The Riverfront hosts a number of festivals and events both in the building and across the city of Newport throughout the year. Key annual events that can’t be missed include International Women’s Day celebrations in March, Big Splash in July, and Art on the Hill in November.
The Riverfront has also played host to events for the WOW Film Festival, Black History Month and Newport Rising.
Big Splash 2023
Big Splash is Newport’s much-loved arts and street theatre festival which takes place annually in July just before the school summer holiday. The festival takes place at both The Riverfront which is transformed into family hub Splashtonbury, and also transforms the city streets into a huge outdoor stage.
Big Splash will return for 2023 on Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 July. View the acts and schedule for the weekend below!
The Windrush Caribbean Film Festival
The Windrush Caribbean British Film festival is returning to The Riverfront Theatre in June. In 2023, the festival will explore the complex relationship between the big screen and the Windrush migrants from the Commonwealth, through screening films from across the span of the 75 years of Black British Cinema.
International Women's Day
Celebrate International Women’s Day at The Riverfront!
Each March we celebrate International Women’s day at The Riverfront with some fantastic free performances and taster sessions all with a female focus.
Art on the Hill
Art on the Hill Newport is a weekend of art and creativity on the west side of Newport featuring open houses, events and exhibitions. Over the weekend The Riverfront is transformed into a vibrant craft market selling wonderful makes from a range of local artists.
Gwyl Newydd
Newport’s Welsh language arts & cultural festival
It’s a festival for the whole family – from the youngest to the young at heart! It’s an opportunity to hear and use Welsh in a fun environment while enjoying music, crafts, stalls, workshops and much more
Get Involved
If you're interested in getting involved in one of our festivals or events as a volunteer or performer, take a look at our Community Arts section.
Find out more