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
Halloween Ghost Train - Blaenavon Heritage Railway
Hop on a ghostly train and travel through the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape.
October
Mark Thomas: 40 In Stand Up Years
What?! Mark Thomas has been ‘standing up’ for 40 years? Impossible!! But how old does that make you…? Alas it is true; one of our oldest surviving alternative comics celebrates 40 years at the mic as he takes his brand-new show on the road this autumn.
October
Abergavenny Round Table Fireworks Extravaganza
On November the 5th the skies above Abergavenny will be alight with colour as The Abergavenny Round Table Fireworks Extravaganza takes place.
November
Sophiaworks Fireworks Display 2026
Cardiff’s skies will be lit up with spectacular fireworks straight from Sophia Garden on Thursday 5th November.2026. Bring the whole family for an unforgettable evening.
November
Nations Championship 2026: Wales v Japan
Experience the excitement of international rugby as Wales take on Japan at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium in the inaugural Nations Championship. Expect a fantastic atmosphere as two sides meet under the lights for an unmissable autumn rugby clash. Saturday 7 November 2026. Kick-off 4.40pm.
November
Cardiff Christmas Market
Cardiff Christmas Market returns in 2026 from the Thursday 12th November to Wednesday 23rd December, bringing festive sparkle to St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and Hills Street in the heart of Cardiff.
November
The Polar Express™ at Brecon Mountain Railway
Step aboard Brecon Mountain Railway for a festive family adventure as The Polar Express™ arrives in Wales for Christmas 2026. Expect a magical train journey filled with characters, entertainment, seasonal treats and a very special encounter with Santa.
November
Nations Championship 2026: Wales v New Zealand
Experience the excitement of international rugby as Wales welcome New Zealand to Principality Stadium for a thrilling Nations Championship clash. Saturday 14 November. Kick-off is at 2.10pm.
November
Bargoed Christmas Market 2026
Bargoed will be brought to life on Saturday 14th November as it hosts its annual Christmas Market!
November
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To find out what's happening near to where you are visiting take a look at these links.
