As spring arrives and our communities begin to bloom again, we bring you a wave of events that celebrate the creativity, community and cultural identity that makes Wales, well, Wales. From open-studio weekends to national festivals of language and song, here’s a curated round up of the events that capture the spirit of Wales today.
Roath Galleries Weekend
15 – 17 May 2026
Back for 2026! This spring you can expect late-night openings, artist-led events and an incredible line up of stunning exhibitions across Roath. Participating galleries include Albany Gallery, Cardiff M.A.D.E., Celf Gallery, Ffotogallery, g39 and TEN Gallery. This weekend will be a chance to explore new work, meet the artists behind it and experience the neighbourhood at its most vibrant. It’s a brilliant opportunity to support local talent and celebrate the creativity that defines this part of the city.
Whether you’re an art lover or simply curious, it’s well worth spending a day (or two) wandering between the exhibition and events.
A season of theatre
For theatre fans out there, you are in for a treat this season.
Pride (31 March – 18 April), Under Milk Wood (30 April – 9 May) and Twelfth Night (21 – 23 May) at Sherman Theatre; The Spy Who Came In From The Cold (28 April – 2 May), Miss Saigon (2 – 6 June) and Fawlty Towers The Play (23 – 27 June) at Wales Millennium Centre; We Will Rock You by Penarth Operatic & Dramatic Society (13 – 16 May) at the Paget Rooms; NTLive: The Audience (19 March at Llanover Hall, and 10 May at Penarth Pier Pavilion) and Illyria‘s Pirates of Penzance (24 July) at the Kymin garden.
A celebration of the Welsh language
Gŵyl Fach y Fro – 16 May
Tafwyl – 20 & 21 June
Two celebrations of the Welsh language, bringing music, culture and community together. Tafwyl fills Cardiff with live performances, literature, street food and family activities in Bute Park. Gŵyl Fach y Fro brings that same spirit to Barry Island, with a sun-soaked day (hopefully) of music, dance and community by the sea. And, don’t forget, the National Eisteddfod of Wales, one of Europe’s most powerful celebrations of language and identity, return to Llantwd, Pembrokeshire, 850 years since the very first one.
Pride 2026
Barry Pride – 6 June
Pride Cymru – 13 & 14 June
Pride returns to Cardiff and Barry in 2026, when people will take to the streets, filling them with colour, music and a sense of belonging that feels uniquely Welsh. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming and full of heart, with live performances, family-friendly activities and community stalls creating a space where everyone feels seen and supported. They are both events that capture the very best of Wales, and who we are as a nation.
Vale of Glamorgan Walking Festival
5 – 10 May
This festival is a highlight for heritage and landscape. The 2026 programme features 28 guided walks of up to 12 miles and several themed walks with local history and geology, celebrating the remarkable churches scattered across the Vale, alongside relaxed “Stroller” routes for more gentle walking. The programme includes the historic sites of Llantwit Major, a Nordic walking demonstration and taster, Penarth churches, Colwinston and Llysworney, Wellbeing Strollers, and many more.
Whether you’re exploring an artist’s studio, joining a community celebration or immersing yourself in the language, this season is full of opportunities to experience the spirit of Wales. Support local, celebrate culture and discover the stories that shape our nation today.
