2025 - What’s On?
City of Arcades 2025
City of Arcades 2025 is a vibrant experiential and digital campaign marking 70 years since Cardiff became the capital of Wales. Over 70 exciting days, the city will come alive with events, activities, special offers, and fun for all ages.
The celebration is built around five fortnightly themes — Foodie, Discovery, Arts & Music, History, and Health & Beauty — each shining a spotlight on the very best of what Cardiff has to offer.
From bustling food markets and creative upcycling workshops to bread baking sessions and a fascinating time travellers trail, there’s something for everyone to explore, enjoy, and be part of.
EVENTS
Foodie Market
We’re kicking off 70 days of celebrations with a mouth watering Foodie Market in the heart of Cardiff Market. For one night only, the historic market will be buzzing with incredible local flavours, live music and late-night shopping.
Tuck into cheesy goodness from Dirty Gnocchi’s famous pasta wheel, authentic slices from Ffwrnes Pizza, Japanese street food from Tokyo Nights and comforting Polish dumplings from Pierogi, plus plenty more tempting stalls to discover.
While you feast, enjoy the soundtrack from our live DJ bringing the evening vibes and browse market stalls offering everything from vintage records to unique crafts.
It’s the perfect Friday night with great food, great music and great company, and it’s completely free to attend.
Loving Welsh Food Tour
Get a true taste of Cardiff on the Loving Welsh Food City of Arcades Food Experience. Join fellow foodies on a leisurely stroll around Cardiff city centre passing through the historic arcades and by iconic landmarks such as Cardiff Castle and the Principality Stadium. Your friendly guide will introduce you to local and international cuisine at Cardiff cafes, bars, and restaurants including:
A specialist tea house
Spanish and Venetian tapas bar
Contemporary wine bars
A Victorian indoor market
Keralan Street Food
Mediterranean treats
Fabulous Welshcakes
With an eclectic mix of cuisine and culture, you'll learn about the people behind the food while savouring the sights and flavours of the Welsh capital. The City of Arcades Food Experience lasts approximately 4.5 hours and must be booked in advance. Dietary requirements and non-alcoholic tastings can be accommodated.
Upcycling Workshop at Lucy & Yak
We’re teaming up with Lucy & Yak for a hands-on lino printing and upcycling workshop in their vibrant Cardiff store. For one day only, one of their large in-store tables will become a creative printing station.
Choose from a selection of ready-carved lino stencils, designed and made by Lucy & Yak’s very own Jae, and use a range of colourful fabric inks to print onto an item of your choice.
Bring along your own clothes, accessories or fabric to upcycle, or print onto a free Lucy & Yak tote bag provided on the day. No experience is needed and everyone is welcome — whether you’ve booked a free Eventbrite ticket or are just popping in while shopping.
It’s the perfect chance to get creative, personalise something you love and give new life to your favourite items.
Time Traveller’s Arcade Trail
Step into the past with our interactive Time Traveller’s Arcade Trail, a free family-friendly adventure through Cardiff’s historic arcades and St David’s Dewi Sant.
Over eight themed zones, each styled around a different decade from 1955 to today, visitors can meet costumed characters from 1960s mods and hippies to 1980s punks, and hear fascinating Cardiff stories from their era. Each arcade will be transformed with props, décor and music from its decade, creating the ultimate time-travel experience.
Collect a stamp or sticker in every zone, from the 1950s in Dominions Arcade right up to now in St David’s Dewi Sant, and claim your Time Traveller Certificate or small prize at the end of the trail.
Along the way, keep an eye out for themed photo opportunities and games. Businesses will be joining in with special window displays, offers, deals and mini-events to match their arcade’s decade.
It is a unique chance to explore Cardiff’s arcades in a whole new way, one era at a time.
MAP
Coming Soon….
OFFERS & DEALS
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