25 family-friendly events in and around Cardiff to celebrate St David’s Day 2026
With St David’s Day on Sunday, get set for a jam-packed weekend of events celebrating all things Cymru. From arts and crafts with a Welsh theme, to choir performances and folk dancing, and even family fun runs where participants will be dressed in their best Welsh attire, there’s loads going on across Cardiff and surrounding areas. Lots of it is free too – with National Trust and Cadw opening attractions for free (see their websites for information – Cadw venues need prebooking and some are already sold out!).
All events are subject to change and cancellation – please check ahead with organisers to avoid disappointment.
Let me know anything I’ve missed in the comments on any of my social media channels.
For more ideas of family days out in and around Cardiff, follow Cardiff Mummy Says on Instagram, on Facebook, or on TikTok.
10,000 free tickets to Cadw historic places
Across Wales
Enjoy free access to 17 historic places in the care of Cadw – tickets are limited, and must be booked in advance, some popular venues are already fully booked. See Cadw website for monuments which have family-friendly activities to celebrate St David’s Day.
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Events in Cardiff
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The National St David’s Day Parade
Cardiff City Hall
Sunday 1 March, from 11am
The National St David’s Day Parade is an inclusive and imaginative celebration of Welsh heritage and culture. The Parade will leave City Hall at 12pm travelling down Queen Street, into St John Street, and ending at The Hayes at about 1:30pm followed by a rendition of the National Anthem outside St David’s Hall, with traditional music sessions to follow in taverns in the city centre. Parade flags and groups wishing to join the parade must register in advance.
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FREE St David’s Day at the Senedd
Senedd and Pierhead Building, Cardiff Bay
Saturday 28 and Sunday 1 March, 10.30am-4pm
Two days of free entertainment and activities celebrating culture, creativity and community. There’s everything from love spoon crafting workshops, circus skills sessions, sand art workshops, and seed planting (pre-book), performances from Welsh choirs and other musical acts, a ‘Speak Rubbish’ litter pick with Keep Wales Tidy where you can help clean up the area and practice your Welsh at the same time, tours of the Senedd and ‘Understanding Your Vote’ sessions to learn more about the upcoming Senedd election. See website for full schedule.
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FREE Dydd Gŵyl Dewi
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Sunday 1 March, 1pm-6pm
A family-friendly St David’s Day celebration including arts and crafts, live performances, a twmpath, Welsh language taster sessions, free Welsh cakes, art exhibition, food and more.
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Cardiff city centre
Sunday 1 March, 11.30am-3.30pm
The Welsh Tales Trail brings Wales’ most beloved folk tales to life in both English and Welsh as part of FOR Cardiff’s Little Things campaign which celebrates Welsh culture through small, joyful moments across the city centre. Pick-up a free sticker book and the first story from Guest Services on the Upper Level of St David’s Cardiff, then follow the trail – inspired by the Mabinogi – across five city centre stops..
Participants who reach the final stop at National Museum Cardiff by 2:30pm are invited to Gallery 4 to enjoy a special St David’s Day performance from The Gentle Good, winner of the Welsh Music Prize.
Families can also visit the FOR Families play area at Guest Services on the Upper Level of St David’s Cardiff – a relaxed, bilingual play space filled with free activities including arts and crafts, face painting and story time, alongside Welsh language sessions for adults (11am-4pm).
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FREE St David’s Day
St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff
Sunday 1 March, 10am-4pm
Celebrate Wales’ special day with traditional folk dancing; harp music plus a collection of harps and Eisteddfod chairs from Amgueddfa Cymru’s store; performances from musicians and clog dancers from Trac Cymru; step inside the historic Llwyn-yr-eos kitchen and meet the farm wife as she prepares for the spring; free family craft activities; learn to sow heritage seeds with sustainable gardening charity Garden Organic, plus lambing season is getting underway at Llwyn-yr-eos Farm. Entry to St Fagans is free – parking is £7 for the day.
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FREE St David’s Day Celebrations
St David’s shopping centre, Cardiff
Saturday 28 February-Sunday 1 March, 11am-4pm
A weekend full of free events celebrating Welsh culture. Saturday will see a visit from Dexter the Dragon, a very friendly and well-behaved local Welsh hero. Sunday will see everything from choir performances and Welsh micro-lessons for parents to a stepping performance (similar to clog dancing), arts and crafts and face painting. See website for timetable of events.
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FREE Coblyn
Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff
Saturday 28 and Sunday 1 March, 11am, 1pm, 3pm
A family-friendly celebration of Welsh folklore, bursting with music, songs and folk dance. Down at the bottom of the garden, between the toadstools and the wonky pond, live an unruly gang of magical gnomes. Created by Kitsch & Sync Collective, Hijinx, and Theatr Iolo, Coblyn is a visual show that is suitable for Welsh learners and non-Welsh speakers. A guided Touch Tour and live Audio Description will be available in English or Welsh at every performance. Performances are free and take place outside Chapter. Spaces are limited and entry cannot be guaranteed.
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Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff
Sunday 1 March, 1.30pm
The College’s Welsh Society present an uplifting musical programme of Welsh favourites in the Carne Foyer.
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Bute Park Visitors Centre, Cardiff
Sunday 1 March, 10am-4pm
A free, family-friendly, dog-friendly day of Welsh-themed activities, including creative crafts, live music, guided walks, a plant shop, tree-drawing sessions, and a special St David’s Day menu.
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FREE ENTRY St David’s Day events
Insole Court, Cardiff
Sunday 1 March, 9.30am-4.30pm
Celebrate Welsh identity, heritage, and creativity in a cherished historic, with an art exhibition inspired by Welsh heritage, craft stalls, Welsh food and drink, Welsh-themed children’s arts and crafts (book in advance on a pay-what-you-can basis), Welsh fairy tales, myths and legends storytelling (book in advance on a pay-what-you-can basis). The evening features a fundraising quiz night (£15 per person, including food) and Pop-Up Cinema showing of The Remains of the Day, starring Anthony Hopkins (from £8.13).
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FREE St David’s Day celebrations
Cardiff Central Library, The Hayes, Cardiff
Saturday 28 February, 1pm-4pm
An afternoon of live Welsh musical performances, bilingual storytelling sessions, crafts, and more. Everything is free, family friendly, and there’s no need to book. Plus several local library hubs also have free events running on Saturday.
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Coopers Field, Bute Park, Cardiff
Sunday 1 March, from 9am
Entries £10-£30, supporters free
Runners will be taking on 5K, 10K and half marathon as well as the family 1.5K, in aid of lead charities Cancer Research Wales and Kidney Wales, with Welsh-themed outfits highly encouraged. Entries for runners are now closed but supporters can turn up on the day.
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FREE Paint and Celebrate St David’s Day with Kyle Legall
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Sunday 1 March, 3-4.30pm and 4.30pm-6pm
Free but must be booked in advance
Artist Kyle Legall is hosting a fun, free painting workshop at Wales Millennium Centre, suitable for teenagers and adults. Whether you’re a beginner or just fancy having a go, you’ll be guided through simple painting techniques on canvas all while vibing to great music in a relaxed, lively atmosphere.
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Events near to Cardiff
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Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan
Sunday 1 March, 10am-4pm
Free entry to National Trust pay-to-enter sites on 1 March thanks to Welsh Government funding
A fun filled day inspired by Welsh culture, creativity and community. In partnership with the local Menter Iaith, the gardens are open for a celebration filled with live music, performance and craft activities. Enjoy the sounds of a harpist drifting through the Grade I listed gardens, clog dancing and uplifting songs from local school choirs, alongside Welsh-inspired crafts and delicious Welsh cakes to enjoy in the café.
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Tredegar House, Newport
Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March, 11.30am-3.30pm
Saturday – usual admission applies (adults £14.50, children 5-17 £7.20, under 5s free, family (1+3) £21.50, family (2+3) £35.80. Gift Aid prices. Free for National Trust members
Sunday – free admission to all National Trust pay-to-enter sites across Wales, thanks to Welsh Government funding
A weekend packed with Welsh culture, creativity, and fun across the whole weekend. See the website for the full timetable but highlights include harp performances and Welsh folk dancing, bilingual storytelling, Love spoon Clay Craft and lots more.
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FREE More than Dragons and Daffs
Riverfront Theatre, Newport
Sunday 1 March, 2pm-8pm
Start the afternoon with a short parade outside the Riverfront and the Wave sculpture, before heading to the Riverfront for a range of musical performances from Ify Iwobi, Wade Collymore, Dabs, Ragsy, Kat Rees, Operasonic, Cerys Rees, and more; family craft workshops from Lucilla Jones, and a family arts and crafts zone; musical workshops from Gwent Music, Operasonic, Celtic Community Group; storytelling, Bollywood movement, songwriting sessions and performances from Amruta and Ayan community choir.
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King Square, Barry
Saturday 28 February, 10am-3pm
Celebrate St David’s Day with live music, market stalls selling Welsh themed products, workshops, falconry, street entertainment and more.
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Barry Island
Sunday 1 March, from 10am
Adults £6.50, accompanying children free
The Daffodil Dash is a 2km fun run around Barry Island, open to runners, joggers and walkers of all ages. Wear your best Welsh-themed outfit, with the option to fundraise for the Mayor of Barry’s chosen charities, Valeways and Mind in the Vale. Runners must book in advance.
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St David’s Day Art Workshop for Little Artists
Newport Market
Saturday 28 February, 11am-1pm
Goodsheds Barry
Sunday 1 March, 11am-1pm
£15 per child including entry to Jungle Play
Paint, draw and get crafty for little ones, including free entry to Jungle Play.
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Croeso i Caerflli / Caerphilly Cheese Weekender
Ffos Caerfilli, Caerphilly
Saturday 28 February-Sunday 1 March, 10am-4pm
A pop-up market filled with local traders and events for all ages
Saturday 10am-12pm – join a walk to Caerphilly Castle before returning to Ffos to make your own castle from recycled crafts. Plus Welsh street food, Twmpath at 3pm, live music at 5pm.
Sunday 10am-12pm – Welsh jewellery making; 2pm-4pm – Welsh-themed family crafternoon
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Greenmeadow Community Farm, Cwmbran
Sunday 1 March
Adults from £10.50, children 3-12 from £7, under 3s free
The Tenovus Choir will be singing, plus folk dance performances from Cwmni Gwerin, as well as a visit from Fit For A Princess and the usual farm activities.
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FREE St David’s Day Celebrating Welsh Culture and Wellbeing
Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon
Sunday 1 March, 11am-4.30pm
A celebration of the culture and traditions that make Wales so special, with music, from Welsh artists, songs and dance from local schools, learn more about how Welsh heritage and doing the little things in life can improve your mental wellbeing, and take part in activities which can eliminate stress, improve mood and help us deal with everyday challenges. Plus Big Pit’s world famous Underground Tour will be available for free on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March.
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National Botanic Garden of Wales
Sunday 1 March, 10am-4pm
Adults £12, children £6, free for members
A vibrant, bilingual celebration bringing Welsh culture to life through a day of discovery, creativity and connection. Follow an interactive trail winding through the garden, enjoy live musical performances, take part in hands-on workshops exploring performance, nature and craft. Plus see acclaimed Welsh visual artist Nathan Wyburn live in action, creating the final of the 10 artworks of Welsh icons he has been completing as artist using unexpected and surprising materials.
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FREE ENTRY St David’s Day Food and Drink Festival
Pembrey Country Park, Carmarthenshire
Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March, 11am-4pm
Artisan produce and street food stalls, live demo kitchen, live music and lots more as Pembrey celebrates St David’s Day with its Food and Drink Festival where you will find a variety of fantastic independent traders promoting food in Wales. Plus you can watch the Colour Run Cymru on Sunday 1 March (entries for participants are already closed).
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Caldicot Castle
Sunday 1 March, 11am-4pm
Visit the castle buildings, towers and tearooms for Welsh themed arts, crafts and games. The banquet hall will be open to try on medieval costumes for the Lord’s Feast. Drinks and snacks, including Welsh cakes and bara brith, will be available to purchase in the tearoom.
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Events for the grown ups
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Cardiff Music City presents: St David’s Day Sessions
Various locations across Cardiff
Friday 27 February-Sunday 1 March
A whole weekend of free Welsh music events including: Radio Sudd taking over Cardiff Market with acoustic sets from brilliant Welsh artists and a host of Wales-based DJs; an all-Welsh line-up of electronic artists from Cardiff at Paradise Garden, and a special St David’s Day edition of Tân Cerdd’s monthly Neo-Soul Jam celebrating Wales through Black Welsh and global-majority sound, culture and community at Chapter. See website for full listings.
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Cabaret, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Sunday 1 March, 7pm
Free but must be booked in advance; age guidance 18+
Gŵyl Dewi bills itself as a true representation of the Wales we see today, the diversity, the pride, the community and the creativity all showcased in one night of celebration and entertainment. The night will feature some of Wales’ best musicians including Lily Beau, Sage Todz, Luke RV and Harry Jowett.
For more ideas of family days out in and around Cardiff, follow Cardiff Mummy Says on Instagram, on Facebook, or on TikTok.
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