A two-day festival of music, nature, culture and outdoor activities take place at the Elan Valley Visitor Centre this weekend.

Elan Fest 2026 on Saturday, 12 and Sunday, 13 September, 9am–5pm will bring together local musicians, artisan producers, outdoor experiences and family-friendly entertainment for what promises to be a fun filled weekend. The festival is free to attend, with a jam-packed programme of additional activities and experiences available for a small charge.

Dog lovers are encouraged to attend on Sunday, 13 September, when the ‘Fun Family Dog Show’ takes place, offering visitor’s pooches the chance to compete for the coveted title of King or Queen of the Valley. There are eight categories in total, including ‘Cutest Puppy’, ‘Junior Handler’, ‘Terrific Trick’ and ‘Golden Oldie’. Book you place now for just £3 per dog: https://widget.eola.co/939/activities/elan-fest-dog-show

Visitors can enjoy live performances from talented local artists including Owen Shiers, Marc Harpham, Kidd Raven and The Outlaws of Babylon, while browsing an artisan market showcasing local food, crafts and produce.

A programme of special activities will allow visitors to experience the landscape in unique ways. Highlights include guided kayaking sessions on the reservoir, planetarium sessions celebrating International Dark Sky Park status, archery taster sessions, forest bathing experiences, a Welsh learners guided walk and yoga sessions hosted at Pen y Garreg Dam.

Families will find plenty to keep everyone entertained, with face painting, a bouncy castle, Ozzy horse and carriage rides, woodland trails, orienteering and bike hire available throughout the weekend.

Visitors will have the opportunity to step inside Elan Valley's iconic Pen y Garreg Dam at a festival ‘Dam Open Day’. Learn more about the incredible engineering that continues to supply water to Birmingham over a century after its construction. Pre-booking is advisable!

Elan Fest forms part of Elan Valley's annual programme of events designed to connect visitors with one of Wales’s most spectacular landscapes while supporting local artists, performers and businesses.

For full event details and activity bookings, visit https://elan-valley.co.uk/events/elan-fest/