![A large crowd of people](/sites/visit/files/styles/o_listingitemlarge_1x/public/media-library/2022-07/all_2018_08_10_steddfod_gwener_5656.jpg?h=0c2904f9&itok=tjhGaPVT)
10 things not to miss on the maes
A guide to the national festival of Wales - a unique celebration of Welsh arts, language and culture.
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Introducing the Hay Festival
Find out what goes on in and near the 'booktown' of Hay-on-Wye during the world famous Hay Festival.
![band on stage and people watching.](/sites/visit/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2024-07/347_ffn_tafwyl_1719.jpg?h=b0ea250f&itok=N3zLdDDr)
The best things about Tafwyl...
Music, art, family fun in the city. Here’s a few reasons why this Welsh festival is on the rise.
![Performers in the street at Laugharne.](/sites/visit/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2021-01/SVW-C05-1920-0005.jpg?h=85983a1f&itok=Is34qbBY)
The Laugharne Weekend
The Laugharne Weekend - a wilfully different arts event celebrating the work of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas
![A tent with fair lights and a sunset in the background.](/sites/visit/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2021-11/435965.jpg?h=0b69ec02&itok=ADVel7k)
Get lost in a good way at Hay Festival Winter Weekend
Wales Book of Year 2021 winner Catrin Kean shares her guide to the Winter Weekend Hay Festival.
Sŵn Festival - hundreds of bands to the city
Exploring Cardiff during Sŵn Festival - Cardiff's multi-venue music festival.
![two woman sat on a sofa under a festival sign The Big Retreat, with views of the an estuary in the background.](/sites/visit/files/styles/o_listingitemlarge_1x/public/media-library/2023-06/SVW-E34-2223-0065_.jpg?h=e5aec6c8&itok=GRV5-VEE)
Alternative festivals and cool culture
We have our signature festivals in Wales, but here are some smaller alternatives.
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Search for places to stay, things to do, and things to see in Wales
![Crows of people staring at a concert stage.](/sites/visit/files/styles/o_listingitemlarge_1x/public/media-library/2023-03/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20GM_FRI_CARIBOU_KIRSTY_MOUNTAIN1861_0.jpg?h=a931e13c&itok=VWrC6pYF)
An epic cultural adventure in the hills of Mid Wales
Discover Green Man festival - a jewel in the cultural crown of Wales.
![Performance group in traditional clothes parading through Llangollen](/sites/visit/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2020-04/_DSC7431-small.jpg?h=2bd1bdd8&itok=QyouxSj0)
When Wales welcomes the world
Experience culture from across the world at the colourful Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
![Inside a large venue where people are watching a comedy show.](/sites/visit/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2024-03/EDM-01820.jpg?h=ebb628f4&itok=i1g_zyH)
Laughing all the way to Aberystwyth
Esyllt Sears tells us why the Aberystwyth Comedy Festival should be on any comedy fan's list.
![A view of a festival from high up showing old buildings and tents.](/sites/visit/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2024-03/DR_Visit-Wales-YOO_Festival_0216.jpg?h=441f193a&itok=prO_GGfN)
Living is easy… experience the Good Life
Experience good living at The Good Life Society summer camps in North Wales.
![Big Retreat welcome sofa](/sites/visit/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2023-07/IMG_3883.jpg?h=dd58a8dc&itok=OZ_BaA6_)
What's so big about the Big Retreat Festival?
Pitch up your tent for the weekend at The Big Retreat, the fastest-growing wellbeing festival.
![Festival tents lit up at night](/sites/visit/files/styles/o_listingitemlarge_1x/public/media-library/2020-08/NVW-C50-1718-0189-small.jpg?h=c3635fa2&itok=c2Hdip8n)
Machynlleth - a market town that's not just for laughs
Machynlleth Comedy Festival founder Henry Widdicombe shares his favourite spots in this lovely town.
Before you start...
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