Events in and around
hay-on-wye
We are very lucky in Hay with many events happening throughout the year. Here are some of the events happening nearby this year.
2025-2026 EVENTS
What’s on Hay
For a list of the bookshops and various activities/events go to Hay on Wye Tourist information
Walk Hay
Expert guide for a group walk around the Hay area. Contact Sarah at Walk Hay who can put together a walk for your group to explore the beautiful countryside around Hay. Walk Hay
Hay Castle Trust
There are frequently interesting exhibitions and fun events that happen at the newly restored Hay Castle throughout the year. Plus a café. A must to visit. Hay Castle Website
The Globe at Hay
Various activities, including music, crafts and discussions. There is always something on. Visit Globe at Hay
Hay Music
Events nearly every month throughout the year plus a music festival in September each year. Visit Hay Music (classical).
Hereford Cathedral Concerts
Hereford is 30 minutes’ drive from Hay. Concerts and events all year. Visit
Hereford Cathedral
Brecon Cathedral Concerts
Brecon is 20 minutes’ drive from Hay. Concerts and events all year. Visit
Brecon Cathedral
Talgarth Walking Festival Friday 1st to Monday 4th May 2026. Talgarth Walking festival
Hay Tours Hay History Tours is a community organisation and operate all year round. Advanced booking necessary. Hay history tours
The Hay Festival 21st May to 31st May 2026
Hay holds two Festivals in Hay in the clendar year. The main festival is in May and a wonderful winter festival 26th-30th November 2025 at which international authors, stars of stage, screen and radio regularly perform.
Visit Hay Festival
The Royal Welsh Show 20th-23rd July 2026
The pinnacle event in the British agricultural calendar takes place each July in Builth Wells - 20 minutes drive from Hay. Visit Royal Welsh Show, Builth Wells
Brecon County Show (20 minutes from Hay) Held annually on the 1st Saturday in August at The Showground. Visit Brecon County Show
Llanthony Show (20 minutes from Hay) Saturday 3rd August Visit llanthony Show
Brecon Jazz Festival .
An annual summer jazz festival August 2025 and events throughout the year.
Visit Brecon Jazz Festival
Llanigon Show 8th August 2026
Steam and Vintage Rally (5 minutes from Hay) Sunday 9th August 2026 Boatside Farm, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5RS. The Rally is an event which caters for all the family – nostalgic vintage items for the older generation, entertainment for the children and plenty to interest everyone else.
Green Man Festival (in Crickhowell, 30 minutes from Hay) 20th-23rd August 2026.
Visit Green Man Festival 20th – 23rd August 2026
Herefordshire Art Week 6th-14th September 2025. Visit Herefordshire Art Week
Herefordshire Art Week is a nine day art trail open to all. Artists, craftmakers and creative businesses open their private studios everyday from 11am - 5pm at least.
Hay Festival Winter Weekend 26th-30th November 2025
Hay Festival runs a mini-festival at the end of November, at which international stars of stage, screen and radio regularly perform. There are additional events and activities for children and young adults.
Visit Hay festival winter weekend