28/5/26
Llandudno's summer 2026 calendar is packed with events from June through to September, including the Conwy Pirate Festival, Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra at Venue Cymru, and the Honda Goldwing Light Parade. For places to eat in Llandudno, the town offers excellent independent restaurants just steps from the seafront. For the best hotel in Llandudno, the Esplanade Hotel Llandudno sits right on the promenade, perfectly placed for every event on this list.
A Summer Full of Things to Do in Llandudno
Llandudno has long been one of North Wales' most cherished destinations, and summer 2026 gives visitors every reason to book a stay. With three standout events spread across June, July, and September, the town's famous promenade and its surrounding streets become a stage for live music, maritime spectacle, and one of the most dazzling light shows you will find anywhere in Wales.
Whether you are visiting as a family, a couple, or a group of friends, here is your guide to the things to do in Llandudno this summer.
The Summer Events Calendar
Conwy Pirate Festival
Just a short drive from Llandudno, the Conwy Pirate Festival returns to the medieval quayside of Conwy on 13 and 14 June 2026. Organised by Conwy Pirates CIC, this wonderful family event centres on a spectacular pirate battle: the pirates sail into the harbour aboard their ship, the Vilma, cannons blazing, only to be met by the guns of the castle and militia on the town walls. It is theatrical, loud, and utterly brilliant — the kind of spectacle that children talk about for years.
Beyond the battle, the weekend is packed with pirate-themed games, a smugglers' market, live music on the quay, and the chance for young visitors to earn their own Letter of Marque by completing a series of challenges. Conwy is only fifteen minutes from the Esplanade, making it a perfect day trip with a comfortable return to the promenade.
Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra
One of the UK's most beloved live acts, Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, takes to the stage at Venue Cymru on Saturday, 18 July 2026 at 7:30pm. The 20-piece orchestra is joined by special guest Roachford and vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall, and Sumudu Jayatilaka. This lineup guarantees a night of world-class boogie woogie, soul, and blues.
Venue Cymru sits directly on Llandudno's promenade, just a few minutes' walk from the Esplanade Hotel Llandudno. Tickets are priced at £69.50 and £79.50 and are available directly from the Venue Cymru box office. Given Jools Holland's enduring popularity, early booking is strongly advised.
Honda Goldwing Light Parade
Llandudno ends the summer season in style with the Honda Goldwing Light Parade on Saturday, 5 September 2026. More than 150 Honda Goldwing motorcycles, each decorated with glowing lights and vibrant colours, parade along the promenade from 8pm, creating a dazzling spectacle against the backdrop of the Victorian hotels and the dark sweep of the bay.
The day begins with a static display on the promenade from 10am to 4pm, giving visitors plenty of time to admire the bikes up close before the evening parade begins. Organised in partnership with the Lions Club of Llandudno, the event raises money for local charities including the RNLI and Blood Bikes through a bucket collection. It is entirely free to watch. Guests staying at the Esplanade Hotel Llandudno are perfectly placed — the parade route runs directly along the promenade outside the hotel, so you can take in the whole procession without navigating parking or crowds.
Places to Eat in Llandudno
Between events, Llandudno's dining scene is well worth exploring. The town has a strong range of independent Llandudno restaurants, with options along Mostyn Street and the side streets off the promenade covering everything from fresh seafood to contemporary Welsh cuisine. For a classic seaside meal, The Goat Restaurant, Llandudno, on the promenade, is a long-standing local favourite and one of the finest places to eat in Llandudno for locally sourced fish.
Book Your Stay at the Esplanade Hotel Llandudno
With Venue Cymru on the doorstep, the Goldwing parade passing right outside, and Conwy just fifteen minutes away, the Esplanade Hotel, Llandudno is the natural base for a summer visit. The hotel has occupied its promenade position since the 1920s, when five Victorian townhouses were joined to create the building you see today. Following an extensive refurbishment by the Morgan family since 2020, it now offers modern, comfortable rooms without sacrificing any of its original character.
To check availability for any of the events above, visit The Esplanade or call the team directly.
.jpg)