Events in Wales 2026: Festivals, Shows and What’s On

Wales has a packed events calendar for 2026 — from Six Nations rugby and the National Eisteddfod to the Hay Festival, Green Man and dozens of food fairs, agricultural shows and community celebrations across the country. This month-by-month guide covers every major event with dates, locations and practical booking information to help you plan your trip around the best of Welsh culture.

2026 Events Calendar

Spring (March – May)

Six Nations Rugby — February to March 2026

Wales play their home Six Nations matches at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff — one of the most atmospheric sporting venues in the world. Match days transform the entire city centre with pre-game crowds, singing and celebration. Tickets sell out fast — check the WRU website for official releases.

St David’s Day — 1 March 2026

Wales’ national day is celebrated across the country with parades, concerts, food events and cultural gatherings. Cardiff hosts the largest celebrations, but towns and villages throughout Wales mark the day with community events. Many Cadw castles and heritage sites offer free or reduced entry.

Hay Festival — May 2026

One of the world’s most celebrated literary festivals, held in the border town of Hay-on-Wye. Over 10 days of talks, debates and performances featuring authors, thinkers and artists from around the globe. Early booking is essential for headline events. Nearby holiday cottages in the Wye Valley book up months ahead.

Urdd Eisteddfod — May/June 2026

Europe’s largest youth arts festival, with competitions in music, dance, drama and literature entirely through the Welsh language. The event moves location each year and attracts over 100,000 visitors across the week. Free to attend on most days.

Summer (June – August)

Wrexham Football Museum Opening — June 2026

The brand-new Wrexham Football Museum opens in June 2026, celebrating the town’s extraordinary rise under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Combined with the expanded Wrexham Museum and TyPawb Arts Centre, it makes North East Wales a must-visit this year.

Royal Welsh Show — July 2026

The UK’s largest agricultural show, held in Builth Wells over four days each July. Livestock competitions, forestry displays, food halls, equestrian events and rural crafts attract over 200,000 visitors. Accommodation in Powys books up well in advance.

National Eisteddfod — August 2026

Wales’ largest and oldest cultural festival — a week-long celebration of Welsh language, music, poetry, art and performance dating back centuries. The Eisteddfod moves to a different location each year, alternating between North and South Wales. Many events are free, and the Maes (festival field) has food stalls, craft markets and live music throughout the day.

Green Man — August 2026

Set in the Brecon Beacons, Green Man is consistently rated one of the UK’s best music festivals. Indie, folk and alternative acts perform across multiple stages in one of the most beautiful festival settings in Britain. Family-friendly with a dedicated children’s area. Tickets typically sell out within weeks of release.

Portmeirion Centenary Celebrations — Summer 2026

The Italianate village of Portmeirion celebrates its centenary with special events, exhibitions and performances throughout the summer. Festival No.6, the music and arts festival held within the village grounds, is expected to feature an expanded programme for the centenary year.

Autumn and Winter (September – December)

Abergavenny Food Festival — September 2026

The UK’s leading food festival, showcasing the best of Welsh and British produce over a packed weekend. Celebrity chef demonstrations, tastings, masterclasses and a night market draw food lovers from across the country. The town is in the Brecon Beacons, making it easy to combine with hiking or a Wye Valley break.

Dylan Thomas Festival — October/November 2026

Celebrating Wales’ most famous poet in Swansea and Laugharne with readings, performances, walks and exhibitions. The festival coincides with Thomas’ birthday on 27 October. Swansea Bay and the Taf estuary provide atmospheric settings for the events.

Christmas Markets — November to December 2026

Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland is the largest Christmas market in Wales, running from mid-November through to Christmas. Conwy, Aberystwyth and Swansea also host popular Christmas markets. Many Cadw castles run special festive events with carols, candlelit tours and seasonal food stalls.

Dark Sky Season — October to March

The Brecon Beacons International Dark Sky Reserve and the Elan Valley (with its new planetarium) offer some of the best stargazing in Britain during the darker months. Guided stargazing walks, planetarium shows and glamping under the stars all run throughout winter.

Free Events in Wales

Many of the best events in Wales are free to attend. St David’s Day parades, most of the Eisteddfod’s Maes activities, outdoor music performances, Cadw open days (offering free castle entry several times a year), parkrun events in scenic locations, and community food markets across the country cost nothing. The National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans and the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea run free exhibitions and events year-round.

Practical Tips for Attending Welsh Events

Book accommodation early.

Festivals like Green Man, the Eisteddfod and the Royal Welsh Show fill up accommodation across the surrounding area weeks or months in advance. Holiday cottages within 30 minutes of major events are the first to go.

Check transport options.

Many festivals run shuttle buses from nearby towns and train stations. Cardiff events are well served by public transport, but rural festivals in the Brecon Beacons or Mid Wales are best reached by car. Our itinerary planning guide covers transport in detail.

Prepare for Welsh weather.

Even summer festivals can have rain. Waterproofs and layers are essential for any outdoor event in Wales, whatever the forecast says.

The Ultimate Wales Events Calendar 2026: 50+ Unmissable Festivals, Sports & Secret Gems

Frequently Asked Questions

What festivals are on in Wales this summer?

Key summer 2026 festivals include the National Eisteddfod (August), Green Man in the Brecon Beacons (August), the Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells (July), Festival No.6 at Portmeirion (celebrating the village’s centenary), and the Wrexham Football Museum opening (June). Many smaller food, music and arts festivals also run throughout June to August across the country.

What is the biggest music festival in Wales?

Green Man in the Brecon Beacons is Wales’ most acclaimed music festival, regularly rated among the best in the UK. Other notable music events include Festival No.6 at Portmeirion, Tafwyl (a free Welsh-language festival in Cardiff), Sŵn Festival (Cardiff’s multi-venue indie festival) and the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Are there any free events in Wales?

Yes — many events are free. St David’s Day celebrations, large parts of the National Eisteddfod, Cadw open days (free castle entry), Tafwyl in Cardiff, parkrun events, and exhibitions at free national museums all cost nothing. Community food markets and outdoor music events are also typically free to attend.

When is the National Eisteddfod 2026?

The National Eisteddfod takes place over one week in August 2026. The location rotates each year between North and South Wales. Check the official Eisteddfod website for confirmed dates, location and the full programme once it is announced.

Plan your trip around a Welsh event

Browse our destinations guide to find the best area for your event, book accommodation near the venue, and explore the things to do around each location to make the most of your visit.

Updated February 2026