First Test Match: England v Australia

8 Jul 2009 (various dates)

The battle for the Ashes resumes as England play Australia at the SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff in the first Test of the five-match npower Test series.

Children's Festival

18 - 19 Jul 2009 (annual)

The Children's Festival, part of the summer Cardiff Festival, features a weekend of fun at Coopers Field, behind Cardiff Castle. Entertainment includes crazy walkabout characters, circus and theatre shows, live music and interactive workshops.

Welsh Proms

9 - 25 Jul 2009 (annual)

The Welsh Proms at St David's Hall in Cardiff are an annual highlight of the Welsh capital's summer festivities. Under the artistic direction of Owain Arwel Hughes OBE, the programme features a series of magnificent orchestral symphony and family concerts.

MAS Carnival

1 Aug 2009 (annual)

Cardiff Bay waterfront is brought to life during the Caribbean-inspired MAS Carnival. This is a celebration of cultural diversity featuring flamboyant costumes, giant puppets, headpieces and masks, all moving to samba beats, steel drums and Punjabi and African street drumming.

Cardiff Big Weekend

31 Jul - 2 Aug 2009 (annual)

A Cardiff Festival highlight, the Cardiff Big Weekend is one of the UK's biggest free outdoor music festivals. Taking place outside the Civic Centre, the event offers top live music and a fairground with family attractions and white knuckle rides.

U2

22 Aug 2009

U2 bring their 360° tour, with innovative new stage design affording the audience unobstructed views from every angle, to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. The show features material from the band's latest album, No Line On the Horizon.

Great British Cheese Festival

26 - 27 Sep 2009 (annual)

Sample more than 450 different varieties at Britain's biggest celebration of cheese, the Great British Cheese Festival, at Cardiff Castle.

Sparks in the Park

Nov 2009 (annual)

Sparks in the Park is an enormous fireworks display held at Coopers Field in Bute Park, with Cardiff Castle as a backdrop. Children's rides entertain the little ones before the bonfire is lit and the fireworks take over.

Wales Rally GB

Dec 2009 (annual)

The Wales Rally GB is the final round of the FIA World Rally Championship 2008 and one of the UK's leading sporting events.

Winter Wonderland

Nov 2009 - Jan 2010 (annual)

Every winter the lawn in front of Cardiff City Hall is transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland skating rink. There is a heated terrace overlooking the ice and a full programme of free entertainment to celebrate the festive season.

Owain Glyndwr

Daily

Owain Glyndwr was a medieval Welsh leader and this Cardiff pub named after him stands on the site of an 18th-century alehouse. Relax in the old-fashioned bar or more modern lounge-dining room, where there's a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights.

Cosmeston Lakes Country Park & Medieval Village

Daily

Much of Cosmeston Lakes Country Park is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to many plant and animal species. Cosmeston Medieval Village, within the park, is a unique Heritage Project that takes visitors back to the 14th century.

Clwb Ifor Bach

Daily

As the name suggests, Clwb Ifor Bach is geared towards Cardiff's Welsh-speaking community, but everyone is welcome. It's spread over three floors, with live music most nights from established acts and new talent. Some nights are for members only.

Howell's

Daily

A huge House of Fraser outlet, Howell's is Cardiff's biggest department store. Food, perfumes and clothes dominate the ground floor, with furniture, electronics and homeware upstairs.

Castell Coch

Daily

Castell Coch is Cardiff's very own fairytale castle, nestling in the woods on the outskirts of the city, complete with turrets and round towers. Take a tour of the elaborate interiors of this 19th-century castle, built on medieval foundations.

Barfly Cardiff

Daily

Catch the latest up-and-coming bands at Barfly Cardiff, or come for the various themed nights. Dance to Pulp and Oasis at the 90s night or catch DJs spinning the best alto-electro, alternative, metal, rock and industrial anthems.

Cardiff Market

Daily; not Sun

You'll find a little of everything at Cardiff's bustling Victorian market hall, including fresh fruit, fish, meat, cheese and crusty bread. Browse for gifts, buy sportswear, luggage, books, crafts and toys, or just pick up a few essential household items.

Techniquest

Daily

Cardiff's Techniquest makes science fun through hands-on exhibits and activities. As well as testing their reactions, launching a hot air balloon or firing a rocket, visitors can also tour the night sky at the planetarium.

Cardiff Castle

Daily

An iconic Welsh landmark, Cardiff Castle bursts with history from the Romans to the Normans and beyond. Learn about these extraordinary episodes from the exhibition and film in the Interpretation Centre, before joining a tour of the Castle Apartments.

Wales Millennium Centre

Daily

Since opening in 2004, Cardiff's Wales Millennium Centre has become a local landmark with breathtaking design. It is home to seven diverse and exciting cultural organisations - including Welsh National Opera and Diversions, the Dance Company for Wales.

Hobo's Vintage Clothing

Daily

If you're a retro-clothes lover, then Cardiff's Hobo's Vintage Clothing is just the place. Rummage for the perfect pair of flares, snazzy hotpants, a paisley shirt, platform shoes or psychedelic Sixties or Seventies fashions.

Tiger Tiger

Daily

Tiger Tiger in Cardiff boasts a grill, four bars and a club. Bars include the flagship Tigerbar, the Moroccan-style Medina and the intimate Orient, and the club takes up the top floor with DJs spinning dance tunes on the decks.

St Fagans National History Museum

Daily

St Fagans National History Museum in Cardiff is the country's most popular open-air heritage attraction. It brings to life 500 years of Welsh experience in the 100-acre grounds of the 16th-century St Fagans Castle.

Senedd

Daily

Located in Cardiff Bay, the Senedd is the National Assembly for Wales, a modern architectural icon and public building designed by Richard Rogers. Book seats in the public galleries to watch Wales' top politicians debate new policies.

Butetown History & Arts Centre

Daily; not Mon

Cardiff's Butetown History & Arts Centre collects and preserves the social and cultural history of Cardiff Docklands. See family snaps, formal studio portraits and celebrities before they were famous among the permanent collection, which also includes audio and visual recordings.

Cardiff Bay

Daily

Cardiff Bay is the Welsh capital's impressive waterfront development, with restored buildings and modern architecture. The National Assembly for Wales, Wales Millennium Centre and Coal Exchange are found alongside bars, restaurants and the Visitor Centre, with its panoramic bay views.

Bayside Brasserie

Daily

Bayside Brasserie is a chic Cardiff Bay restaurant with panoramic waterfront views. Using locally sourced seasonal ingredients, the menu combines classic brasserie favourites and modern European dishes. Choose fresh fish, help yourself at the salad bar and look out for the daily specials. There's an extensive wine list to match.

Millennium Stadium

Daily

Cardiff's Millennium Stadium opened in 1999, boasting the first retractable roof in the UK. This world-class arena hosts spectacular sporting events like the Welsh international football, Rugby Union and the British Speedway Grand Prix, as well as large-scale concerts.

Castle Welsh Crafts

Daily

Pick up traditional and contemporary Welsh souvenirs at Cardiff's knickknack-filled Castle Welsh Crafts centre. Wooden lovespoons, Celtic jewellery, stuffed toys and t-shirts are just some of the items on show, along with some local food products.

Llandaff Cathedral

Daily

Cardiff's Llandaff Cathedral is a prime attraction for both worshippers and visitors. Take the woodland path from Llandaff Green to the cathedral, and see its 13th-century Chapter House and Jacob Epstein's 20th-century Christ in Majesty sculpture.

The Taff Trail

Daily

Established in the early 1990s, The Taff Trail offers walkers and cyclists the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Welsh countryside at any time. The trail's canals, forest tracks and disused railway lines are interspersed with industrial heritage sites.

Spillers Records

Daily

Spillers Records has been in business in Cardiff since 1894 and claims to be the world's oldest independent record shop. It's small, but its range of vinyl and CDs is legendary, with diverse offerings of punk, jazz, folk, hip-hop and more.

Capitol Shopping

Daily

Located in central Cardiff, the Capitol Shopping centre is an all-day experience with a range of high-street brands under one roof. Along with fashion favourites like Oasis and Karen Millen, there are a range of eateries to keep you going.

The Prince of Wales

Daily

This grand former Cardiff theatre is today a huge two-level Wetherspoon pub, with much of the original stucco ornamentation retained. Downstairs, The Prince of Wales has a lively, spacious bar, while upstairs there's a dining section facing the old stage.

The Goat Major

Daily

Just across the road from Cardiff Castle, the Goat Major is a traditional ale-and-pies pub, filled with dark wood furnishings. Named after the mascot of the Royal 41st Regiment of Wales, it is popular with both tourists and office workers.

National Museum Cardiff

Daily; not Mon

The National Museum Cardiff, set in pleasant surroundings in the city centre, is unusual in that it focuses on both art and science. See works by world-renowned artists (particularly the Impressionists), and explore the history and natural history of Wales.

No monthly events available.

Winter Wonderland

Nov 2009 - Jan 2010 (annual)

Every winter the lawn in front of Cardiff City Hall is transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland skating rink. There is a heated terrace overlooking the ice and a full programme of free entertainment to celebrate the festive season.

Welsh Proms

9 - 25 Jul 2009 (annual)

The Welsh Proms at St David's Hall in Cardiff are an annual highlight of the Welsh capital's summer festivities. Under the artistic direction of Owain Arwel Hughes OBE, the programme features a series of magnificent orchestral symphony and family concerts.

Wales Rally GB

Dec 2009 (annual)

The Wales Rally GB is the final round of the FIA World Rally Championship 2008 and one of the UK's leading sporting events.

Twenty20 Cup: Glamorgan Dragons

May - Jun 2010 (annual)

The 2009 Twenty20 Cup begins in a group format in May. Glamorgan Dragons play their home games at the SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff. Quarter finals in July are followed by a Finals Day at Edgbaston in August.

The RHS Spring Flower Show Cardiff

Apr 2010 (annual)

The RHS Spring Flower Show returns to Cardiff's Bute Park. Visitors can view inspirational show gardens, displays of spring flowers, floral marquees and the entries for the coveted RHS medals. Gardening experts give demonstrations and plants and flowers are on sale.

St Dwynwen's Day at St Fagans

Jan 2010 (annual)

Celebrate St Dwynwen's Day at St Fagans National History Museum in Cardiff. Lovespoon exhibitions and demonstrations of traditional lovespoon carving honour the patron saint of Welsh lovers.

St David's Day

Mar 2010 (annual)

St David's Day (Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant) is celebrated nationwide in Wales with parades in honour of the country's patron saint.

Sparks in the Park

Nov 2009 (annual)

Sparks in the Park is an enormous fireworks display held at Coopers Field in Bute Park, with Cardiff Castle as a backdrop. Children's rides entertain the little ones before the bonfire is lit and the fireworks take over.

Soundtrack: The International Film and Music Festival for Wales

Nov 2009 (annual)

In its first year, Soundtrack: The International Film and Music Festival for Wales presents a wealth of events in and around the Cardiff Bay area, with internationally renowned film-makers and musicians set to descend on the city.

MAS Carnival

1 Aug 2009 (annual)

Cardiff Bay waterfront is brought to life during the Caribbean-inspired MAS Carnival. This is a celebration of cultural diversity featuring flamboyant costumes, giant puppets, headpieces and masks, all moving to samba beats, steel drums and Punjabi and African street drumming.

Great British Cheese Festival

26 - 27 Sep 2009 (annual)

Sample more than 450 different varieties at Britain's biggest celebration of cheese, the Great British Cheese Festival, at Cardiff Castle.

Everyman Open Air Theatre Festival

8 Jul - 1 Aug 2009 (annual)

As part of the Cardiff Festival, the Everyman Open Air Theatre Festival presents three outdoor productions, but with covered seating. The stage is set up in the beautiful parkland around St Fagans National History Museum.

Children's Festival

18 - 19 Jul 2009 (annual)

The Children's Festival, part of the summer Cardiff Festival, features a weekend of fun at Coopers Field, behind Cardiff Castle. Entertainment includes crazy walkabout characters, circus and theatre shows, live music and interactive workshops.

Cardiff Mardi Gras

29 - 30 Aug 2009 (annual)

The Cardiff Mardi Gras, staged in Coopers Field behind Cardiff Castle, is the biggest annual gay party in Wales and one of the UK's top gay and lesbian events. The event returns in 2009 after a year off.

Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival

10 - 12 Jul 2009 (annual)

The Roald Dahl Plass in Cardiff Bay is transformed into a tented village hosting food producers from all over Europe during the Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival. This event is part of the summer Cardiff Festival.

Cardiff Half Marathon

Oct 2009 (annual)

The fast, flat and scenic route of the Cardiff Half Marathon makes it one of the UK's most popular long-distance races. The route heads past the Wales Millennium Centre and Cardiff Castle before a grandstand finish in the Millennium Stadium.

Cardiff Festival

2 Jul - 31 Aug 2009 (annual)

The Cardiff Festival offers a programme of outstanding events each summer featuring the best in street theatre, live music, family entertainment, funfairs and drama. Events take place each weekend at venues all over the city and most are free!

Cardiff Blues Rugby Season - Magners League

Aug 2009 - Apr 2010 (annual)

Rugby union side Cardiff Blues welcome Magners League teams to the Cardiff Arms Park for the 2007/2008 season. Please visit the club's website for full details of all fixtures.

Cardiff Big Weekend

31 Jul - 2 Aug 2009 (annual)

A Cardiff Festival highlight, the Cardiff Big Weekend is one of the UK's biggest free outdoor music festivals. Taking place outside the Civic Centre, the event offers top live music and a fairground with family attractions and white knuckle rides.

Artes Mundi Prize Exhibition

Mar - Jun 2010; not Mon (biennial)

Cardiff's National Museum and Gallery shows work by the contenders for the fourth Artes Mundi Prize.