A Year of Activities in Cardiff

While you’re spending time in Cardiff for university, you’ll never be short of things to do! There’s always plenty of events and celebrations going on in the city for you to explore – so much so, in fact, that we’ve prepared a whole year’s worth of events that you can enjoy here! With one activity listed for every month of the year, your entire year will be full of the best performers, food and fun that Cardiff has to offer.

January – New Year’s Eve at City Hall

Start your year off in the right way! Every year, City Hall hold a completely free New Year’s celebration for the people of Cardiff to enjoy. This includes food, entertainment and a spectacular firework display at midnight as the new year commences - it’s the perfect place to visit with friends or alone if you’re short of new year plans.

February – Six Nations Rugby

Rugby is a big deal here in Cardiff and the Six Nations is certainly no exception – one of the most important rugby tournaments of the year, the atmosphere in the city will be electric whenever Wales are due to play a match. All Welsh games will be available to watch in any sports venue, but if you want to be a little more involved in the action you should book tickets to the Principality Stadium. There will always be a few matches hosted there throughout the season – keep your eyes peeled for the fixtures if you want to watch the game live!

March – St David’s Day Parade

On March 1^st every year, St David’s Day is celebrated all over Wales. Cardiff is no exception! An annual parade is held in King Edward VII Drive every year, the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon and kick off the month of March.

April – RHS Flower Show Cardiff

Calling all plant lovers – the RHS flower show is your ideal event! Other than showcasing beautiful gardens and flower displays to be wandered and admired, the show also offers a variety of botany-related talks which can be attended if you’re interested in learning more about the plants on show. If you’re in the mood to purchase some leafy friends of your own, there are also stalls selling great quality plants, homemade crafts and delicious food and drink. It’s a great way to spend the day!

May – May Day Carnival

To celebrate May Day in style,  join the festivities of the annual May Day Carnival at Whitchurch Common – there’s live entertainment, food and activities to be enjoyed by all. What more could you ask for?

June – Tafwyl Fair

If you’re a Welsh speaker, interested in Welsh or simply want to find out more about the language, head to Tafwyl Fair in the month of July. An annual celebration of the Welsh language, the fair offers an extensive range of live Welsh performances, local food and drink stalls and opportunities to sample what Wales has to offer. This can range from opportunities to try a sport to arts and craft events – head to Cardiff Castle on the day of the event to discover the activities you can try!



July – International Food and Drink Festival

If you’re a foodie, this is event can’t be missed – the International Food and Drink festival is an annual event held at the bay and it’s full of delicious food and drink to try! All from local independent businesses, it’s a great way to get a flavour (no pun intended) for what Cardiff has to offer.

August – Pride Cymru

The biggest pride event in Wales, Pride Cymru isn’t an event to miss if you love a party! Celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in Cardiff, Wales and the entire UK, Pride Cymru boasts a wealth of performers, from big names to local acts, which you won’t want to miss.

September – Cardiff University Freshers

Possibly the most important time period of the year for both new and returning students, don’t forget to check out the great freshers activities on offer in the final weeks of September! Be sure to visit the Freshers Fairs if you want to try a new sport or activity this year and keep an eye on the SU website for details of more events – there’s previously been quizzes, crazy golf and even a roller disco!

October – Cardiff Half Marathon

One of the largest road races in the UK, the Cardiff half-marathon is an exciting event with an atmosphere that can be felt across the entire city! If you’re not inclined to compete, even spectating the marathon can be a fun activity for the day – it goes all the way through the city centre, Penarth and Cardiff Bay, so you could watch the runners from a scenic location and enjoy the race.

November – Sparks in the Park

If you’re a big fan of bonfire night, you’ll love Sparks in the Park! The largest annual firework event in Cardiff, they provide fireworks and entertainment which would make a great night out with friends or flatmates.

December – Cardiff Winter Wonderland

The perfect way to end the year, Winter Wonderland brings some festive cheer to City Hall Lawn and Cardiff Castle every December - from ice skating and funfair rides to festive food and drink, there's something for everybody to enjoy. If you’re in need of some holiday cheer at the end of the first semester, Winter Wonderland is the place to go.

With an event to visit each month, this is sure to be your most action-packed year in Cardiff yet. Enjoy!