What’s On in West Wales: Summer Events Guide 2026

Now that summer is here, the West Wales calendar is buzzing with events, shows, festivals, fun and activity days, and much, much more. There is so much going on it is impossible to list everything. So if you want to step away from the beach for a day or two and take in the music, food, culture or history of the region there’s plenty to see and do. Here are just a few of the many festivals, carnivals, shows and events taking place across the three counties over the coming weeks. Whether you are on the lookout for family fun days, live music, adventure, a taste of West Wales or more, there’s something for everyone taking place throughout the summer.

Fishguard Festival of Music July 17-31 One of Wales’ longest-running classical music festivals, with concerts in churches, chapels and historic venues across Fishguard and North Pembrokeshire. Offering everything from Mozart and Rachmaninov to classic Spanish guitar, Fishguard Festival of Music brings the best in world music to West Wales.

MusicFest Aberystwyth July 18–25 MusicFest Aberystwyth is a series concerts and recitals offering a rich and diverse program, bringing together world-class performers and rising stars during a week of classical and contemporary concerts, masterclasses and performances by international artists in venues across Aberystwyth. From Brahms to Welsh Folk, MusicFest Aberystwyth is not to be missed.

The Edge Festival July 24-26 Held in the beautiful little village of Solva, the Edge Festival is a relaxed coastal arts festival featuring live music, literature, comedy, workshops, local food and family entertainment. With a bustling schedule across the three days, tickets are likely to be scarce, especially for the show-stopping Sunday night headliners, UK Foo Fighters, Britain’s best tribute act to the US rockers.

AeronFest July 25 For those seeking some more laid-back fun, Aeronfest is a not-for-profit family-friendly music festival in Aberaeron. With live bands, local food and entertainment and lots of activities for kids of all ages, Aeronfest looks set to be a fun family day out.

New Quay Music Festival July 31–August 2 New Quay will be the place to be from July 31 to August 2 as the beautiful little seaside town comes to life with live music from the likes of T’Pau, Toploader and a host of other great bands and tribute acts. The festival promises three fantastic days of music, entertainment and fun.

Cwtchalla Festival August 16 Cwtchalla is brand new family-orientated music festival being held at Pembrey Country Park. Featuring tribute acts inspired by Taylor Swift, Queen, Madness and more the park is sure to be filled with dancing. There will also be great street food, fairground rides and entertainment for all ages.

Music, food and festivals

“Carew Castle, Castell Henllys and Oriel y Parc each offer something different, from heritage and hands-on history to family events, exhibitions, food and outdoor space, and we look forward to welcoming visitors over the coming weeks.”

Big Tribute, Aberystwyth August 28-30 Big Tribute is a fabulous weekend of the best of British tribute bands, offering visitors the chance to enjoy quality live entertainment without the high ticket price and huge capacities of larger scale festivals. With a line-up including the likes of Scam Fender, Whole Lotta DC, Erasured, Sub-Arctic Monkeys, Fleetwood Mad and many, many more, there is sure to be something Lampeter Food Festival July 25 Lampeter Food Festival is one of Wales’ premier food festivals, hosted on the beautiful lawns of the UWTSD Lampeter campus. The free-to-attend event features over 100 stalls offering local produce, street food, and artisan drinks, alongside live music and chef demonstrations.

Aberaeron Beer & Cider Festival August 8 With temperatures rising, we are all going to feeling a thirst by the time August comes around, so head to Aberaeron yacht club to enjoy the annual beer and cider festival, now in its twelfth year and enjoy some fabulous Welsh beers, ciders, food and live music.

Cardigan River & Food Festival August 15 Set against the backdrop of the River Teifi and now in its 26th year, the Cardigan River and Food Festival showcases the best of Welsh food and drink alongside local craft makers, entertainers and children’s activities, making this the perfect day out for all your family. With all this plus, a free park and ride service makes it worth the admission alone, and all children go free.

Aberystwyth Beer Festival August 21-23 Boasting more than 70 real ales and ciders served across venues around the town centre, Aber Beer Fest shines a light on independent venues, local food producers, and talented musicians, all coming together to showcase the town. Whether you’re a seasoned beer lover or just curious to try something new, this is a great chance to discover unique brews and explore the heart of Aberystwyth like never before.

Pembroke Town & Country Show August 5 Come along to a traditional one-day country show featuring farming, family activities and local exhibitors. Expect traditional livestock judging, main ring attractions like Meirion Owen’s Pembrokeshire County Show August 19-20 Wales’ largest county agricultural show is the highlight of the Pembrokeshire summer. Enjoy livestock, horse, and cattle showing, as well as craft and horticulture exhibitions. There’s also plenty of family fun to enjoy with showjumping, live music, local Welsh produce, and shopping.

There are also a whole host of regular events, fun days and activities taking place at different venues throughout the summer and all across the three counties, especially during the school holidays when there’s come great entertainment you young and old in store. Pembroke Castle will be hosting a series of regular exciting and entertaining events, including a Discover the Dragon family trail (selected Tuesdays in July and August) and falconry flying displays with birds of prey (selected Wednesdays and Sundays). Pembrey Country Park is hosting a Junior Ski Camp (July 18–23), an EPIC Family Funday (July 26), Beach Safari (August 2), Junior Summer Camp (August 4-9) and Ranger-led cycle tours (July 21 and August 29).

National Eisteddfod August 1-8 Wales’ biggest celebration of Welsh culture comes to North Pembrokeshire. Expect music, theatre, literature, competitions, food and hundreds of events. This is the main event of the summer.

Family events across West Wales

O brofiadau syllu ar y sêr ar ein Diwrnod Awyr Dywyll (27 Awst) i Weithdai Celf Gwnewch ac Ewch lliwgar (dyddiau Mercher drwy gydol gwyliau'r haf) wedi'u hysbrydoli gan artistiaid gwych, mae yna haf llawn hwyl ymarferol i bawb.

From stargazing experiences at our Dark Skies Day (27 August) to colourful Make & Take Art Workshops (Wednesdays throughout the summer holidays) inspired by great artists, there’s a summer packed with hands-on fun for everyone.

Carew Castle, Castell Henllys, and Oriel y Parc are passing on the UK Government’s temporary summer VAT cut to visitors, reducing prices on selected family tickets, events, and meals.

amilies planning a summer visit to Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Castell Henllys and Oriel y Parc will benefit from reduced prices on selected tickets, events and children’s lunch boxes from June 25 to September 1. The temporary reduction follows the UK Government’s decision to reduce VAT from 20 per cent to five per cent on eligible children’s menu meals and family leisure activities during the summer period. Eligible child and family day tickets at Carew Castle and Tidal Mill and Castell Henllys will be included, along with selected events such as open-air theatre, concerts and Carew’s Grand Medieval Joust. Young Squires lunch boxes from Nest Tearoom at Carew Castle will also be reduced. Discounts will be applied automatically at the till point, or at the online checkout for eligible event bookings.

James Parkin, Director of Nature and Tourism at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, said: “The summer holidays are an important time for families to enjoy days out together, but we know that costs can quickly add up. “This temporary reduction will help make selected visits, events and children’s meals more affordable at the attractions run by the Authority. Our hope is that this will give families more opportunities to enjoy the National Park this summer. “Carew Castle, Castell Henllys and Oriel y Parc each offer something different, from heritage and hands-on history to family events, exhibitions, food and outdoor space, and we look forward to welcoming visitors over the coming weeks.” To find out what’s on across the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park this summer, visit pembrokeshirecoast. wales/events.

rom Saturday, July 4, to Saturday, August 1, the Royal Watercolour Society of Wales will be holding its summer exhibition at The Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven. The Society, whose Patron is His Majesty King Charles III, has been championing the art of watercolour in Wales since 1959. The exhibition will feature works by 40 professional Welsh artists and showcases the very best in Welsh watercolour – from timeless tradition to bold experimentation. More information about the Society can be found on its website royalwatercoloursociety.wales. The gallery is open Monday to Saturday, from 10.30am until 4pm. Entry is free. The Waterfront Gallery is housed in the Old Sail Loft on Discovery Quay, Milford Waterfront, Milford Haven. One of West Wales’s leading art galleries, the gallery is a registered charity and home to the Wales Contemporary Annual Competition. It is run by artist volunteers who exhibit at the gallery on a regular basis.