Events and festivals in Wales during May

03 - 05 May 2024. Machynlleth Comedy Festival has quickly gained a reputation as a hidden gem, featuring as-seen-on TV comedy acts, such as Stewart Lee, Nish Kumar, Josh Widdicombe, WiFi Wars and a whole host of other things to keep you amused all weekend. The town is known for its quirky venues, which helps to make it popular with both the acts and audience alike.

03 - 06 May 2024. It's the 10th anniversary of the Talgarth Walking Festival, with great scenery and nature. There's also the opportunity to learn about local history, geology and literature.

03 - 12 May 2024. The Wye Valley River Festival brings local people, artists and environmentalists together in this area of outstanding natural beauty. There's a packed programme of events, including creative performances, theatre, cinema and workshops, picnics and river walks.

04 - 06 May 2024. Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza takes place each year over the early May Bank Holiday. There's a fun fair, vintage attractions and free entertainment.

09 - 11 May 2024. Three days of music showcasing 200+ bands using 20 stages. There's no place like Wrexham during FOCUS week. Find out more about FOCUS Wales. They are artists from across the world, including the USA and Canada.

14 May. International Dylan Thomas Day is celebrated every year on this day, building upon the legacy of the Dylan Thomas 100 Festival. It marks the date Under Milk Wood was first read on stage at The Poetry Centre in New York in 1953. Each year there are performances, online happenings, walking tours and much, much more happening around Wales.

18 -19 May 2024. The Royal Welsh Smallholding and Countryside Festival is a celebration of smallholding and rural life. The two day festival has an action-packed programme of entertainment, have-a-go educational activities, talks, workshops, displays and performances.

23 May - 02 June 2024. Head to Hay for one of the biggest and best literary festivals. The Hay Festival takes place for ten days each spring, in the book town of Hay on Wye, Mid Wales. 

24 - 27 May 2024. Enjoy a variety of music at the In It Together Festival in Margam and great atmosphere.

24 - 27 May 2024. The Big Retreat Festival takes place in Pembrokeshire. It’s the feel good festival – an adventure for all five senses. Discover energy, inspiration, bands, books, new tastes and inner calm. 

27 May - 01 June 2024. The Urdd Eisteddfod is one of Europe's biggest youth festivals. The 2024 festival takes place in Maldwyn, Mid Wales.

There's loads to see at our seven National Museums, with a variety of permanent displays. Entry to the museums is free. There are charges for some exhibitions.

For a full list of events check the What's On page on the National Museum Wales website.