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
Alzheimer's Research UK Walk For A Cure 2026
Join us on a 5km family-friendly walk in the heart of Cardiff and help us make a real difference in the search for a cure.
July
Art School Wales Summer Exhibition 2026
Art School Wales hosts a free Summer Exhibition every year to showcase Welsh students' talents. Come along to view the students work and meet the tutors. Release the artist within!
July
Big Love Festival 2026
Big Love is a weekend packed with great live music, DJs, woodland discos, circus & cabaret, yummy award winning street food and chilled down-time. 16-19/06/2026
July
Steel House Festival
Steelhouse Festival is one of the UK’s premier classic rock and metal festivals, held annually in the scenic surroundings of the Welsh mountains, known for its friendly atmosphere and stunning location. 24-26/07/2026
July
Depot in the Castle
DEPOT in the Castle is Cardiff’s annual festival, based in the incredible surroundings of the iconic, city-centre castle grounds Get ready for an unforgettable experience with world-renowned headliners, engaging activities, mouth-watering street food, and a wide variety of refreshing drinks! 25/07/2026
July
GlastonBARRY Tribute Festival
Set in Romilly Park, Barry, the festival attracts thousands of visitors each year and offers a mix of live music, food stalls, bars, and entertainment in a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere.
July
Monstock
Free pop-up music festival all around Monmouth Town - all in aid of charity.
July
#ThisIsOurOrchestra - National Open Youth Orchestra with BBC National Orchestra of Wales
The National Open Youth Orchestra – the world's first disabled-led national youth ensemble – return to Hoddinott Hall for an afternoon concert with guest musicians from BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Alice Farnham. The programme includes Michael Betteridge's Soaring Through Sparks – the world's first Clarion concerto – arranged by Julia Koelmans with soloist Alessandro Vazzana who plays the Clarion with head movement and Charlotte Harding's The Orchestra: A Young Person's Guide, co-commissioned by the BBC.
July
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
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