With the weather as good as it is, we’re all raring to get out and mingle with our fellow Cardiffians. What better way to experience Cardiff’s glorious capital city energy than by attending some of the amazing events that are on this week?
Being young and perpetually broke, though, we know the struggle to find the right event that won’t dip too far into your bank balance. That’s what we’re here for: to guide you to those gems that won’t break the bank. Without further ado, here’s The Sprout’s guide to the free and cheap events you’ll be at in the city over the next seven days.
Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival
6-8 July – Cardiff Bay – Free entry – Events page
This lively event promises to bring those three most dependable human pleasures to a full-on assault on your frontal cortex: music, food and drink. Musicians will play alongside Cardiff’s sizeable street food vending community out in the blazing sun of Roald Dahl Plass. Legend has it that the first person who tries every possible food and drink combination at the festival simply explodes. Surf on over to Visit Cardiff to find out more.
Music in the Park
Sun 8 July 14:00-19:00 – Belle Vue Park, Penarth – Free – Events page
Music in the Park, credit to Friends of Belle Vue Park
A great free event for all the family. Lounge on the green, green grass of Penarth’s beautiful Belle Vue park, and listen to some of South Wales’ most talented musicians. Did I mention it’s free? Best of all, it’s not too late in the day and Penarth, that beautiful seaside suburb, has its own railway station. Get thee on the Arriva and bring your little sibling’s pram! Surf over to the Facebook page for more info.
Howl Comedy Festival
Sun 12 July 12:00-23:30 – Tramshed – £12 (18+) – Events page
Howl Comedy Festival- graphic courtesy of Tramshed
Cardiff’s no stranger to a good comedy night, but Tramshed’s new kid on the block, Howl, has quickly become a firm favourite with local laughter lovers. They’ve geared up for summer with a full day of top notch comedians smashing their sets out of the park.
There’s more info on the Facebook event page, or just go straight to Eventbrite for tickets.
Blue Stockings
7.30pm every day, 12-14 July – Sherman Theatre – £4 for under 25s (15+) – Events page
Blue Stockings poster credit to Sherman Theatre
The year is 1896, and women have just turned up at Girton College, Cambridge University. They’re the first female students in the country, but they’ll have to struggle to get right through to graduation. Best of all, just like all the great plays the Sherman Theatre puts on, Blue Stockings is 50% off for under 25s, making it a cool £4 to see this stellar performance. Check out the Sherman listing for further information and tickets.
Capital FM Bay Beach Festival
6 July – 2 September – Cardiff Bay Barrage – Free entry – Events page
The Bay Beach- credit to Capital FM
Barry a bit out of the way? Porthcawl a bothersome trek? CapitalFM have kindly brought the beach to the city, with all the fun of the seaside funfair parked up for the whole summer at Cardiff Bay. This free attraction will bring sandcastling, roller coasters and a big wheel right to the waterfront. Excited kids and adults alike need to get on over to the event’s official website for more information.