The Bank Holiday weekend is finally here and, for once, the weather is actually looking good. With sunshine expected across Cardiff and South Wales, it’s the perfect excuse to get out and make the most of the long weekend.
Whether you fancy huge live music festivals, outdoor food markets, circus stunts, cricket in the sun or late-night rave throwbacks, there’s loads happening across the city and beyond over the next few days. Massive events like In It Together Festival return for another huge year, while Kiefer Sutherland heads to Cardiff for a rare live show and Circus Extreme: Rock It Out arrives with one of the biggest touring productions of the year.
From family days out to club nights and festivals, here are 20 things happening across Cardiff and South Wales this Bank Holiday weekend.
1. Circus Extreme: Rock It Out – Cardiff City Stadium
One of the world’s biggest touring circus productions is heading to Cardiff with its brand-new Rock It Out show. The production mixes live rock music with huge circus stunts, acrobatics, aerial performances and daredevil motorbike acts inside the Globe of Death. Expect plenty of fire, lasers, comedy and edge-of-your-seat moments throughout the show, making it one of the biggest family events arriving in the city this month.
Date: 21–31 May
Location: Cardiff City Stadium
Tickets: From £14.50
2. Kiefer Sutherland Live – Tramshed
Most people know Kiefer Sutherland from Hollywood blockbusters and 24, but over the last few years he’s built a strong following with his Americana and country-rock music career. His Cardiff show at Tramshed promises an intimate evening of live music, storytelling and stripped-back performances from his latest albums. Fans can expect a mix of heartfelt ballads, Southern rock influences and a few stories from life on and off screen.
Date: 22 May
Location: Tramshed
Tickets: From £42.90
3. Vitality Blast: Glamorgan Women v Derbyshire Falcons – Sophia Gardens
T20 cricket returns to Cardiff as Glamorgan and this match is a double-header that includes Glamorgan v Derbyshire Falcons Women. Women’s match to start at 15:00, and Men’s to start at 19:00. Tickets for Glamorgan matches are unreserved seating, so you may choose your seats on arrival at the venue. If you’ve never been to Blast cricket before, it’s one of the easiest sports events to get into with music, food, drinks and fast-paced action throughout the day. Sophia Gardens always has a brilliant atmosphere when the sun is out, making it a great option for families or anyone looking for a relaxed Bank Holiday afternoon.
Date: 23 May
Location: Sophia Gardens
Tickets: From £10 for an adult £5 for a child
4. Aberdare Festival – Aberdare Park
Aberdare Festival returns for another huge weekend with live music, fairground rides, entertainment, food stalls and family activities taking over the park. The festival has become a big annual event in South Wales with tribute acts, local performers and plenty going on across the day and evening. It’s a good option if you fancy escaping the city while still getting that full festival atmosphere.
Date: 23 May onwards
Location: Aberdare Park
Tickets: Free
5. Shangri-La Presents: Luke Dean & Locky – Tiger Yard
Tiger Yard is bringing proper Ibiza-style Bank Holiday energy to Cardiff Bay with Luke Dean and Locky taking over for a huge outdoor dance event. Expect house music, cocktails, street food and DJs playing late into the evening in one of Cardiff’s best outdoor party spaces. If the weather stays like this, this could easily end up being one of the biggest nights of the weekend.
Date: 23 May
Location: Tiger Yard
Tickets: From £15
6. In It Together Festival – Margam Country Park
One of Wales’ biggest music festivals returns to Margam Country Park for four days of live music, comedy, family entertainment and camping. The festival has built a reputation for mixing huge headline acts with dance tents, wellness areas and activities for all ages. With thousands expected to attend again this year, it’s set to be another massive weekend for live music in South Wales.
Date: 21–24 May
Location: Margam Country Park
Tickets: From £79
7. Over 30s Club – DEPOT
If you miss nights out that actually play good music, the Over 30s Club at DEPOT might be exactly what you need. The daytime festival is packed with throwback anthems from the 80s, 90s and 00s alongside confetti cannons, dancers and huge singalong moments. Best of all, it finishes before midnight so you can still enjoy the rest of your weekend without regretting it the next morning.
Date: 24 May
Location: DEPOT
Tickets: From £11
8. Orange Light Festival –
2-day celebration of incredible music taking over the centre of Cardiff across multiple venues.
Orange Light Festival has found its new home in the city, spreading across Porter’s, Canopi, Underdog and the Arcades. And we couldn’t be more excited to be part of it. Plus it is also in collaboration with the lovely Scenebean doing what she does best.
Date: Bank Holiday Weekend
Location: Canopi, Underdog, Porter’s
Tickets: Varies by event
9. Spiderman at the Castle – FonMon Castle
Meet Spidey and his friends with shows at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm outside the castle followed by meet and greets. But that’s not all… your ticket includes access to the entire park! FREE Kids Stamp Trail, Welsh Folklore Story Trail, Medieval Grange, Tractor Park & Play Areas, Jurassic Wales, Craft Centre, Woodland Walks, Castle & Gardens… and more! Looking for extra fun? Try: Face Painting, Archery, Axe Throwing, Footgolf & Discgolf, Plus Dogs welcome too! Just keep them on a short lead and clean up after them.
Date: 23rd – 25th May
Location: Fonmon Castle
Tickets: From £12
10. Cardiff Night Market – Cardiff Central Market
Cardiff Market is staying open late for one of its popular evening market events packed with street food, cocktails, live music and independent traders. It’s a chance to explore one of the city’s oldest buildings in a completely different atmosphere while supporting local businesses and grabbing some seriously good food.
Date: 22 May
Location: Cardiff Market
Tickets: Free
11. Makers Market – St Fagans
St Fagans is hosting a huge makers market featuring local artists, crafters, bakers and independent Welsh businesses. Alongside the market itself, visitors can also explore the museum grounds, historic buildings and green spaces, making it an ideal Bank Holiday daytime trip for families.
Date: 23 May
Location: St Fagans National Museum of History
Tickets: Free entry
12. Street Food Circus Big Banquet – Caldicot Castle
Set within the grounds of Caldicot Castle, the Big Banquet is a feast in every sense of the word. This is street food with a dramatic backdrop -think sizzling dishes, long tables and the buzz of a summer crowd gathered beneath historic castle walls. With a handpicked line-up of traders serving everything from indulgent comfort food to bold, globally inspired flavours, it’s the kind of event where you arrive curious and leave completely full. Add in live music and a laid-back, festival atmosphere, and you’ve got an experience that feels equal parts medieval setting and modern-day food celebration.
Date: Bank Holiday Weekend 22nd
Location: Sophia Gardens
Tickets: Tickets
13. Star Wars Character Day – Red Dragon Centre
The force is landing in Cardiff Bay this Bank Holiday as the Red Dragon Centre hosts a free Star Wars themed character day with the UK Garrison packed with meet-and-greets, photo opportunities and family entertainment. Visitors will be able to spot some of the galaxy’s most iconic characters wandering through the venue, making it a great daytime event for younger fans and anyone who grew up loving the films. With restaurants, bowling and the cinema all on site too, it’s an easy way to turn it into a full family day out in the Bay.
Date: 23rd May
Location: Red Dragon Centre
Tickets: Free
