What’s On During The Summer Holidays in North Wales
With just weeks to go until the summer holidays start, we’re dreaming of joyous escapes to the North Wales coast and countryside with the entire family. While there is plenty of things on offer to see, do and experience, there’s also a host of cultural, sporting and culinary events that you might like to tie in with your visit during July and August. The different summer events throughout North Wales offer a unique way to immerse yourself in the culture, supporting local communities and championing their produce in the process.
Explore the different summer holiday events below, and find out essential information on admission, location and dog-friendliness.
When are the summer holidays?
While exact dates may differ in some counties, the school summer holidays in England and Wales will run from the 21st July to the 29th August 2025.
Family-friendly events in North Wales this summer
We’re incredibly proud of the summer events in North Wales for 2025. Explore them by region below!
Summer Events on Anglesey
Anglesey is the home of Oyster holiday cottages, and we’ll be attending some of these events ourselves. Do say hello if you see us!
Folk on the Farm Festival
Tyddyn Môn is a charity which has been supporting adults with learning disabilities on the Isle of Anglesey for over 30 years – Folk on the Farm is their vibrant folk celebration featuring top UK folk artists, inclusive volunteering opportunities, camping, crafts, workshops, and family‑friendly performances, with all proceeds supporting their fantastic cause.
Dates: 17th – 20th July
Cost: Day tickets start at £40 per adult, £25 per child. Children under 12 go free.
Where is it? Tyddyn Môn, Brynrefail, LL70 9PJ.
Is there parking available? Yes – there are parking and camping fields onsite.
Is it dog-friendly? Yes, but please keep your four-legged friends on a lead and ensure you clean up after them.
The Menai Strait Regattas
A must for any families that love spending time on the water, the Menai Strait Regattas is essentially two weeks of classic boat, dinghy, and cruiser racing along the Menai Strait, the treacherous tidal channel between Anglesey and the mainland. Key events include the iconic “Race Through the Swellies” and the Round Puffin race, plus daily club-hosted regattas.
Dates: 21st July – 4th August
Cost: Entry fees apply to those wishing to enter, but there is no admission fee for spectators.
Where is it? The races thorough the first week will be based at Beaumaris, with some int he second also based in Caernarfon.
Is there parking available? Parking is available throughout Beaumaris and Caernarfon.
Is it dog-friendly? Yes, if you’re attending as a spectator, why not bring along your four-legged friend!
The Anglesey Show
A huge date on the island’s calendar, The Anglesey Show is a two‑day family event. Highlights include livestock displays, equestrian shows, vintage vehicles, craft stalls, country pursuits, and a lively “Y Cowt” entertainment zone. Little ones can enjoy a funfair, dog show, small pets classes, and live music – it’s a great weekend or day out for everyone!
Dates: 12th & 13th August
Cost: £20 per adult, £4 per child. Under 5s go free. Family tickets available.
Where is it? The Anglesey Showground is located at Mona, near Gwalchmai, LL65 4RW.
Is there parking available? There is free parking available onsite, or a park and ride service from the Mona Industrial Estate.
Is it dog-friendly? Yes, well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
Menai Food Festival
Incredibly popular and a haven for foodies, the Menai Food Festival is set to bring the largest number of food and drink stalls yet, with live music, street food and craft stalls. In an area known for its exceptional culinary offerings, this is definitely not one to miss.
Dates: 16th & 17th August
Cost: £5 per day. Children go free!
Where is it? The site is in the centre of Menai Bridge, on Ffordd y Ffair and the recreation field behind the library.
Is there parking available? Yes – there wil be a dedicated park and ride service running throughout the day from a parking site at David Hughes LL59 5SS. Disabled parking is available behind Evans Bros on the high street (LL59 5ED).
Is it dog-friendly? Dogs on leads are welcome onto the festival site, but not in the marquees, so make sure you have a designated dog holder on hand while you go and get the grub! Note that dogs are not allowed on the park and ride buses, so you’ll need to make the 10-minute journey from the parking site on foot.
Summer Events on the Llyn Peninsula
Some of our favourite hidden gems can be found on the Llyn Peninsula. There are also lots of summer events in this area of North Wales too!
Vegan Fields Festival
A day of celebration for vegan food, holistic wellness and mindful living, the Vegan Fields Festival is set to bring delicious food stalls, live music and wellness experiences to Nefyn. It is a one-day event with camping tickets available for both Friday and Saturday.
Dates: 2nd August
Cost: £32.15 per adult, £22.25 per child.
Where is it? Tyn Lon, Pwllheli, LL53 8UT
Is there parking available? Yes, there is free parking onsite.
The Abersoch Regatta
The Abersoch Regatta week is the perfect time to stay with us in one of Wales’ most beloved villages. Family events throughout the week are set to include a sandcastle competition, tug of war, paddleboarding race, best-dressed pirate competition and lots more, including golfing and the classic raft race, all building up to the main event on Saturday 9th August.
Dates: 4th – 9th August
Cost: No cost, and the sailing club with its facilities will be open to non-members who wish to watch the regatta itself on the 9th August. You can enter events on the day, by securing an entry form from a volunteer.
Where is it? Many of the events take place on Abersoch’s main beach. The sailing club, SCYC, is located above the main beach, accessed either through the car park or just along from the main beach café.
Is there parking available? Yes, limited parking is available in both the SCYC car park and Traeth Aberosch car park.
Is it dog-friendly? Dog restrictions apply to the left side of the slipway onto Abersoch’s main beach.
Abersoch Keelboat Week
Serious about its sailing scene, Abersoch also hosts a keelboat week. Families can enjoy watching competitive keelboat racing across mixed fleets (small keelboats, sports boats, IRC classes) and daily prize-givings with light bites and live music, with ample time to enjoy the beach and explore the village.
Dates: 18th – 22nd August
Cost: No cost for spectators. The entry form can be found here.
Where is it? Many of the events take place on Abersoch’s main beach. The sailing club, SCYC, is located above the main beach, accessed either through the car park or just along from the main beach café.
Is there parking available? Yes, limited parking is available in both the SCYC car park and Traeth Aberosch car park.
Is it dog-friendly? Dog restrictions apply to the left side of the slipway onto Abersoch’s main beach.
Summer Events in Snowdonia
Brimming with culture, peaks and attractions, Snowdonia is a hub for summertime events in North Wales, particularly of the extreme sport variety.
Snowdon Race
One of Europe’s most iconic mountain races, the Snowdon Race attracts elite and amateur runners from around the world. The race sees participants run from Llanberis to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and back—a 10-mile challenge with stunning views. Families can soak up the energetic atmosphere, enjoy food stalls, live music, and local entertainment throughout the village.
Dates: 19th July
Cost: Free for spectators. Entry for runners must be booked in advance through the official site.
Where is it? The race starts and finishes in Llanberis, at the foot of Snowdon. Spectator hubs and event village are near the start line.
Is there parking available? Yes, but it fills quickly. Llanberis has multiple pay-and-display car parks within walking distance.
Is it dog-friendly? Yes, but dogs must be kept on leads, especially around busy areas and livestock.
Snowman Swim
Set in the dramatic surroundings of Snowdonia National Park, the Snowman Swim is part of the Snowman Triathlon weekend. Swimmers take on open-water challenges in Llyn Mymbyr beneath the peaks of the Glyderau mountains. While competitors test their mettle, families can enjoy stunning scenery, local food vendors, and a supportive festival vibe.
Dates: 27th July
Cost: Free for spectators. Swim entry fees vary by distance; registration info can be found here.
Where is it? Held at Plas y Brenin, Capel Curig. Event signage and stewards will guide visitors on the day.
Is there parking available? Yes, event parking is provided at Plas y Brenin. Follow signs and staff instructions.
Is it dog-friendly? Yes, but dogs should be kept on leads around the event area and the lake.
Snowdon Mountain Railway
While not strictly an organised event, experiencing the Snowdon Mountain Railway is an unforgettable family day out that you can enjoy anytime throughout the school holidays. Choose between the Heritage Steam Service for a truly enchanting experience or opt for the Traditional Diesel Service for a cost-effective option.
Dates: Every day from the end of March until October.
Cost: Ticket prices vary based on train type. Find out more here.
Where is it? The Snowdon Mountain Railway station, Llanberis, LL55 4TU
Is there parking available? There is a small pay-and-display car park located behind the station on Victoria Terrace (LL55 4TU), or lots of further parking options throughout Llanberis.
Is it dog-friendly? Only assistance animals are allowed on the trains.
Other family-friendly attractions and experiences in North Wales
There are lots of places to visit throughout North Wales that are perfect for a family day out. Here are some ideas below:
- The various Zipworld sites in North Wales are home to exciting attractions including Velocity, the world’s fastest (and UK’s longest) zipline, a trampoline park deep inside a mine and the thrilling forest coaster which whips through the trees at Betws-y-Coed. All locations are dog-friendly.
- There are many historical Cadw locations across North Wales which include Harlech Castle, Beaumaris Castle and more. They often host fun family events such as medieval days and storytelling experiences. Find one near your holiday cottage here.
- Manorafon Farm Park is another popular destination for families, with lots of adorable animals to meet and a brand-new dinosaur trail to explore. Centrally located in North Wales, you can book your tickets online and discover what events they have on here.
- On Anglesey, Mr Holt’s Melin Llynon chocolate factory is home to everything from an escape room to the Mônut – a delicious delicacy that comes in many mouthwatering flavours.
- Llandudno is home to a variety of attractions that little ones will love – from the classic arcade experience to tobogganing and cable car rides at the Great Orme.
North Wales cottages for family-friendly breaks over summer
As well as the different summer events in North Wales, there’s a range of activities to do and fun to be had on the beaches and in the mountains. Build sandcastles, enjoy BBQs and feast on picnics with spellbinding lakeside views. Our collection of holiday cottages throughout North Wales are perfect for a family escape during the school holidays. If you’rfe bringing along your four-legged friend, browse our pet-friendly cottages, or check out our guide to holiday cottages with direct beach access if you want maximum time on the beach during your trip.
