2026 Events in St Davids
Which of these great celebrations will you join in with?
For such a little city (the smallest in the UK, in fact), there are so many fantastic events in St Davids that the events calendar is a busy one. This guide to what's on in St Davids has something to suit everyone with music festivals, food festivals, sporting events, agricultural celebrations, seasonal markets and more.
While you're planning your next St Davids escape, you might want to head over to browse our St Davids holiday cottages for the perfect home-from-home to keep you comfortable while you're visiting all of these great events.
Celebrate St Davids Day 2026 on 1st March
This undersized city shares its name with the Patron Saint of Wales, so it’s no wonder that 1st March, aka St Davids Day, is filled with celebrations. Expect several events in St Davids throughout the days surrounding the 1st March and throughout the nearest weekend, including the likes of historical exhibitions courtesy of St Davids & Dewisland Historical Society and more.
St Davids Day Dragon Parade
Read our full guide to what's on in St Davids for St Davids Day to learn all about the impressive dragon parade throughout the centre of the city and how you can get involved. Of course, no matter what you end up doing to celebrate, the traditional Welsh dress is always encouraged! In 2026, St Davids Day is on Sunday 1st March with a Dragon Parade taking place on Saturday 28th February 2026.
St Davids Day Pilgrimage
Held on March 1st every year is the annual pilgrimage from Porthclais, where Dewi Sant (as he is known in Welsh) was baptised. The pilgrimage follows a coastal path route into the city via St Non's, Oriel Y Parc and Cross Square before finishing at the Cathedral. The 2026 St Davids Day Pilgrimage is set for Sunday 1st March 2026.
Ras Dewi Sant
An alternative way to celebrate is by taking part in Ras Dewi Sant. This sporting event is traditionally held during St Davids Day weekend (whichever is nearest March 1st) and offers three different run distances: a full marathon, a half marathon and a 10k.
Taking place in 2026 on Saturday 28th February, the full-distance event of Ras Dewi Sant begins just outside St Davids Bishop’s Palace and follows some 6 miles of country roads before joining the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. You’ll certainly be spoilt for views with this St Davids sports event passing by Abereiddy Beach, Carn Llidi, St Justinians, St Nons and Caerfai Beach.
St Justinians
St Davids Arts Festival
If seeing an open-air theatre performance of Shakespeare is on your bucket list, this is the festival to help you check it off. Around the end of July and early August, you can book tickets to see a fantastic theatre group act out one of the Bard’s well-known plays in the spectacular setting of St Davids Bishop’s Palace, located in the valley just behind the Cathedral.
This evening event is open-air, so bring along a blanket and a picnic to make the most of this incredible event. Chairs are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer. You may also want to bring some small change for a hot chocolate during the interval, to help warm you through before the night gets chillier.
The Shakespeare performances at St Davids Arts Festival take place every other day or so for a couple of weeks and on the days when these performances aren’t taking place, you can head to Mathry Community Hall where the same acting troupe take on a play aimed more directly at children.
Dates and plays for the 2026 St Davids Arts Festival have yet to be announced.
St Davids Bishops Palace [left] and St Davids Cathedral [right]
St Davids Cathedral Events
St Davids Cathedral is a must-visit landmark when in Pembrokeshire as it marks the only city within the county, and it’s a tiny one at that. Alongside being open daily for general visiting, this historic house of worship hosts a busy calendar of events that are well worth a visit so make sure to check out the St Davids Cathedral events listings before planning your trip.
St Davids Cathedral Festival
Now held biannually every other May, St Davids Cathedral becomes the stunning backdrop for a ten-day musical celebration. With a programme of classical and contemporary performances, this wonderful St Davids Cathedral festival of music is a favourite for those near and far.
Take a seat in the incredible and architecturally beautiful building underneath the unique wooden nave ceiling and soak up the sounds of the magnificent organ alongside the angelic songs of choirs and musicians. Past performers have included acts such as the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir and the Cambrian Consort of Viols.
The next St Davids Cathedral Music Festival is scheduled for the 22nd to the 31st May 2026. It’s recommended to buy your tickets in advance as this successful festival is always popular. Visit the St Davids Cathedral Music Festival website to purchase yours.
St Davids Cathedral
St Davids Cathedral Summer Concert Series
If enjoying live music in stunning historical buildings is one of your favourite pastimes, then this summer series of St Davids Cathedral concerts is definitely one for the diary.
As the name suggests, this event runs annually throughout the summer between July and early/mid-September, with concerts taking place weekly on Wednesday evenings. Details for the 2026 St Davids Cathedral Summer Concerts have yet to be announced, though they always tend to start at 7:30pm.
Tickets can usually be purchased on the door or you can contact St Davids Cathedral in advance to enquire about buying a season ticket for the summer series.
St Davids Cathedral: A Christmas Spectacular
If you fancy getting in the festive spirit, come late November/early December, you might want to venture to this small city for one of the St Davids Cathedral Christmas events, such as their “A Christmas Spectacular”. While a date for the 2026 Spectacular has yet to be announced, it's guaranteed to be a great evening.
A truly magical event for the Christmas season, this event consisted of carol performances and popular Christmas songs with seasonal refreshments available to purchase. Keep reading for more of what's on in St Davids at Christmas, including more St Davids Cathedral events.
More St Davids Cathedral Christmas Events
Attend carol services, Advent processions, choral evensongs, communion and more in the lead-up to Christmas Day. For a particularly memorable night, attend the First Eucharist of Christmas service, which takes place late on Christmas Eve. They have also been known to host a Christmas market in early December, so keep an eye on their website for event announcements.
We'll update this page as soon as we hear more details about the St Davids Cathedral 2026 Christmas events.
Christmas in St Davids
St Davids is magical all year round, but visiting at Christmas-time is particularly special with twinkly lights decorating the streets wishing you a “Nadolig Llawen”, or “Merry Christmas”. Visit one of these festive events and stroll the nearby beaches of Caerfai and Whitesands in bracing winter weather, before stopping off for a pub lunch in front of the fire at one of the city’s cosy taverns.
Oriel Y Parc Christmas Market
Spend the day shopping at Oriel Y Parc’s Christmas Market to sample a mulled wine and browse handmade gifts, superb local produce and adorable trinkets. Head to City Hall for the Annual Festival of Trees where you can leaf through a whole selection of uniquely decorated trees before casting your vote for your favourite.
The 2026 Oriel Y Parc Christmas Market has not yet confirmed a date. For more inspiration on Christmas festivities, discover whats on in Pembrokeshire at Christmas.
St Davids Christmas Tree
St Davids Christmas Lights Switch On
Often held on the last Saturday in November or the first Saturday in December is the St Davids Christmas lights switch-on, a 2026 date has not yet been announced.
A real Christmas tree takes pride of place in the centre of Cross Square with strings of multi-coloured lights hanging through the High Street and New Street. Sounds of Christmas carols fill the air from early evening to mark the occasion and you can even pop into the City Hall to meet Father Christmas if you want.
New Year's Eve in St Davids
Spend New Year’s Eve in St Davids for a relaxing start to the New Year with understated celebrations on offer. There are no big parties or street celebrations here; just traditional pubs offering warm welcomes, hearty food and good beers.
Book a table at The Bishops or The Farmers Arms and waste away the hours with friends, dine out with your loved one at Blas Restaurant for something a bit special or delve into delicious Welsh cooking with a tasting menu at The Really Wild Emporium.
Or grab a blanket and flask (or bottle of champagne?) to countdown to midnight under the stars atop Carn Llidi. Talk about a romantic, relaxing and restful way to raise a glass to the year gone past.
Whitesands New Year’s Day Swim
Kickstart the heart and the New Year’s resolutions on the first day of the year by putting your bravery to the test in one of Pembrokeshire’s annual open water swims at Whitesands Beach. Many take to the shores in swimming costumes or even the odd fancy dress, but we won’t blame you if you need to don your wetsuit before you dive in – it’s definitely a little chilly!
The next Whitesands New Year's Day Swim is scheduled for Friday 1st January 2027.
Stay in St Davids
Book one of our St Davids holiday cottages today and pop one of these St Davids events in the diary when planning your next Pembrokeshire break or discover more of the great things to do in St Davids to plan a full action-packed itinerary.
There even more fantastic events happening across Pembrokeshire throughout the year including food festivals, sporting events, seasonal events and more. Make sure to check them out before you travel.
Coastal Cottages St Davids Holiday Cottages
St Davids is the smallest city in Britain. It is located on the westerly peninsula of Wales and has what many consider to be the country's most lovely cathedral. Whether admiring its cathedral, walking the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast Path, or enjoying the city’s delightful local shops, pubs, and restaurants, our holiday accommodation in St Davids offers the perfect retreat after a busy day.
