Discover the best and most unique things to do in Wales this May. From a guided walk through the submerged forest of Borth to a vibrant queer techno rave in Cardiff, we’ve rounded up the most interesting and eclectic What’s On guide to May 2023 around.

PORTALIS: GUIDED WALK AROUND THE SUBMERGED FOREST OF BORTH

Home to a legendary ancient sunken kingdom known as Cantre’r Gwaelod, this May in Wales, discover the secrets of Cardigan Bay’s submerged Atlantis – one of the best examples of its kind in the British Isles – with Professor Martin Bates. Dive into how changing sea levels are impacting our environment and learn about Portalis, a €1.95 million project that delves into the earliest connections between Ireland and Wales.

Borth Station Museum, Sat 20 May.

Tickets: free. Info: here

SWANSEA IN GLOOM WALKING TOURS

Secrets of murder, superstitions, debauchery and ghosts. Join a walking tour with a chief storyteller to explore the city’s past from medieval times through to the mid-20th century. You’ll see Swansea in a new light during the 90-minute tour, beginning and ending at Llys Glas (The Old Police Station) at HQ Urban Kitchen Café/Bar.

HQ Urban Kitchen Café/Bar, Swansea, various dates until Tue 25 July.

Tickets: £11. Info: here

SEED TALKS: ADHD AND WOMEN

Join Dr Samantha Hiew, a social entrepreneur with a knack for storytelling, as she delves into the often-overlooked experiences of women with ADHD, exploring the challenges of diagnosis, self-acceptance and positive change. This looks to be a stimulating talk on a widely misconceived subject in Wales this May.

Glee Club, Cardiff Bay, Tue 16 May.

Tickets: £15.50. Info: here

TREE

Thought-provoking comedy, presented by Cardiff theatre company Triongl, in which an environmental activist resorts to drastic measures to save a 250-year-old oak from being destroyed by local Welsh authorities. Touring across Wales from May to June, it opens with a three-date run in Cardiff’s Chapter Arts Centre and continues to Llanelli, Treorchy, Ystradgynlais, Abermule, Aberystwyth, Machynlleth, Caernarfon and Criccieth.

Various venues, Thurs 18 May-Wed 7 June.

Tickets: prices vary but mostly around £12. Info: here

BMC HONGIAN FFEST 2023

Experience the beauty of Blaenau Ffestiniog’s rock and hills with Hongian Ffest, a bilingual festival celebrating climbing, bouldering, and hill walking. Taking place in north Wales on the last weekend of May, it’s the perfect opportunity for mountain enthusiasts to come together and explore the great outdoors.

Lakeside Cafe, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Fri 19 May.

Tickets: prices vary per event; some free. Info: here

STORM THE CASTLE ROAD RUN

Get your running shoes on and join bespoke coach Rhys Harries Fitness Coaching for an evening of running and BBQ at Cardigan Castle. Choose from an eight or four-mile run before enjoying a tasty BBQ. Entries close Wednesday 17th May with Priory Vets supporting this year’s Storm the Castle run.

Cardigan Castle, Fri 19 May.

Tickets: £25 to enter. Info: here

CINC

Get ready for the second edition of CINC, a new queer techno rave in Cardiff brought to you by local residents. Combining kinky fashion, techno and alt-pop music, and a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, CINC promises to be a night to remember at Clwb Ifor Bach in Wales this May. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience their platform for LGBTQ+ DJs and performers.

Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Thurs 18 May.

Tickets: £7-10. Info: here

CARDIFF & SWANSEA INTERNATIONAL WINE FAIRS

The people to thank for this, if the prospect of strutting around a large hall sampling fine wines and other libations sounds like a corking evening, are Swansea’s ND John Wine Merchants. Their two wine fairs this weekend begin in Cardiff Bay and continue the next day in Swansea, both promising great grape deals in exchange for your monies this May in Wales.

Coal Exchange, Cardiff Bay, Fri 19 May; National Waterfront Museum, Swansea, Sat 20 May.

Tickets: £20. Info: here

THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN

Screening as part of Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Action Week, The World Turned Upside Down: A Film About Dementia And Communication is an IDEAL research project from Exeter University focusing on the challenges of effective communication in dementia diagnosis and care. Featuring real-life experiences from individuals, families, and healthcare professionals, the film offers insights into maintaining good conversations while reflecting on how conversations can work successfully.

Plas Antaron, Aberystwyth, Fri 19 May.

Tickets: free. Info: here

FIERCE FEMMES BRUNCH CLUB

This female-only event provides a safe space for women to gain confidence and showcase themselves. Attendees can network and hear success stories from other successful women, leading to personal growth and career opportunities. The event includes brunch, introductions, an activity/workshop, and a luxury hand massage from a LUSH spa therapist.

Lush Spa, Cardiff, Fri 19 May.

Tickets: £20. Info: here

CELEBRATE THIS PLACE

Two venues, two nights, way more than two bands. Clwb Ifor Bach invites you to celebrate this place with Acid Klaus, Lunch Money Life, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Dream Wife, Los Bitchos, C.O.F.F.I.N, Lambrini Girls, Slate, Saloon Dion, Islet, Cloth, Plastic Estate, The Bug Club and Cola.

Tramshed and Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Fri 19 + Sat 20 May.

Tickets: £11 Fri, £22 Sat. Info: here

ATLANTIS

Full of energy and epic harmonies, Technicolour presents Atlantis: an underwater kingdom above ground and under a roof. The choir of over 100 singers will remix musical theatre hits, perform mashups and vocal arrangements for a reimagined glittery musical theatre experience led by Patrick Steed. Experience the music of Broadway in an immersive club night setting. 

Portland House, Cardiff Bay, Fri 19 May; Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union, Sat 3 June.

Tickets: £19-£32. Info: here

WATERMARKS: SHORT FILMS ON WATER

An evening showcasing four short films which explore the relationship between humans and water against the backdrop of climate breakdown commissioned by WOW Wales One World Film Festival and Dhaka Doc Lab as part of the Bangladesh Cymru Climate Stories project. Attendees are invited to bring a glass bottle of wild water, joining the conversation of global warming.

Small World Theatre, Cardigan, Sun 21 May.

Tickets: free. Info: here

ANETRA

Duck walking and high-octane performances: join Michael Marouli for the You Better Walk That F**King Duck Tour featuring Anetra from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15. This May, experience the electrifying energy and unexpected surprises of Anetra through one of the biggest UK drag event providers, Klub Kids.

Glee Club, Cardiff Bay, Tue 23 May.

Tickets: £15. Info: here

BBC COMEDY FESTIVAL 2023

Join the BBC Comedy team and special guests in Cardiff for the BBC Comedy Short Film Premiere and a live recording of the DMs Are Open podcast. Catch the Comedy Short Film Night, listen to industry experts discuss the business of making comedy and join in on conversations with comedy minds such as Sharon Horgan and Rob Brydon.

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, Wed 24-Fri 26 May.

Tickets: priced per event. Info: here

JEMIMA

Produced by Theatr Arad Goch and performed in Welsh, Jemima is a brand new production about Jemima Nicholas, the pitchfork-wielding Pembrokeshire cobbler who led a rearguard action to repel the French army when they attempted to invade Wales via Fishguard in 1797. The production, pitched at ages seven and up, tours to 19 Welsh theatres, starting in Aberystwyth and concluding in Cardiff.

Various venues, Thurs 25 May-Sat 8 July.

Tickets: £12/£7 kids. Info: here

MABI

Challenging the foundation of Welsh civilization and allowing for discussion on art, humanity, and national identity. Mabi, a play based on the four branches of the Mabinogion, has been adapted for the stage by Kuba Pawelczak, the performance is brought to life by the Aberystwyth Theatre Society in English.

Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Thurs 25 May.

Tickets: £10.50. Info: here

BALLET CYMRU PRESENT ROALD DAHL

You know the stories of Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs, right? How about Roald Dahl’s reshaping of them to his own ends in his Revolting Rhymes book (1982)? Composer Paul Patterson’s scores for the narration of Dahl’s words, composed in the 90s and 00s respectively, are now soundtracking a lavish, classical ballet based on Dahl’s sinister visions.

The Riverfront, Newport, Fri 26 + Sat 27 May.

Tickets: £9.50-£15. Info: here

TRIBUTE TO HANS ZIMMER & JOHN WILLIAMS BY CANDLELIGHT

From E.T. to Pirates Of The Caribbean, experience the music from the movies like never before with The London Film Music Orchestra’s candlelit performance of iconic film scores. The orchestra established in 2014 brings life to the music of film and television, exploring multiple genres and themes from within an impressive cathedral setting.

Brecon Cathedral, Fri 26 May.

Tickets: £22. Info: here

CAMPERVAN LIVE LOUNGE

A festival stage on wheels, situated on a 1989 VW Transporter named Pickle amidst a picturesque backdrop. This festival stage offers an alternate space for festival-goers and music enthusiasts alike, providing an authentic and enjoyable grassroots musical experience. Join Tom Dibb, Joe Topping, Chloe Ann Gleaves, Josh Gleaves, and Hannigan at Dewslake Farm for a magical live music session this May in Wales.

Dewslake Farm Campsite, Lamphey, Fri 26 May.

Tickets: £15. Info: here

CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER

Do you fancy a night out listening to someone belt out the hits of musical theatre in the grand tradition? Doubtless! But do you also want to witness a ‘YouTube vlogger personality’ hop off the webcam and hit the stage? Well, with (former Wednesday Addams and Éponine in Les Misérables) Carrie Hope Fletcher’s show An Open Book you can have both those things in one!

Venue Cymru, Llandudno, Sat 27 May.

Tickets: £28-£48; £102 VIP. Info: here

RICHARD E GRANT

Having starred in everything from Star Wars to Spice World, spend an evening with the Oscar-nominated actor as he shares stories from his life and reflections on love and loss. With uplifting and often hilarious anecdotes from his career, ask your burning questions and celebrate the publication of Richard’s new book A Pocketful Of Happiness.

New Theatre, Cardiff, Sun 28 May.

Tickets: £45.50. Info: here

INCREDIBLE BEASTS

Meet eccentric birds of prey, giant bouncing kangaroos, and a newly discovered subspecies of dodo at Margam Country Park for May Bank Holiday Monday. You’ll be wanting to visit for a list of events and performances including the Margam International Kite Festival, a chance for you to fly your own kite alongside other professionals. 

Margam Country Park, nr Port Talbot, Mon 29 May.

Tickets: £15/£12.50 child or OAP. Info: here

PILGRIM FAYRE

Celebrating the longstanding connections between Wales and Ireland with a variety of activities including guided walks, traditional skills demos, and a medieval marketplace throughout May onwards. Commemorating the Ancient Connections project and launching the Wexford-Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way, this family-friendly event honours the rich history and future links between North Wexford and North Pembrokeshire.

St Davids Bishop’s Palace, Haverfordwest, Mon 29 May.

Tickets: free. Info: here

words EMMA WAY / NOEL GARDNER