Our quick guide to entertainment in Cardiff outlines a range of entertainment venues offering a choice of productions throughout the year:
Theatre
Theatre lovers have a choice of venues to choose from in Cardiff including the New Theatre, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, St David’s Hall and the Wales Millennium Centre.
St David’s Hall is the largest performing arts venue in Wales, it is home to the Welsh Proms Cardiff and the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition. Visitors can find a range of performances on offer including musicals, ballet, comedy, music including soul, pop and jazz and children’s theatre. There is a very diverse programme of events in the theatre with a choice of live events to suit a range of tastes. The venue includes a café and restaurant and art gallery offering a great place to see when visiting the city centre.
The New Theatre established back in 1906 is the oldest theatre in Cardiff, it is centrally located and housed inside a historic Edwardian building offering a great theatrical experience. There is a year round programme of events including dramas, dance, musicals including west end shows, children's shows pantomime productions.
The Wales Millennium Centre was established back in 2004 and has earned itself a fine reputation as one of the prime cultural and arts locations in the UK. The venue has become a cultural icon in a short space of time hosting a number of musicals, ballet, opera, comedy dance, workshops and exhibitions.
Cinema
Cardiff includes a number of cinemas located in the city including cinemas from larger cinemas chains such as Odeon and Cineworld to smaller and independent cinemas showing a range of British, Hollywood and International films.
The Odeon Cinema is centrally located inside the Red Dragon Centre and includes IMAX and 18 screens; visitors can a choice of British, International and Hollywood films.
Showcase Cinema Cardiff Nantgarw is located approx 8 miles from Cardiff city centre and 5 miles from Pontypridd. Here visitors can see the latest film releases including the best in British films and the latest films from Hollywood at the 12 screen cinema
Cineworld in Cardiff is located on Mary Ann Street in the city centre. The multi-screen cinema includes 15 screens and licensed bars. Cinema goers can see the latest in British, Hollywood and International films at the cinema.
Vue Cinema in Cardiff is located on Wood Street in Cardiff close by to the Millennium Stadium. The 14 screen cinema shows the latest in British, Hollywood and International films.
Concerts
For fans of gigs Motorpoint Arena Cardiff is located in Cardiff city centre. The venue was formerly known as Cardiff International Arena and became established as the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff in 1993. The venue hosts a wide range of gigs and live events throughout the year. The venue is known for its variety of gigs with a range of artists performing live shows each year catering for different musical tastes. The venue hosts live music shows along with comedy and sports.
Other venues include the Norwegian Church Arts Centre located on Harbour Drive in Cardiff Bay. The venue hosts a number of musical programmes during the year and is also a popular place for exhibitions.
Comedy
For a great comedy night out why not visit the Glee Club Cardiff, located on Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay. Established back in 2001, the venue brings a number of great live acts. Visitors can have a meal before the performance at the venue and there is also a bar where you can have drinks after the performance is finished. The venue hosts a flourishing music scene with a wide genre of music showcased including jazz, electric, world, blues and indie.
Other Events
There are plenty of events going on in Cardiff, it is best to check before you visit to see if the timings fit in with your schedules.
Cardiff is home to the iconic Millennium Stadium is the home of Welsh rugby. Such is the passion for the game in Wales, it has been referred to as a ‘religion’ in Wales. When Wales’s national rugby team are playing at the Millennium Stadium there is a wonderful atmosphere for fans to enjoy. The stadium is known for its retractable roof, visitors can explore the stadium further in one of the tours available for a behind the scenes view. It is advisable to book well in advance if you wish to go to a game as games are frequently sold out in this rugby loving city.
Cardiff has a packed events schedule with a number of events to choose from. Visitors can choose to visit the city in time for one of the events to see them first hand. The International Food and Drink Festival is held in July, with the Cardiff Harbour Festival held in August and the St David’s Day celebrations held in late February and early March.. There are many others and you can check before you visit see Cardiff Events for more details on a range of events taking place in the city.
The Cardiff Festival takes place in July, with a choice of things to see and do for the whole family. There is live street theatre, music, children’s entertainment and a number of sporting events. There are food demonstrations and workshops, with a choice of seasonal dishes using fresh local ingredients available. There is a varied entertainment programme that includes different music genres such as jazz, soul and country and western.
The Cardiff Christmas Market is located in the Hayes in the city centre. During the market, visitors can see a number of crafters, artists and food and drink providers offering a choice of original gifts and products from their respective chalets. The type of goods available include metalwork, precious stone and silver jewellery, traditional toys and arts works, cars and Christmas themed decorations offering visitors with an interesting market to explore.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.