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
The Green Gathering
Four days of low impact living in an area of outstanding beauty, every corner bursting with music, creativity, natural abundance and community spirit. This festival’s impact lasts longer than a weekend! 30/07 - 02/08/2026
July
Fantastic Fete
A giant village fête reimagined for the 21st century, Fantastic Fete by Street Food Circus takes over the grounds of St Donat's Castle for two consecutive summer-holiday weekends. The castle grounds will be filled with feasting, silly games, performances, and all the joyful chaos of a classic British summer day, all served with the best street food. Expect food from across the world, roaming entertainment, curious competitions, and plenty to keep every age happily occupied.
July
Forever Flowers 2026
Forever Flowers is City Hospice's award‑winning annual remembrance campaign, returning to Cardiff Castle for its sixth year.
August
Pick Your Own Flowers
Experience one of the region's most colourful summer attractions at Forage's Pick Your Own Flowers event. Working in partnership with serial RHS Gold Medal winner Rob Evans of Pheasant Acre Plants, visitors can explore a stunning flower field filled with thousands of beautiful blooms and create their own hand-picked bouquets to take home. This year's display features spectacular dahlias, which will flower throughout the entire season, alongside vibrant sunflowers and elegant gladioli during the earlier flowering period.
August
CULTVR Open Day
Join us for a special day as we open our doors and invite you to explore everything CULTVR has to offer. Experience our immersive arts centre through a programme of XR installations, digital art, fulldome cinema, hands-on workshops and live performances. Meet the team, discover new creative technologies and take part in a day of making, sharing and exploration.
August
Raglan Castle Falconry Days
Raglan Castle Falconry Days. Wings of Wales are back at the castle with their birds of prey. Come and meet the birds and see them fly, and learn about the conservation of these feathered friends.
August
Chepstow Show
Chepstow Show returns to Chepstow Racecourse for a great family day out. Homecraft, horticulture, livestock, vintage and dogs. NEew for 2026 Circus Workshop and Live Music Stage. 08/08/2026.
August
Blaenafon Ironworks Ragged Victorians
No one can delight and disgust quite like the Ragged Victorians, portraying the daily life of the Victorian poor and industrial workers. From Peelers to rat-catchers to bare knuckle fighters, this is the real 1800s!
August
Between the Trees
With its unique theme of nature & science, the Between the Trees festival aims to reconnect people to the natural world. It features a blend of original indie folk music, art and spoken word within a community that embraces all and encourages thinking and creativity. 27 - 30/08/2026
August
Find events in...
To find out what's happening near to where you are visiting take a look at these links.
