Newport’s Cultural Highlights: What to See and Do This June and July

As summer arrives, Newport’s cultural calendar is packed with live music, visual arts, theatre, festivals, talks and community events. Whether you’re looking for emerging local bands, hands-on creative workshops, major exhibitions or family-friendly festivals, June and July offer plenty of reasons to get out and explore the city.

Live Music and Gig Highlights

Newport’s music scene remains one of the most vibrant in Wales, with Le Pub leading the charge alongside venues such as The Riverfront, Fire & Ice and more.

Le Pub

June and July bring an eclectic mix of indie, rock, punk, folk and alternative acts:

  • Showgirls & Sharks – 12 June
  • Molars x Downcast – 13 June
  • Lantana / The Moonstones / The Depth – 19 June
  • Day of Wreckoning featuring Black Lakes, Sycolima, Lifer and Z Machine – 20 June
  • The March Violets + Velocette – 23 June
  • Ernie Emmanuel + Support – 26 June
  • Bendricks – 27 June
  • Fragile Animals + Yardbreaker – 1 July
  • Lacertilia / Suns of Thunder / Karmen Field – 4 July
  • Leeroy Stagger – 8 July
  • Waco Brothers + Support – 9 July
  • Truck Violence + Support – 10 July
  • Dead Air + Support – 17 July
  • Green Tree / LAWLA – 18 July

Other Music Events Around Newport

The wider city offers everything from tribute acts to grassroots performances:

  • John Robb at Exchange House (12 June)
  • Protest & Hope at Newport Rising Hub (13 June)
  • SKY FULL OF STARS: A Tribute to Coldplay (13 June)
  • Sing The Musicals (19 June)
  • The Carpenters: Voice of the Heart (20 June)
  • UK Pink Floyd Experience (26 June)
  • K-POP Forever (27 June)
  • Panedini + Destan Dönemi (27 June)
  • The Illegal Eagles (1 July)
  • The West End Day Party at Fire & Ice (4 July)

For live music fans, there is scarcely a weekend without a major performance.

Arts, Exhibitions and Creative Workshops

Newport’s visual arts scene is equally active this summer, with exhibitions, creative gatherings and opportunities to get involved.

Major Exhibitions

Musoleum – Remembrance of Remembering by Nigel and Joe Talbot opens at Newport Museum and Art Gallery from 13 June through September.

Echoes of the Andes runs from 18 June to 10 July, offering visitors a distinctive artistic perspective inspired by South American culture.

Art School Wales Free Summer Exhibition showcases emerging artistic talent from 14–18 July.

Get Creative Yourself

Le Pub’s popular Drink & Draw sessions return on 14 June and 12 July, offering free, informal creative evenings.

The Place continues its programme of hands-on workshops including:

  • Life Drawing
  • Adult Clay Play
  • Afterschool Doodles and Doughnuts for Teens

These sessions provide opportunities for both beginners and experienced artists to develop new skills.

Theatre, Literature and Spoken Word

Newport’s theatre and literary communities are thriving throughout the summer.

Theatre Highlights

The Dolman Theatre presents the classic comedy ‘Allo ‘Allo from 10–13 June.

The CAB Community Theatre Group continues performances and workshops throughout June and July, while Riverfront programmes include regular drama sessions and youth theatre opportunities.

Poetry and Literature

Le Pub hosts Newport Stanza Poetry on 18 June, offering local poets and spoken-word performers a platform to share their work.

Meanwhile, libraries across Newport continue to host community reading and storytelling events throughout the summer.

Festivals and Community Celebrations

Summer is festival season, and Newport has several significant events on the calendar.

Gŵyl Newydd 2026

Taking place at Rodney Parade on 13 June, Gŵyl Newydd celebrates Welsh culture, music and community with a full day of performances and activities.

Rogerstone Festival

Held on 21 June, this community-focused festival brings together local organisations, entertainment and family activities.

Maindee Festival

One of Newport’s best-loved community celebrations returns on 4 July with music, activities, food and performances.

Talks, Heritage and Culture

For those looking to learn something new, Newport offers several fascinating talks and cultural events.

Highlights include:

  • “Moon, Sun and Sea: Tidal Peculiarities of Newport” (13 June)
  • Extra-Orchidnary: Discover Orchids and Wildflowers at Newport Wetlands (21 June)
  • An Evening with Shane, Lee & Hookie (25 June)

Visitors can also enjoy storytelling experiences such as Nansi Llwyd and the Dog of Darkness, hosted at Newport Transporter Bridge on 18 June.

Family-Friendly Events

Families are well catered for throughout the summer.

Newport Museum and Art Gallery hosts free family craft sessions in late July, while libraries across the city continue to offer children’s storytelling activities.

The city’s exhibitions, festivals and museum events also provide affordable opportunities for family days out.

A Summer to Explore Newport

From internationally touring musicians and major exhibitions to grassroots festivals and creative workshops, Newport’s cultural programme demonstrates the city’s growing confidence as a creative destination.

Whether you’re a dedicated gig-goer, art enthusiast, theatre lover or simply looking for something different to do this summer, June and July offer an impressive range of events across the city.