words: Fran Gardner

An unmissable night for illustration fans, legendary graphic artists GodMachine, Mr Gauky and Drew Millward will be putting pen to paper at a live art party at Milgi Lounge, followed by an afterparty at Cardiff Arts Institute. With discounted entry if you’ve been to the preceding art event, the afterparty promises cheap drinks, prize giveaways and a DJ set until four in the morning. Sat 14 Aug. Info: 029 2047 3100

For an excuse to test out the local brewing talent, get your way down to West Cross Inn Beer Festival for a weekend-long sample of Swansea’s finest.  As well as this, they’ll be firing up the barbecue and setting up the stage for some live music in the evening. Sat 14-Sun 15 Aug. Info: 01792 401143

For a chance to discover any creative talents or hone your existing art skills, Porthcawl Grand Pavilion will be holding Art Masterclass: Lesley Dearn for a chance to perfect your life drawing.  The artist will be bringing her knowledge and guidance with this masterclass suitable for beginners or more experienced artists, and yes, there will be a naked model. Just remember to bring your own materials. Sun 15 Aug. Info: 01656 815995

With stalls brimming with deli goods, handcrafted jewellery and a luxurious selection of handmade beauties, and with not a farmer in sight, the Joie De Vivre Boutique Market in Cardiff Bay’s Norwegian Church Arts Centre is a market with a difference. Take your pick from piles of beautiful fabric, stacks of fragrant soap and anything else that your heart could desire. Sun 15 Aug. Info: 029 2045 4899

As part of the Swansea Summer Festival and in hoping to raise £150,000 for their charity Money For Mumbles, Mumbles lifeboat crew will be holding Raft Race, a mad dash across Swansea Bay to see whose raft will come out on top. Let’s just hope that the weather takes a turn for the better. Sun 15 Aug [11am start at Mumbles Recreational Ground, Swansea]. Info: 01792 402359

Chrome Kids continue their reign at Cardiff Art Institute with their acclaimed dubstep and electronica nights, and a new promo lists shows that, this weekend, also sees some great special appearances from winners of the UK DMC Championships, The Disabilists, possibly resurfacing their blindfold routines, followed by, on Saturday, The New Residents and Monkjack. Fri 13 + Sat 14 Aug. Info: 029 2923 1252 / www.cardiffartsinstitute.org

Taking a leaf out of the book of Underage Festival’s books, Soundscene: Under Construction Festival is a festival at Cardiff’s Maindy Stadium, organised by, played by and attended by young people. With free entry and a diverse array of great local acts including live and acoustic acts across every genre, workshops, dance acts and an open mic, Under Construction looks like an amazing day full of fun and fresh new acts. Sat 14 Aug. Info: www.myspace.com/soundscenefestival

To keep the kids busy for free this week, the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea is offering a masterclass in How To Make Your Own Skipping Rope.  Perfect for both small children and parents bored and irritable from the endless summer holidays. Fri 13 Aug. Info: 01792 638950