What’s On During The Summer Holidays in North Wales 2026
With just weeks to go until the 2026 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 or 22nd July to the 31st August 2026.
Family-friendly events in North Wales during July & August
We’re incredibly proud of the wealth of different summer events on offer throughout North Wales in 2026. Explore them by region below!
- Summer Events on Anglesey
- Summer Events on the Llyn Peninsula
- Summer Events in Snowdonia
- Other Family-Friendly Events & Attractions in North Wales
Summer Events on Anglesey
Anglesey is the home of Oyster holiday cottages, and we’ll be attending some of these events ourselves. Do pop and say hello if you see us!
Tonnau Tropical Garden Party
Described as a ‘ treasure trove of music, dance and arts spread across 7 arenas,’ Tonnau Tropical Garden Party is a family-friendly event built on an ethos of community spirit. At just 20-minutes on foot from the nearest beach (Porth Trwyn,) it’s perfect for playing atop the sand all day before dancing the night away.
Dates: 10th – 12th July 2026
Cost: Day tickets start at £50
Where is it? The event is held in the glorious grounds of the Carreglwyd Estate, LL65 4NY
Is there parking available? Yes – There is a parking fee at Tonnau Festival. Please park in the bays as directed by the stewards. No cars are allowed beyond the ticket office.
Is it dog-friendly? No – only registered assistance animals are allowed onsite.
The Menai Strait Regattas
A must for any family that loves spending time on the water, the Menai Strait Regattas are 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. We’re very proud to be sponsoring the event for the second year running!
Dates: 27th July – 8th August 2026
Cost: Entry fees apply to those wishing to enter, but there is no admission fee for spectators.
Where is it? The races through the first week will be based at Beaumaris, with some in the second week 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?
Anglesey Summer Festival
Brand new for 2026, the Anglesey Summer Festival brings together the previous events of the Menai Food Festival & Beaumaris Food Festival to one bigger and better venue in Parc Yr Odyn, Pentraeth. Expect over 100 amazing food stalls showcasing the finest local produce, craft exhibitors and plenty of family fun.
Dates: 1st & 2nd August
Cost: £5 per day. Children (U16s) go free!
Where is it? The Anglesey Summer Festival is being held at the home of Anglesey Môn distillery, on the picturesque Parc yr Odyn Farm, Pentraeth.
Is there parking available? Yes – there is free parking available onsite at Parc yr Odyn Farm, Pentraeth, Anglesey LL758UL.
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! Please make sure to clean up after your dog.
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: 11th & 12th August 2026
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.
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!
Gwyl Portmeirion Festival
To celebrate its centenary year, Portmeirion is hosting a series of four one-day festivals – an amazing line-up of musicians includes Squeeze, Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Sir Bryn Terfel, the Brythoniaid Male Voice Choir, Gwenno, Pedair, 9Bach, Bwncath, Melin Melyn, Bob Delyn a’r Ebillion, Pys Melyn, Gareth Bonello, Huw Stephens, Rhys Mwyn and the Llareggub Brass Band. There will be a variety of local food and drink stalls, including Anglesey hog roast, Welsh Luing Beef, local pizzas, and Blas ar Fwyd.
Dates: 4th July, 11th July, 22nd August & 29th August.
Cost: Tickets start at £40. Children under 5 go free.
Where is it? Set within the open landscape of Castell Deudraeth Fields, each concert offers a relaxed woodland setting to enjoy live performances in the long summer evenings.
Is there parking available? There is free parking available on-site at Portmeirion (LL48 6ER). Alternatively, Minfford Train Station is half a mile away on foot.
Is it dog-friendly? Only trained assistance dogs are allowed at Portmeirion.
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: 8th – 13th August 2026
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 Abersoch 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: 23rd – 28th August 2026
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 Abersoch car park on Lon Golff.
Is it dog-friendly? Dog restrictions apply to the left side of the slipway onto Abersoch’s main beach.
Outdoor Theatre at Oriel Plas Glyn y Weddw
Nothing says summertime quite like watching a classic play beneath the changing skies. At the beautiful Plas Glyn y Weddw gallery tucked away in a wooded corner of Llanbedrog, you can do exactly that. The John Andrews Outdoor Theatre is set to play host to three different plays put on by the award-winning Illyria.
Dates: 30th July, 14th August & 25th August 2026.
Cost: Adult tickets £21.86 including booking fee. Children aged 3 -14 tickets £13.01 including booking fee. Children under 3 go free.
Where is it? The John Andrews Outdoor Theatre at Plas Glyn y Weddw, Llanbedrog, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, LL53 7TT
Is there parking available? Yes, there is parking available on-site, just be sure to book your registration plate in at reception. The first 2 hours are free, but fees apply afterwards.
Is it dog-friendly? The outdoor spaces at Oriel Plas Glyn y Weddw are dog friendly, but do check with the venue if you intend to take your four-legged friend to one of the performances.
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.
Barmouth Food Festival
Bringing delicious food and live music to the quay and surrounding streets, Barmouth Food Festival is set to host a wealth of local food and beverage suppliers who will showcase their produce from streetside stalls. There will also be live music and entertainment.
Dates: 5th July 2026
Cost: Free to enter
Where is it? The event is held predominantly around the harbour; however there are activities throughout the town.
Is there parking available? Yes, Barmouth has lots of parking available – we suggest heading for the Car & Coach Car Park (LL42 1LY) so that you’re out of the way of the festival.
Is it dog-friendly? Yes – just be mindful around the food stalls and keep them on a lead.
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 15.35km challenge with stunning views thanks to the 994m ascent. Families can soak up the energetic atmosphere, enjoy food stalls, live music, and local entertainment throughout the village.
Dates: 18th July 2026
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. The spectator hubs and the 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, you can bring your dog along to watch and cheer, but make sure it’s going to be an enjoyable environment for them, and keep them on a close lead.
Snowman 2026
Set in the dramatic surroundings of Snowdonia National Park, the Snowman Swim is part of the Snowman Triathlon weekend. Swimmers take on a 2.4-mile challenge in Llynnau Mymbyr beneath the iconic Eryri peaks. 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.
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.
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 Llangollen International Eisteddfod is a major annual event in North Wales, welcoming talented musicians from all over the world. Llangollen itself is also a beautiful place to visit, with historic ruins, stunning nature and much more to discover.
- The various Zipworld sites in North Wales are home to exciting attractions including Velocity, the world’s fastest (and the 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.
Want more ideas on family-friendly days out? Take a look at our ultimate guide to enjoying North Wales with kids below…
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 summer holiday cottages throughout North Wales is perfect for a family escape during the school holidays. If you’re 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.
