Spring is well and truly here, along with the promise of warmer, brighter and longer days. Naturally, this change in season means a more varied and dynamic programme of events to enjoy, from thrilling outdoor activities to incredible live shows.
And there's certainly plenty of these planned across Cardiff this year. Less than an hour away from Bristol via train, we've put together a list of fantastic entertainment venues to check out in the Welsh capital, along with some of their upcoming events.
Spectacular shows and games at Sophia Gardens Cricket Ground
The venue is one of the city’s most iconic arenas and regularly plays host to the England and Wales cricket team - this year against Australia and Pakistan - as well as Glamorgan County Cricket Club.
Drone event pros Celestial have teamed up with Bristol-based event organisers Yuup on their first Welsh event to bring the Evolution Drone Light Show to the grounds on March 29.
Back to cricket, alongside Glamorgan and international tests, the faster pace The Hundred returns with various games between July 28 to August 10, represented at home by our Welsh Fire team - promising a great day out for cricket connoisseurs and general sport fans.
Dynamic matches at Sports Wales National Centre
Only a stone's throw away from the city centre, Sports Wales National Centre is a world-class sporting facility, cosied up within the beautiful Sophia Gardens.
From April 16-18, watch Wheelchair Rugby Quad Nations, where Great Britain square up against France, the USA and Japan in this paralympic preparation.
Ice-related sports and more at Vindico Arena
At Vindico Arena, the new name for Cardiff Bay’s ice arena, it’s not just the Cardiff Devils ice hockey team you can watch, but even more with the venue recently playing host to Olympic Qualifier hockey matches.
The Cardiff Devils are one of the top performing teams in British ice hockey, with eight trophy wins to their name. And though the season is shortly coming to a close for another year, it isn’t going out without a bang, as the final game of the season sees Cardiff Devils take on Coventry Blaze on April 6.
UK’s Strongest Man 2024 will also be at the arena on June 8 and 9, 2024, celebrating its 26th year. Expect truck pulling, car flipping and the motivatingly-titled ‘Steps from Hell’ challenge; these individuals have heroic strength and abilities.
Fun watersports at Cardiff International White Water
Cardiff International White Water plays host to a rafting course, indoor wave machine and high ropes facility.
On Sunday, May 5, the on-demand white water facility will welcome Paddlefest. The event celebrates all things amazing about paddle sports including competitions, thrills and spills.
Don’t miss this ducky derby event, with opportunities for everyone and anyone to get involved with activities throughout the day.
Festivals galore at Bute Park
Known as Cardiff Castle’s and the city’s back garden, Coopers Field within Bute Park plays host to some of the larger events in the city.
Visit the Foodies Festival event on May 10-12, with musical entertainment from the likes of Peter Andre, Example and the Ibiza Philharmonic.
Bute Park will also host, for the first time, Kisstory on September 14, with big DJ names, epic live performances and special guests across an array of stages.
Live music and celebrations at Cardiff Castle
After 2,000 years at the heart of the city centre, Cardiff Castle sure knows how to put on a show.
The heritage attraction makes the most of the summer months by welcoming a summer series of outdoor concerts. DJ Fisher starts the fun on June 8, with 15 more concerts before the iconic highlight event DEPOT in the Castle, which this year is taking place on July 27, with Anne-Marie headlining.
The castle is also proud to be hosting Pride Cymru from June 22 and 23.
Foodies assemble at Roald Dahl Plass
Just outside of the Wales Millennium Centre and overlooking the waterfront, this bowl-shaped public space comes alive during the summer.
Regarded as one of the most popular free food festivals in Wales, Cardiff Food and Drink Festival will return from July 5 to 7, 2024. Explore the produce fair, farmers market, and craft stalls - all served with a side of live music acts, bars, and street food to enjoy while you soak in the atmosphere.
Incredible open-air gigs at Alexandra Head
Arguably the city’s most scenic event space overlooking the bay, the area is an exciting open-air site where an impressive line-up has already headed up the venue, including the likes of Biffy Clyro and Liam Gallagher.
This year, Alexandra Head will welcome New Order on August 22 as part of The Bay Series, followed by Becky Hill on August 24 - with more acts to be announced.
Live sporting and music events at Principality Stadium
The Principality Stadium is famous for hosting a range of events, from international rugby and sporting matches, to live music from some of the world’s most respected artists.
FIM Speedway Grand Prix will be taking place at the stadium on August 17 - get yourself in gear so you don’t miss out.
Travel with GWR
Only 50 minutes by train, Great Western Railway services run direct to Cardiff Central with two trains an hour from Temple Meads.
Book ahead and save over 50% in advance at GWR.com.
Why not stay overnight?
To experience even more of Cardiff, why not make a staycation of it and book a stay in one of the capital’s hotels? Cardiff boasts a range of modern, stylish hotels, full of character, which are calling your name.
