Summer arrives in full force this July, bringing one of the busiest months of the year to Cardiff. From huge outdoor concerts and international sport to theatre, family attractions and food festivals, there’s something happening almost every day. Whether you’re planning a weekend visit or looking for inspiration close to home, here are some of the best events taking place across the Welsh capital.
Lewis Capaldi – 1 July
After his emotional return to the stage, Lewis Capaldi heads to Blackweir Fields for one of the most anticipated concerts of the summer. Expect a night packed with chart-topping hits, heartfelt ballads and plenty of his trademark humour in front of a huge Cardiff crowd.
Location: Blackweir Fields
Guys and Dolls – 1 to 6 July
The classic Broadway musical arrives at Sherman Theatre, bringing unforgettable songs, colourful characters and timeless storytelling. Whether you’re a lifelong musical theatre fan or discovering it for the first time, it’s a brilliant way to begin the month.
Location: Sherman Theatre
Cardiff Food & Drink Festival – 3 to 5 July
Roald Dahl Plass comes alive with street food, artisan producers, local drinks and live entertainment. One of Cardiff’s favourite summer events, it’s the perfect place to sample Welsh produce, discover independent businesses and soak up the atmosphere by the waterfront.
Location: Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay
Vitality Blast: Glamorgan v Warwickshire Bears – 3 July
Enjoy an evening of fast-paced T20 cricket as Glamorgan take on Warwickshire Bears at Sophia Gardens. With food, entertainment and a lively crowd, it’s one of the city’s favourite summer sporting experiences.
Location: Sophia Gardens
Fiji v Wales – 4 July
International rugby returns as Fiji host Wales in the Nations Championship at Cardiff City Stadium. The historic fixture is expected to bring a carnival atmosphere to the city, with thousands of travelling supporters creating one of the highlights of the sporting summer.
Location: Cardiff City Stadium
Bowling For Soup with Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls – 4 July
Pop-punk favourites Bowling For Soup bring their energetic live show to Cardiff Castle, joined by Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls. Expect singalong anthems, plenty of laughs and a fantastic summer atmosphere in one of the city’s most iconic venues.
Location: Cardiff Castle
Pitbull – 4 July
Mr Worldwide arrives in Cardiff for a huge outdoor party at Blackweir Fields. Joined by Lil Jon, expect an evening packed with global hits, dancefloor favourites and an unforgettable festival atmosphere.
Location: Blackweir Fields
Vitality Blast: Glamorgan v Worcestershire Rapids – 5 July
Another exciting evening of T20 cricket sees Glamorgan face Worcestershire Rapids. Cricket fans can enjoy explosive batting, family entertainment and one of the country’s most picturesque cricket grounds.
Location: Sophia Gardens
The Dinosaur That Pooped A Rock Show! – 5 July
Based on the bestselling children’s books, this hilarious family show brings songs, laughter and plenty of prehistoric fun to New Theatre, making it an ideal summer holiday treat for younger audiences.
Location: New Theatre
Jinkx Monsoon: Speaking of Witch – 6 July
RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon brings her unique blend of comedy, music and theatrical storytelling to Cardiff for one unforgettable evening.
Location: New Theatre
The Last Laugh – 7 to 11 July
This acclaimed comedy production arrives at New Theatre with a witty script and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, making it one of the month’s must-see stage productions.
Location: New Theatre
Annie – 7 to 18 July
The much-loved family musical returns with iconic songs including Tomorrow and It’s the Hard Knock Life. Perfect for audiences of all ages, Annie promises a feel-good evening at Wales Millennium Centre.
Location: Wales Millennium Centre
Vitality Blast: Glamorgan v Northamptonshire Steelbacks – 8 July
Another opportunity to enjoy one of cricket’s most exciting formats as Glamorgan continue their home campaign in Cardiff.
Location: Sophia Gardens
Billy Ocean with Marti Pellow – 9 July
Two legendary voices share the stage at Cardiff Castle, performing decades of classic hits in a spectacular outdoor setting.
Location: Cardiff Castle
Bastille – 10 July
One of Britain’s biggest indie-pop bands brings their huge catalogue of anthems to Cardiff Castle for an unforgettable summer concert.
Location: Cardiff Castle
David Gray with The Divine Comedy – 11 July
David Gray returns to Cardiff Castle for an evening featuring favourites from his celebrated career, supported by The Divine Comedy.
Location: Cardiff Castle
Baby Brick Dinosaurs – Throughout July
Families can enjoy a free dinosaur trail at the Red Dragon Centre this summer, where 12 colourful baby brick dinosaurs have taken over the venue. Follow the trail to discover each prehistoric character, snap plenty of photos and enjoy a fun activity for children while exploring one of Cardiff Bay’s favourite leisure destinations.
Location: Red Dragon Centre
Richard Ashcroft – 16 July
Former Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft performs beneath the walls of Cardiff Castle, delivering a set full of classic British rock anthems and solo favourites.
Location: Cardiff Castle
England Men v India Men ODI – 16 July
International cricket returns to Sophia Gardens as England face India in a Metro Bank One Day International. One of the biggest sporting occasions of the summer is expected to attract a sell-out crowd.
Location: Sophia Gardens
Amnesia – 16 to 18 July
Sherman Theatre presents this powerful new production exploring memory, identity and relationships through compelling contemporary theatre.
Location: Sherman Theatre
Cardiff Bay Family Fun Park – 18 July to 31 August
Roald Dahl Plass transforms into a huge family funfair for the summer holidays. Expect rides, games, food stalls and the return of UK’s tallest travelling drop tower, making it one of Cardiff’s biggest family attractions.
Location: Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay
Shangri-La: Sammy Virji – 18 July
UK garage star Sammy Virji headlines Cardiff Castle for an evening celebrating electronic music, dance culture and one of the summer’s biggest outdoor parties.
Location: Cardiff Castle
Annual Charity Drag Rugby Match – 19 July
A Cardiff tradition returns as Cardiff Lions face ‘Diff Drag in a charity rugby match that combines sport, entertainment and fundraising in support of local LGBTQ+ causes.
Location: Cardiff
The Great Cardiff Feast – 24 to 26 July
Queen Street will once again be transformed into an open-air celebration of food and drink as The Great Cardiff Feast returns to the city centre. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of street food, artisan producers, sweet treats, drinks and live entertainment, making it the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon with family and friends while sampling flavours from Wales and beyond.
Location: Queen Street, Cardiff City Centre
The Bodyguard – 20 to 25 July
The smash-hit musical based on the iconic film returns to Wales Millennium Centre with unforgettable songs including I Will Always Love You.
Location: Wales Millennium Centre
Self Esteem – 24 July
One of the UK’s most exciting live performers brings her acclaimed show to Cardiff Castle, combining pop, theatre and powerful storytelling.
Location: Cardiff Castle
Welsh Fire v MI London – 25 July
The Hundred returns to Sophia Gardens as Welsh Fire continue their campaign in one of cricket’s fastest-growing competitions.
Location: Sophia Gardens
DEPOT in the Castle – 25 July
One of Cardiff’s biggest summer parties returns with The Wombats, Sugababes, Red Rum Club and more performing inside Cardiff Castle.
Location: Cardiff Castle
David Byrne with Anna Calvi – 26 July
Talking Heads legend David Byrne makes a rare Cardiff appearance, joined by acclaimed guitarist and songwriter Anna Calvi.
Location: Cardiff Castle
The Karate Kid – The Musical – 28 July to 1 August
The iconic coming-of-age story is transformed into a spectacular stage musical featuring memorable characters, exciting choreography and plenty of nostalgia.
Location: Wales Millennium Centre
Welsh Fire v Trent Rockets – 29 July
Another evening of fast-paced Hundred cricket promises big hitting, entertainment and a fantastic atmosphere at Sophia Gardens.
Location: Sophia Gardens
Sounds of the 60s Live with Tony Blackburn – 29 July
Celebrate the soundtrack of a generation as Tony Blackburn presents an evening packed with classic 1960s hits performed live.
Location: New Theatre
Biffy Clyro – 30 July
Scottish rock giants Biffy Clyro bring their explosive live show to Cardiff Castle for what promises to be one of the loudest nights of the summer.
Location: Cardiff Castle
The Streets – 31 July
Mike Skinner and The Streets close out the month with an energetic performance featuring era-defining tracks that have become modern British classics.
Location: Cardiff Castle
