Anybody else quite looking forward to the new university term? Nobody seems to put events on round here unless there’s some students around to go to them. There is, however, a festival and plenty of open mic nights on this week. So Cardiff’s not completely dead. Say no more: it’s time for The Sprout’s weekly list of Free and Cheap Things To Do In Cardiff!

Cardiff Book Festival

7-9 Sept – Jury’s Inn – Various times and prices – Sprout Event

It’s back! The festival which celebrates the written word loud and proud has moved from the Angel Hotel to Jury’s Inn this year. You can go to the whole weekend for £25, but individual events are just £3 or £5 each with a concession ticket. With appearances from Peter Finch (interviewed recently here), Prof Roger Scully, Will Millard, and particular focus on women’s works including poets such as Mari Ellis Dunning, this will be an event not to be missed. See the full list of events and get tickets at the festival website.

Open Doors: Cathays Library / Tabernacl / Cardiff Metropolitan

Various, free

As we mentioned last week, Open Doors is a programme of events on around the city this month, where various buildings are opening their doors to the general public. Probably the next seven days’ most exciting event is at Cardiff Met, where visitors will get a full tour of the sleek modern facilities of the School of Art and Design. You can also visit Cathays Library and its extensive newspaper collection, or Tabernacl, which has been celebrating Christianity Baptist style for over 200 years in Cardiff’s city centre. See all the events here.

Gwd Mondays – Caterpillar Comedy

Monday 10th @ 7.30pm – Gwdihw – £2

Gwdihw promises “rowdy but friendly crowds” at this event which is a favourite of many local comedians and is the birthplace of many a new career. Maybe you’re egging yourself on to give it a go, or maybe you’re just going to support the hopefuls. Anyway, drinks are 50% off (IDs, please). Facebook link

Test Screening and Buffet: Nora: The Quest for Yukon

Thurs 13th @ 6-9pm – Sustainable Studio – Free (get a ticket)

Some of those eager beavers at the Sustainable Studio have been working on this documentary film, and have thrown open an open invitation to dinner (veggies and meat eaters both catered for), followed by a screening and Q&A with the filmmakers. Get your tickets now.
Facebook event – Eventbrite event