1. Photography Exhibition at Ffotogallery (July - September)
Ever attended a photography exhibition? Now is the perfect time to try!
Ffotogallery, founded in 1978, is one of Wales’ key venues for contemporary photography. This summer, following their annual Ffocws exhibition supporting early-career visual artists, they’re showcasing a brand new exhibition:
Nationhood: Memory and Hope, by renowned Ethiopian photographer and artist Aïda Muluneh, known for The Necessity of Seeing. The exhibition opened Saturday 26 July and runs until Thursday 04 September.
Whether you're passionate about photography or simply curious, this is a powerful show worth catching. Keep an eye on their socials or visit the Ffotogallery website for full details and opening times.
2. Unframed Collection presents Monsieur Vincent at Wales Millennium Centre (21 July - 01 September 2025)
An interactive and sensory VR experience with Monsieur Vincent at the Wales Millenium Centre is open all summer. You have the unique opportunity to be transported into a world of the artist’s most famous works, including Café in Arles, Starry Night and Portrait of Van Gogh.
Lasting from 30-35 minutes, you will wear a Meta Quest 3 mixed reality headset. Suitable for ages 10+ (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult), tickets are just £6! Visit the WMC website to book.
3. Film and TV Training with Gorilla Academy (02 – 03 August)
Interested in film and television? Start with post-production.
Gorilla Academy offers hands-on, industry-standard training in Wales, with 5-star workshops (trust me, I’ve done one!).
Their upcoming course, An Introduction to Media Composer and Post Production, takes place 2–3 August and is led by Paul Hawke-Williams, Gorilla’s Head of Training & Engagement.
It’s a brilliant opportunity to learn the essentials of Media Composer, a go-to editing software in the industry — and it’s completely free. Most of Gorilla’s sessions remain fully funded until 2026.
Click here for timings, how to apply, and course info. Open to everyone — and more advanced sessions are coming later this year.
4. Three-Day Pottery Masterclass with Paul Wearing (11 – 13 August)
Love pottery? Acclaimed ceramic artist Paul Wearing is leading a three-day masterclass in Cardiff on hand-building with clay and 2D surface work. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your craft, this deep-dive workshop explores texture, technique and visual research.
Held at Cardiff Pottery Workshops’ brand-new Roath studio, it's happening 11–13 August — and booking up quickly. Full info and tickets here.
If you miss this one, don’t worry — they’ve got a packed summer programme across both of their studios:
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Weekend workshops: One-off sessions every Saturday
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6-week throwing and hand-building courses: Next round starts 21 July
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Date Nights: On Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings (not just for couples!)
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Children’s workshops: Perfect for the school holidays
5. South Asian Theatre-making at Sherman Theatre (15 August)
This summer, a part of South Asian Heritage Month, JHOOM returns to the Sherman Theatre. Following last year’s sold-out debut, Scene/Change is back with a fresh programme of original short plays by four talented South Asian writers. Kia Shah, Priya Hall, Nadheem, and Durre Shahwar will each create a brand-new 15-minute script, developed in collaboration with experienced dramaturgs and the Sherman’s Literary Department.
The performance will be BSL interpreted and further details about all the plays and the team will be announced soon. Keep an eye on the Sherman Theatre’s website and socials for updates.
6. Tom Jones at Cardiff Castle (20 and 21 August)
Live music fans... this one’s legendary.
Depot Live’s summer series at Cardiff Castle is in full swing, and next up: the iconic Tom Jones. Performing 20 and 21 August with support from Stone Foundation, this promises to be a night of Welsh music magic.
Expect classics like “It’s Not Unusual” and “Delilah” echoing off castle walls. The first date has already sold out – don’t miss your chance!
7. Museum Paint Along Experience at National Museum Cardiff (21 August)
If concerts aren’t your thing, then how about a museum paint-along? Now’s your chance to recreate a masterpiece in a museum with supported step-by-step instructions by talented local artist Rachel Rasmussen.
On the evening of Thursday 21 August, National Museum Cardiff is hosting a relaxed, creative paint-along session in its iconic main hall. Running from 7pm to 10:30pm, this unique event invites art lovers of all levels to try and reimagine Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s celebrated La Parisienne.
In addition, taking place just before the evening’s adult paint-along is a family-friendly version and is perfect for children aged 6+ and their parents.
Just bring your imagination and try something new. Tickets and further details are available via the National Museum Cardiff’s website.
8. Heavy Is the Crown – Chimano Live at Cardiff Museum (2 August)
Looking for a night of live music, performance and power? Heavy Is the Crown is a one-of-a-kind show blending movement, music, and raw truth in a deeply personal performance about freedom, identity and pride.
Presented by Clwb Orange and Watch Africa, and part of the Kenya UK Season, this special live show features the incredible voice of Willis Chimano – artist, activist and founding member of Kenya’s iconic band Sauti Sol – in a bold, genre-defying performance at the National Museum Cardiff.
The evening will also feature support from Wafa Arman and a DJ set from DVJ Duez, making this an unforgettable night of queer joy, African excellence and transformative storytelling through art.
Tickets are just £10 and available here.
9. Tours at BBC Cymru Wales
Step into the world of broadcasting with BBC Cymru Wales Tours.
These 90-minute guided tours give you behind-the-scenes access to the state-of-the-art Central Square HQ. Learn how TV, radio and digital content are made — from news to drama and podcasts.
You’ll visit real studios, try your hand at presenting the weather or reading the news, and explore radio broadcast spaces too.
Tours run Thursday–Sunday at 10:30am, 12:30pm, and 3pm and are suitable for individuals, families and groups.
Led by knowledgeable guides, it’s a fun and insightful peek into Welsh media. Full info and tickets here.
10. Genevieve’s Open Mic Night at Porter’s Cardiff (Every Tuesday)
Genevieve’s Open Mic Night at Porter’s Cardiff takes place ever Tuesday with a night filled with music, poetry, comedy, dance and more. Open to all, this friendly atmosphere is the perfect way to get your foot in the door and meet more creatives in Cardiff.
All performers get a free drink so make sure you sign up at 7pm. Whether you’re a seasoned performer, completely new and just curious to see what Cardiff’s creative community has to offer, this is a great place to meet like-minded people. Bring your friends and your talent and maybe you’ll surprise yourself too!
Find more events and the weekly open mic night’s information here.
Cardiff’s creative scene is bursting with events, opportunities and inspiration this summer — from castle concerts and ceramic workshops to free film training and immersive tours. Whether you’re here to learn, connect, or just have a bit of fun, there’s something for everyone. So why not try something new?
Do you have an event that is not featured in this article? List it on our website!