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
Caerphilly Cheese Festival 2026
Say cheese! Get ready for a fantastic weekend of live music, great food and a whole load of fun!
August
Tintern Abbey - The Greatest Knight
To celebrate the life of one of Tintern Abbey's greatest patrons, we will be welcoming William Marshal and his wife Isabel to Tintern for the 801st anniversary of her death. Living history, medieval re-enactment, music and horse displays will transport the abbey back to its earliest days - to honour the life of Earl Marshal and his influential spouse, as the Greatest Knight returns!
August
Wales Strongest Man
The Wales’s Strongest Man 2026 is scheduled for Sunday 30 August in Cardiff. It forms part of the official UK strongman circuit and brings together some of the top strength athletes from across Wales to compete for the national title. 30/08/2026
August
Raglan Castle Odyssey
Join us for a multi-historical period weekend of living history. Once again the Worcester Reenactors set up at Raglan castle to take you on a journey across the ages as folk, civilians and soldiers alike show off life from many eras of the past. Wander the camps, speak to the voices of history and bask in the atmosphere of Raglan Castle.
August
Open Doors - The Royal Mint Experience
CADW Open Doors at the Award Winning The Royal Mint Experience, in Llantrisant, the only place in the world where United Kingdom’s coins are made. Go behind the scenes in our Award winning Guided Factory Experience and visit our award winning exhibition.
September
NoFit State Circus - CARNATION
NoFit State Circus brings you CARNATION a brand-new, large-scale production. World-class circus, live music and bold cinematic imagery collide in an all-embracing Big Top experience from award-winning director Firenza Guidi. 04-20/09/2026
September
South Wales Vegan Festival
Vegan Events UK, organiser of vegan festivals around the UK, is pleased to announce the date of its spectacular South Wales Vegan Festival – Saturday 5th September 2026. This special plant-powered celebration will feature plant-based foods and drinks, cruelty-free beauty, skincare, home wares and gifts, and talks, demonstrations, workshops and information on a vegan lifestyle. And with free entry for accompanied under-16s, it's perfect for families.
September
Risca Beach & Food 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!
September
Chepstow Castle Medieval Mayhem with Bowlore
Experience the sights and sounds of medieval life, as historical re-enactment group Bowlore takes over Chepstow Castle! Displays and demonstrations taking place throughout the day, with have-a-go archery and sword school for anyone who thinks they have what it takes to become a medieval knight!
September
Find events in...
To find out what's happening near to where you are visiting take a look at these links.
