City of Arcades 2025
City of Arcades 2025 is a vibrant experiential and digital celebration marking 70 years since Cardiff became the capital of Wales. Over 70 exciting days, from the 5th September to the 14th November, the city will come alive with events, activities, special offers, and fun for all ages.
The celebration is built around five fortnightly themes — Foodie, Discovery, Arts & Music, History, and Health & Beauty — each shining a spotlight on the very best of what Cardiff has to offer.
From bustling food markets and creative upcycling workshops to bread baking sessions and a fascinating time travellers trail, there’s something for everyone to explore, enjoy, and be part of.
EVENTS
Castle Quarter Art Trail
Step into discovery this September with the Castle Quarter Art Trail, a stunning celebration of creativity and culture running throughout Duke Street Arcade, Castle Arcade and High Street Arcade.
From 19 September - 2 October, visitors can explore a series of bespoke window murals, each designed in collaboration with individual retailers to tell its own unique story. Every piece is crafted with jewel-like detail, transforming the arcades into a gallery of hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered.
Whether you’re discovering the arcades for the first time or seeing them through fresh eyes, this visual journey is not to be missed.
Rules of Play X Nighthawks Games Night
Join us for a collaborative games night brought to you by Rules of Play and Nighthawks, set against the beautiful backdrop of Castle Arcade.
Expect an evening of fun, laughter, and friendly competition with a wide selection of games to enjoy – from modern classics to quirky favourites – all while soaking up the atmosphere of one of Cardiff’s most magical venues. Pair that with Nighthawks’ fantastic food and drinks, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a memorable night out.
🎲 Great games
🍸 Great drinks
🍔 Great food
✨ All in an unforgettable setting
This event is free to attend, but seating is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend arriving early to Nighthawks to guarantee your spot!
Time Traveller’s Arcade Trail
Step into the past with our interactive Time Traveller’s Arcade Trail, a free family-friendly adventure through Cardiff’s historic arcades and St David’s Dewi Sant.
Over eight themed zones, each styled around a different decade from 1955 to today, visitors can meet costumed characters from 1960s mods and hippies to 1980s punks, and hear fascinating Cardiff stories from their era. Each arcade will be transformed with props, décor and music from its decade, creating the ultimate time-travel experience.
Collect a stamp or sticker in every zone, from the 1950s right up to the present day and beyond, and claim your Time Traveller Certificate or small prize at the end of the trail.
Along the way, keep an eye out for themed photo opportunities and games. Businesses will be joining in with special window displays, offers, deals and mini-events to match their arcade’s decade.
It is a unique chance to explore Cardiff’s arcades in a whole new way, one era at a time.
Wellness Evening at Holland House
Step away from the fast pace of the workday and indulge in an evening designed to restore balance and wellbeing. Our relax and reconnect evening offers you the perfect opportunity to de-stress, recharge and bond outside the offer. Experience calming mini treatments whilst enjoying light and nourishing canapes.
Enjoy exclusive spa promotions, tailored mini treatments and limited time discounts on Ishga's award winning range of products infused with the purest Scottish seaweed and natural ingredients.
To book a spot please follow this link - Wellbeing Night at Cardiff Holland House Hotel and Spa by Sunday Tickets, Wed 5 Nov 2025 at 18:00 | Eventbrite
Loving Welsh Food Tour
Get a true taste of Cardiff on the Loving Welsh Food City of Arcades Food Experience. Join fellow foodies on a leisurely stroll around Cardiff city centre passing through the historic arcades and by iconic landmarks such as Cardiff Castle and the Principality Stadium. Your friendly guide will introduce you to local and international cuisine at Cardiff cafes, bars, and restaurants including:
A specialist tea house
Spanish and Venetian tapas bar
Contemporary wine bars
A Victorian indoor market
Keralan Street Food
Mediterranean treats
Fabulous Welshcakes
With an eclectic mix of cuisine and culture, you'll learn about the people behind the food while savouring the sights and flavours of the Welsh capital. The City of Arcades Food Experience lasts approximately 4.5 hours and must be booked in advance. Dietary requirements and non-alcoholic tastings can be accommodated.
Book your slot HERE.
Foodie Market
We’re kicking off 70 days of celebrations with a mouth watering Foodie Market in the heart of Cardiff Market. For one night only, the historic market will be buzzing with incredible local flavours, live music and late-night shopping.
Tuck into cheesy goodness from Dirty Gnocchi’s famous pasta wheel, authentic slices from Ffwrnes Pizza, Japanese street food from Tokyo Nights and comforting Polish dumplings from Pierogi, plus plenty more tempting stalls to discover.
While you feast, enjoy the soundtrack from our live DJ bringing the evening vibes and browse market stalls offering everything from vintage records to unique crafts.
It’s the perfect Friday night with great food, great music and great company, and it’s completely free to attend.
OFFERS & DEALS
FREE DRINK AT BILLS
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Free drink when ordering any main menu item. Valid 5th - 19th September 2025.
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Just mention the City of Arcades offer to a member of staff. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
20% OFF AT BUBBLE CI-TEA
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20% off guava and kiwi fruit tea with crystal or brown sugar gems. Valid from 5th - 21st September 2025.
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Mention the City of Arcades offer to a member of staff to redeem. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
FREE FRIDAY DRINK AT REVS DE CUBA
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Free drink on Fridays when showing something FOR Cardiff related (app, The Card, etc.) Valid from 5th - 19th September 2025.
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Mention the City of Arcades offer to a member of staff to redeem. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
FREE STARTER/DESSERT FROM ASK ITALIAN
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Enjoy free starter or dessert with your main course when eating at ASK Italian Cardiff. Valid 5th September - 31st October, all day Monday-Friday.
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Mention the City of Arcades offer to a member of staff to redeem. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
25% OFF FOOD AT BONNIE ROGUES
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Enjoy 25% off all food on Bonnie Rogues Cardiff main menu. Valid 5th - 19th September, 12:00 - 22:00 every day.
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Mention the City of Arcades offer to a member of staff to redeem. Not valid on lunch or brunch menus. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
EXCLUSIVE COCKTAILS AT COPPA CLUB
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Enjoy 2 exclusive cocktails made from premium and local Welsh ingredients. Choose from The Aberfalls Bramble and Old Cymru. Available 5th September - 3rd October.
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Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
ETHICAL BOUTIQUE & COFFEE SHOP
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Discover Ethical Boutique in St David’s Dewi Sant. The local charity shop sell clothes as well as coffees and all profits go towards charitable activities. To find out more about the communities they support visit thesafefoundation.co.uk
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PICNIC BOXES AT KHIONE
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Customise your own picnic box or choose one of the ready-made options. Starts from £29.95 per box (suitable for sharing between 2 persons) including gourmet paninis, Sicilian drinks and sweets.
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Valid 19th September - 3rd October. Mention City of Arcades to a member of staff to redeem. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
CHEESE & CHOCOLATE PAIRING AT TY CAWS
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Thursday 9th October, 7pm-9pm. The evening will begin with a welcome drink and nibbles, followed by 3 Cheese x Chocolate pairings - these will be paired alongside wine, sherry & port! We’ll end the evening with some more delicious chocolate and Ecuadorian tea!
Spaces are strictly limited, so don’t miss out.
Tickets are sold by table, in either tables of 2 or 4, due to our cosy space!
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Please book directly with Ty Caws HERE. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
DISCOVER FREE COMMUNITY ROOMS AT MBS
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Discover a free space in the city centre for local charities and non-profit organisations! Monmouthshire Building Society offer community rooms that hold between 4-14 people on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, please email communityrooms@monbs.com
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Tours of the community rooms can be made on request. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
KNIT AND NATTER AT ARCADE WOOL
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Come and meet like minded crafters in our knit and natter social sessions. Crocheters, spinners and weavers welcome too.
Every Tuesday 14:30 - 16:00
Every Wednesday 18:00 - 19:30
Please call 07767 125663 to reserve your seat, on a first come first serve basis.
£2.00 fee per person for the evening session only.
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Offers and events are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
FREE TEA AT WATERLOO TEA
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Complimentary tea when ordering any brunch menu item. Valid 5th - 19th Septemeber on Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm.
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Mention the City of Arcades offer to a member of staff to redeem. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
£25 MARGS & MARGS AT FLIGHT CLUB
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A classic Margherita sourdough sharing pizza, paired with two signature Margarita cocktails for £25. Valid from 5th - 19th September 2025.
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Mention the City of Arcades offer to redeem. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
20% OFF FOOD AT DA COFFI
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20% off all food at DA Coffi. Show a member of staff the FOR Cardiff app to redeem offer. Valid from 5th - 19th September 2025.
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Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
FREE SWEET TREAT AT LAGUNA KITCHEN
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Order 2 Courses from the A La Carte Menu, between 1pm – 4pm and enjoy a sweet treat on the house! Valid 5th September - 14th November.
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Mention the City of Arcades offer to a member of staff to redeem. Not available on Sundays. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
LIMITED EDITION DRINKS AT SQUARE + FAIR
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Enjoy two limited edition drinks at Square + Fair. Choose from Iced raspberry and white chocolate matcha, or a miners latter. Valid 5th - 19th September.
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Mention the City of Arcades to a member of staff to redeem. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
HAPPY HOUR & 10% OFF FOOD AT BLUEBELL
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Enjoy happy hour from 5-7pm everyday and 10% off food at Bluebell Cardiff. Available 11th - 19th September.
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Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
DISCOVER DINO FOSSILS
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Discover Dino Fossils UK in Royal Arcade, Cardiff. Dino Fossils have been trading since 2012 and opened their Cardiff store in November 2024. Offering a variety of real fossils, some dating back to hundreds of millions years, as well as paleoart, dinosaur themed homeware, collectables and toys.
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TRIO OF DESSERTS & DESSERT WINE DEAL AT KHIONE
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Discover a trio of Sicilian desserts paired with a delicious Sicilian dessert wine for £9.95.
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Valid 19th September - 3rd October. Mention City of Arcades to a member of staff to redeem. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
PRIVATE SNUG ARE AT COPPA CLUB
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Discover Coppa Club Cardiff’s private dining snug. A unique private dining room for stylish entertaining, meetings and events. Seats up to ten, or more for standing events. Overlooking the beautiful and historic arcades.
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Please book directly with Coppa Club HERE. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
DISCOVER EVENTS AT GEEK RETREAT
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Discover Geek Retreat’s jam packed events calendar. Offering everything from kids clubs, adult Pokémon and brunches, there’s something for all the family! See the full schedule HERE.
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Offers and events are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
£5 MARGARITAS AT REVOLUTION
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£5 margarita cocktails and £5 margarita pizzas on Wednesdays. Valid 5th - 19th September.
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Mention the City of Arcades offer to a member of staff to redeem. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
EXCLUSIVE COCKTAILS AT GIN & JUICE
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Cocktail specials inspired by local spirits in hour of City of Arcades 2025. Valid from 5th - 19th September 2025.
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Ask a member of staff for the exclusive City of Arcades cocktail. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
FREE HANKIE FROM PENHALIGONS
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Receive a free scented handkerchief with any in-store purchase at Penhaligons Cardiff. Valid 19th September - 3rd October.
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Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
20% OFF AT GRAZE, HILTON
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Graze at your leisure with 20% off when you enjoy 2 or 3 courses. Valid 5th September - 14th November, 12pm - 10pm every day.
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Mention the City of Arcades offer to a member of staff to redeem. Must include a main course. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
50% OFF PINK & GREEN AT CRYSTALS
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50% off pink and green stones and earrings. Valid 19th September - 3rd October.
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Mention the City of Arcades to a member of staff to redeem. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
25% OFF FOOD BILL AT DAFFODIL
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Enjoy 25% off your food bill at Daffodil. Available 11th - 19th September.
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Only valid when ordering a starter, main and dessert. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
SICILIAN APERITIF DEAL AT KHIONE
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A choice of:
- Taste of Sicily (One of our Sicilian Cocktails with nibbles £14.95 per person)
Or
- Wine combo (2 glass of wine 125ml each plus nibbles £14.95 per person)
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Valid 19th September - 3rd October. Mention City of Arcades to a member of staff to redeem. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
OLIVIE OIL AND PROSECCO PAIRING TASTING AT KHIONE
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Experience a Sicilian night at Khione with their olive oil and prosecco pairing tasting on Thursday 9th October 2025, from 5pm. Booking is required, please contact Khione directly to book here.
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Valid 19th September - 3rd October. Mention City of Arcades to a member of staff to redeem. Offers are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
DISCOVER EVENTS AT QUEER EMPORIUM
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Discover events at The Queer Emporium. Offering everything from speed dating, to crafts and drag and comedy shows, there’ something for everyone! Check out their event listings HERE.
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BOTTLE ENGRAVING AT JO MALONE
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Give a gift they can treasure forever. The personalised, engraving and monogramming service allows you to customise your Jo Malone London scent. Choose from two elegant fonts, then engrave your Cologne or Candle with a personal message, a special date or their initials.
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Offers and events are subject to change dependent on business capacity.
Ready to explore? Click here to view the City of Arcades 2025 map and start planning you journey.
Want to get involved? Click here.