Swansea springs to life each August, as the summer sun brings energy to the coast, culture to the city, and community spirit to every corner. With festivals, family-friendly attractions, live music, and literary events, the city offers something for every interest and age. Whether you’re staying for the weekend, exploring on holiday, or managing a short-let property with Pass the Keys, this guide reveals the best Swansea experiences in August 2025.

Swansea Food & Drink Festival (9–10 August)

Where: Oxford Street, Princess Way & Portland Street – Swansea city centre
What to Expect:
The Swansea Food & Drink Festival brings together street food vendors, artisan producers, and local craft drinks for a weekend of sensory delight. Admission is free, and the festival runs from 10 am to 7 pm on Saturday and 5 pm on Sunday. Expect live acoustic entertainment and a lively urban atmosphere, perfect for families and foodies alike.
The relaxed layout encourages mingling, and dog‑friendly policies mean no one misses out. It’s a great way to savour Swansea’s community atmosphere in a bustling setting.

Mumbles Retro Weekend (1–3 August)

Where: Oystermouth Castle Grounds
What to Expect:
To kick off the month, Mumbles Retro Weekend invites festival-goers to step back in time with a nostalgic twist. Highlights include live tribute acts—from 90s Britpop to 80s disco—as well as a traditional school sports day and other family entertainment. Weekend entry is affordable (£5–£10), and nostalgia lovers will find plenty to enjoy.

Outdoor Theatre at Oystermouth Castle (13–14 August)

Where: Castle Avenue, Mumbles
What to Expect:
Later in August, the historic Oystermouth Castle transforms into an open-air theatre venue. On 13 August, Pride and Prejudice takes the stage, followed by The Wind in the Willows on 14 August. These classic adaptations play out amidst ancient stone walls and gardens, with tickets encouraging picnics and comfortable seating for maximum atmosphere.

AMPLITUDE Music Festival (16–17 August)

Where: Amphitheatre outside LC Swansea
What to Expect:
For two days of free live music, AMPLITUDE features indie, jazz, folk, and pop acts on Swansea’s waterfront stage. Expect diverse line-ups including local favourites such as Who’s Molly and Kizzy Crawford. With free entry and a family-friendly vibe, it’s a soundtrack for a summer evening by the sea.

GlastonBrewery Music & Food Festival (15 August)

Where: Crofty Industrial Estate, near Gower
What to Expect:
At Gower Brewery’s annual celebration, visitors can enjoy live music from bands like Stereo Hearts and Soulskunks, paired with street food and craft beer. Entry is £10 for adults, with free admittance for accompanying children. It’s a relaxed event ideal for a local night out under summer skies.

Swansea Food & Drink & CAMRA Beer & Cider Fest (21–23 August)

Where: Brangwyn Hall
What to Expect:
From 21 to 23 August, the CAMRA Beer & Cider Festival returns with over 80 craft beverages from Wales and beyond. Featuring live music and bar games, the event combines conviviality with a taste of local brewing culture. Expect a lively setting for adults seeking authentic Welsh ales.

Mumbles Raft Race (16 August)

Where: Knab Rock, Mumbles
What to Expect:
Expect creativity and chaos at the Mumbles Raft Race, where homemade rafts take to the water in aid of charity. The spectacle is followed by a beachside crowd and cheering supporters, making it an amusing highlight of Swansea’s summer calendar.

Plantasia Pop Star Party (23 August)

Where: Plantasia Tropical Zoo
What to Expect:
On 23 August, Plantasia presents its Pop Star Party—a fun, music-themed experience for children. Live performances, a superstar trail, photo ops, and creative workshops are all included in admission (≈ £8.95). While not a large festival, it’s memorable family fun with a musical twist.

Highlights at Museums & Parks

National Waterfront Museum (through August)
Children can enjoy Play Day (6 Aug), K’Nex builds, Lego robotics, and letterpress printing workshops during August. Many activities are free or low-cost.

Dylan Thomas Centre
If literature interests you, explore workshops and activities inspired by Dylan Thomas’s Holiday Memory, including comic-book illustration, storytelling trails, and guided tours. The centre hosts creative events throughout summer.

Singleton Park & Patti Pavilion
Singleton Park offers peaceful gardens, boating lakes, and miniature golf. Nearby, Patti Pavilion stages plays, music, and fair events—check listings for pop-up performances in August.

Cultural Investment: Welsh National Theatre

Why It Matters:
In June 2025, actor Michael Sheen announced that the revived Welsh National Theatre will be based in Swansea, housed at the city’s civic centre overlooking the bay. The company’s inaugural production, Our Town, will premiere in January 2026, signalling Swansea’s growing cultural influence in Wales and beyond.

Summary & What Makes Swansea in August Special

Swansea in August is a vibrant mix of beachfront community spirit, family entertainment, craft and food culture, and cultural theatre—all set against a coastal backdrop. With free music festivals, quirky local events, historical venues, and growing artistic infrastructure, Swansea offers a balanced summer programme rich in variety and accessible to every traveller.

Moreover, if you’re considering hosting short-let guests in Swansea during this lively season, Pass the Keys can help streamline the process—from bookings and guest communication to cleaning and check-in logistics.