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
St Fagans Food Festival
The St Fagans Food Festival is a popular annual event held at the St Fagans National History Museum. It brings together a great mix of food and drink stalls from Wales and other countries, along with live music, cooking demonstrations, and family-friendly activities. 12-13/09/2026
September
Usk Show 2026
One of the biggest One-Day Agricultural Shows celebrating the very best of Monmouthshire farming and rural life. 12/09/2026
September
Risca Food FEASTival
Risca Food FEASTival 2026 will bring a celebration of food, family, and fun to the town of Risca in September. Showcasing delicious flavours, exciting food stalls, live cooking demonstrations, and entertainment, the festival offers a fantastic day out for visitors of all ages.
September
UTSAV 2026
Following the resounding success of their inaugural UTSAV in 2025, September will see Samarpan partner with the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama become a riot of colour and sound when their vibrant, cultural celebration of South Asian Classical Dance returns to Cardiff on September 13th.
September
Abergavenny Food Festival 2026
Abergavenny Food Festival enjoys an exceptional reputation as a place for chefs, food businesses, journalists, farmers and food producers to come together, known for being an inclusive and welcoming event, delivering a delicious opportunity for people from all walks of life to explore and learn about food. 19 - 20/09/2026
September
Pedal Wye Valley
Pedal series is organised by Parkinson's UK as a series of exciting cycling events across the country. With stunning scenery from rivers and valleys to dramatic climbs, pedal with us for an unforgettable experience on two wheels.
September
Porthcawl Elvis Fest
The Porthcawl Elvis Festival is widely billed as one of the world’s biggest Elvis tribute festivals, with hundreds of performers and events across the town. 25-27/09/2026
September
Cardiff Music City Festival 2026
Cardiff Music City Festival – a two-week celebration of music that bringst global stars, local legends, fresh new talent and thousands of music fans to venues across the city. 02-17/10/2026
October
PYO Pumpkins At Forage Farm Shop
Forage Pick Your Own Pumpkins is one of South Wales' most popular autumn experiences, offering a fun-filled day out for all ages. Set on the beautiful Penllyn Estate near Cowbridge, visitors can hop aboard a tractor trailer to the pumpkin patch, choose from thousands of homegrown pumpkins, explore a maize maze, meet friendly farm animals and enjoy seasonal food, entertainment and fantastic photo opportunities. As Halloween approaches, the event also features a thrilling twilight experience with live actors, a scare maze and spooky entertainment, making it a memorable autumn adventure for families, friends and Halloween enthusiasts alike.
October
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