandfoodfestival So, grab your bucket hat, spade and sun lotion and we'll see you down the Island in June. The festival is brought to you by the Vale of Glamorgan Council in collaboration with Indie Collectives, Digital Creator Llio Angharad and 96 Events.
June
Pride Cymru
Pride Cymru 2026 is Wales's biggest celebration of equality and diversity. Over 2 days, 13th - 14th June.
June
Tafwyl 2026
Tafwyl is a lively, free Welsh-language festival held annually in Cardiff’s Bute Park, celebrating the best of Welsh music, arts, culture, food and community right in the heart of the capital.
June
Cardiff Mela
A free outdoor multicultural festival, designed to showcase the city’s vibrant diversity through a rich mix of cultural experiences. 21/06/2026
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
Find events in...
To find out what's happening near to where you are visiting take a look at these links.
