August bank holiday marks the last long weekend before Christmas and the last bit of summer. In Wales, there are plenty of ways to spend the extra day off if you don't fancy just chilling in front of the TV.
From the amazing Cardiff Pride to outdoor cinemas and the very unique World Bogsnorkelling Championships, there are lots of things to do across Wales. For activities to enjoy for the rest of the school summer holiday check out our bumper guide here.
Across Wales there are plenty of events taking place from Friday, August 26 to Monday, August 29 that will be enjoyed by all the family. Here we take a look at some of the biggest activities happening to keep the whole family happy.
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Pride Cymru 2022
Pride Cymru is back for 2022 and this year will see the return of the amazing parade. Pride celebrations will take place in Cardiff on Saturday, August 27, and Sunday, August 28.
Cardiff is set to be very busy with three stages and the parade to enjoy. As well as the main stage, community stage, and DJ stage there will also be a market. The parade is taking place on Saturday and the annual celebration now takes place on the City Lawns just outside the national museum and City Hall.
To buy tickets, you have to head to the Pride Cymru website. Standard entry tickets are £15 for each individual day.
Welsh Fire Cricket
The Hundred is one of the most popular forms of cricket and the fun doesn't stop on the bank holiday weekend. The women's and men's Welsh Fire team will be playing against the Northern Superchargers at Sophia Garden, Cardiff on Friday, August 26.
The women's game begins at 3.30pm and the men's at 7pm. You can book your tickets here.
World Bogsnorkelling Championships
A more unique bank holiday event is the World Bogsnorkelling Championships in Llanwrtyd Wells. There are many different events at the World Bogsnorkelling Championships which you can either take part in or enjoy as a spectator.
There’s the gruelling Bog Triathlon, which starts with an eight-mile run, followed by a 12-mile mountain bike ride, and ends with a length of the 60-yard bog trench. There is a smaller version of the triathlon which is a three-mile run, six-mile ride, and dip in the bog.
Other events include competitors trying to swim across the bog as fast as they can and the Fancy Dress Section where snorkelers dress up in their best costumes. The World Bogsnorkelling Championships take place on Sunday, August 28.
Butetown Carnival
Colour and music will fill the streets of Cardiff's Butetown during the bank holiday weekend for the Butetown Carnival. The carnival will start at noon on Sunday, August 28, and work its way from Loudoun Square to the Senedd.
There will also be events on Monday, August 29 and there will be live music on both days. Hosted at The Docks, Butetown there will be two stages - the Fresh Stage and the Senedd Stage - with different performers and artists.
Open air theatre at Victoria Park
For a taste of history this weekend head to Cardiff's Victoria Park. Everyman Theatre Cardiff is bringing an interactive theatre experience, telling the history of the park.
The open-air theatre will be running on Friday, August 26 from 5pm, Saturday, August 27 from 2pm, and Sunday, August 28 from 2pm. Even better the performances are free to attend.
Llandrindod Wells Victorian Festival
A variety of Victorian-themed events are happening in Llandrindod Wells as part of their Victorian Festival. You can dress up as a Victorian and there will be a torchlight procession and firework display on Sunday, August 28 in the evening.
On Monday, August 29 there will be a Community Day and different shows and performances are taking place at the bandstand across the bank holiday weekend. You can buy tickets for the festival here.
The Big Bank Holiday Bash at Chepstow Race Course
This is a family day for everyone at Chepstow Race Course, which mixes horse racing with plenty of activities for the children. The Big Bank Holiday Bash is taking place on Monday, August 29. Doors open at 11.30am and the last race is at 4pm.
There will also be large fun fair rides, children's rides, face painters, bouncy castles, and more to enjoy. You can book your tickets here.
Prestatyn Rocks Festival
The Prestatyn Rock Festival is also providing fun for all the family. Taking place on Saturday, August 27, and Sunday, August 28 the festival begins at 12pm on both days.
There will be stalls, live music, and entertainment to enjoy. Entry is free and the festival is taking place at the Cookhouse Car Park, High Street, Prestatyn.
Cardiff Reggae Festival
If you fancy having a bogie this bank holiday weekend head to the Cardiff Reggae Festival. Taking place at VSA Warehouse Ltd, Cardiff on Saturday, August 27, there will be carnival dancers, Caribbean food stalls, and all-day reggae music.
The festival begins at 4pm and you can book your tickets here. Tickets start at £10.
Barryforina
If California is a bit too far to go this bank holiday head down to Barry Island. Barryfornia will bring the feel of California to you.
There will be a range of 90s-themed vehicles, including motorbikes and scooters, food traders, and independent makers. Barryfornia is running from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, August 28.
Lego Safari Trail
Giant Lego animals are in Llanelli this summer. Taking place at Llanelli Wetlands Centre, the trail features 15 giant wetland animals made from Lego for visitors to find.
Running now until Sunday, September 4 the trail is free to visitors but there is an admission fee to the centre. You can read more about the trail here.
Lion King
Fancy catching a West End show without heading all the way to London? Head to the gorgeous Wales Millennium Centre at Cardiff Bay to watch Lion King perform.
The iconic Disney classic has been transformed into an amazing stage show. Lion King is currently showing at the Wales Millennium Centre until Saturday, August, 27.
Outdoor Cinemas
There are two outdoor cinemas to enjoy in Wales across the bank holiday weekend. Dyffryn Gardens will be showing West Side Story on Friday, August 26, followed by Mamma Mia! on Saturday, August 27, and The Princess Bridge on Sunday, August 28.
The films start at 8.45pm and you can book your tickets here. Cardigan Castle is also showing West Side Story on Sunday, August 28.
Family Fun Park at Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay is always a go-to destination when the sun is shining as there's so much to do and this summer is no exception. Currently running until Sunday, September 4 is a family fun park.
Found in the Roald Dahl Plass there are dodgems, a pirate party fun house, family game stalls, and sweet and savoury treats to enjoy. You can buy your tickets at the fun park.
Swansea promenade train
The Swansea Bay Rider Land Train is back for 2022. Adults and children alike can enjoy amazing views of Swansea Bay from the 72-seater land train that trundles along the Swansea prom.
The land train is running every weekend until Sunday, September 4. You can read more about the Swansea promenade train here.
Sabotage in Sophia Gardens
The big top at Sophia Gardens is hosting a new touring show from NoFit State Circus, which has a spooky twist on a classic circus show. Sabotage promises to bring an "exceptional new large scale circus spectacular, but with a darker, grittier edge"
The show is in Cardiff now until Sunday, September 11. There will be matinee performances at 2pm or 4pm and evening performances will begin at 7.30pm. You can book your tickets here.
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