August is packed with huge concerts, major sporting events, family attractions and festivals across Cardiff. Whether you’re looking for live music, days out with the kids, unique exhibitions or great food and drink, there’s plenty happening throughout the month. Here’s our pick of the best events taking place in the Welsh capital.
Cardiff Bay Family Fun Park – Throughout August
One of Cardiff’s biggest summer attractions returns to Roald Dahl Plass with rides, family entertainment and fun for all ages. From thrill rides to children’s attractions and classic fairground games, it’s the perfect day out during the school holidays.
Location: Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay
Baby Brick Dragons Trail – Throughout August
Twelve colourful baby brick dragons have taken over the Red Dragon Centre, creating a free family trail for visitors to enjoy. Hunt them down, snap some photos and explore everything the centre has to offer.
Location: Red Dragon Centre
Helios by Luke Jerram – Throughout August
Experience Luke Jerram’s spectacular installation Helios at National Museum Cardiff. The giant illuminated artwork combines detailed NASA imagery with a specially created soundscape, offering visitors a fascinating journey through our nearest star.
Location: National Museum Cardiff
Cardiff’s Largest Sunflower Field – Throughout August
Wander through thousands of vibrant sunflowers at Clearwell Farm, where you can pick your own blooms, capture stunning summer photos and enjoy one of South Wales’ most colourful seasonal attractions.
Location: Clearwell Farm
Techniquest After Hours: Eclipse Special – 12 August
Celebrate the partial solar eclipse with a special adults-only evening at Techniquest. Explore the science behind eclipses through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations and expert talks in a relaxed after-hours setting.
Location: Techniquest
Hollywood Vampires – 14 August
Rock supergroup Hollywood Vampires take over Cardiff Castle for a huge summer concert. Expect a night packed with classic rock anthems from one of the biggest outdoor shows of the month.
Location: Cardiff Castle
Lord of the Dance – 14 August
Michael Flatley’s world-famous dance spectacular returns with breathtaking choreography, incredible music and stunning visual effects that continue to captivate audiences around the world.
Location: New Theatre
Jimmy Eat World – 15 August
American rock favourites Jimmy Eat World bring their catalogue of iconic alternative anthems to Cardiff Castle for what promises to be an unforgettable summer evening.
Location: Cardiff Castle
Great British Curry Festival – 15 August
Lo Lounge hosts a celebration of flavours from around the world with some of the UK’s best curry traders, live entertainment, drinks and plenty of delicious dishes to discover.
Location: Lo Lounge, Cardiff Bay
FA Community Shield: Manchester United v Arsenal – 16 August
The traditional curtain-raiser to the English football season heads to Cardiff as Manchester United and Arsenal battle for the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium.
Location: Principality Stadium
10 Years of Fixate – 22 August
Celebrating a decade of one of South Wales’ biggest drum and bass brands, Fixate returns with a huge anniversary event featuring an impressive line-up of DJs and producers.
Location: Lo Lounge, Cardiff Bay
Outdoor Emo Festival – 23 August
Tiger Yard hosts a day dedicated to emo, pop punk and alternative music, with live bands, DJs, food, drinks and plenty of nostalgia for fans of the genre.
Location: Tiger Yard
Paul Smith: Pablo – 29 August
One of Britain’s best-loved comedians brings his latest stand-up tour to Cardiff, delivering his trademark storytelling, sharp observations and laugh-out-loud comedy.
Location: Utilita Arena Cardiff
Wales’ Strongest Man – 30 August
Watch some of the country’s most powerful athletes battle it out across a series of incredible strength challenges, with competitors lifting, pulling and carrying enormous weights in pursuit of the national title.
Location: Cardiff International Sports Stadium
The Hundred: Welsh Fire v Southern Brave – 2 August
The Hundred returns to Sophia Gardens with Welsh Fire taking on Southern Brave in one of cricket’s most exciting and fast-paced competitions. Expect explosive batting, family entertainment and a fantastic atmosphere.
Location: Sophia Gardens
The Hundred: Welsh Fire v Northern Superchargers – 5 August
Another exciting evening of cricket arrives as Welsh Fire continue their home campaign against Northern Superchargers in front of a lively Cardiff crowd.
Location: Sophia Gardens
The Hundred: Welsh Fire v Trent Rockets – 9 August
Welsh Fire round off their home fixtures with a clash against Trent Rockets, promising another evening of world-class cricket and entertainment.
Location: Sophia Gardens
Glitter Cymru – 23 August
Celebrate LGBTQ+ creativity, visibility and community at Glitter Cymru, a vibrant event bringing together performances, art, culture and conversation. Held at the historic Temple of Peace, the event showcases local talent while creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all.
Location: Temple of Peace, Cardiff
Butetown Carnival – 24 August
One of Cardiff’s longest-running community celebrations returns, bringing the streets of Butetown to life with a colourful carnival parade, live music, dance, food stalls and family entertainment. Celebrating the rich cultures and heritage of one of the city’s most diverse communities, it’s always one of the highlights of the summer calendar.
Location: Butetown, Cardiff
Make the Most of August in Cardiff
From blockbuster concerts at Cardiff Castle and international sport to family attractions, exhibitions and food festivals, August is one of the busiest months of the year in the Welsh capital. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a night with friends or looking for something different to experience this summer, there’s no shortage of things to do across the city.
Worth the Trip: Great Days Out Near Cardiff
Looking to venture a little further afield? These events are all within easy reach of Cardiff and make for fantastic summer day trips.
Forage Farm Flower Fields – 8 August to September
One of South Wales’ most picturesque seasonal attractions returns as the flower fields at Forage Farm burst into colour. Wander through beautiful displays, pick your own flowers, enjoy local food and drink, and capture some stunning summer photos.
Location: Forage Farm, Cowbridge
Fantastic Fête – 7 to 9 August
Step back in time as St Donat’s Castle hosts its annual Fantastic Fête. Expect live entertainment, artisan stalls, family activities, delicious food and drink, and the chance to explore one of Wales’ most impressive historic castles.
Location: St Donat’s Castle, Vale of Glamorgan
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta – 7 to 10 August
One of Europe’s largest free outdoor events sees hundreds of colourful hot air balloons fill the skies above Bristol. Alongside spectacular mass ascents, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, fairground rides, food stalls and the popular Night Glow displays.
Location: Ashton Court Estate, Bristol
Green Man Festival – 13 to 16 August
Set against the backdrop of the Brecon Beacons, Green Man is one of the UK’s most celebrated independent music festivals. Alongside an outstanding line-up of live music, expect comedy, literature, wellness, science, family activities and award-winning food and drink.
Location: Glanusk Estate, Crickhowell
