Summer Events You Can Walk to From Your Narrowboat

There’s more than walking and visiting the local canalside pubs to do on your narrowboat holiday. Many summer events are happening close to the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. If the timing is right, you could easily schedule it alongside your narrowboat hire. We’ve checked, and every venue sits within a short walk of the canal towpath, just a little mooring required.

We’ve put together a list of all different summer events, so whether you love music, country shows or theatre – there should be something for you to enjoy on your narrowboat holiday.

How Do You Moor A Narrowboat?

Approach the towpath at a shallow angle and slow your momentum to a stop when you are next to the towpath. Once stopped, secure the bow and stern with ropes to the bank. If there are no rings or bollards available, use mooring pins to secure the ropes.

Pick a sensible place to moor! If you’re going to be off your boat to attend a summer event for a few hours, the last thing you want is to come back to angry locals. Don’t moor too close to bridges and locks, or anywhere it could obstruct other boaters navigating the waterways.

Without further ado, here are our top picks of summer events and country shows near the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

Country Shows

Brecon County Show

• Date: Saturday, August 1st 
• Location: Brecon Showground – just a short walk from the Brecon Canal Basin
• The Vibe: It's one of the oldest agricultural shows with the best of Brecon’s farming scene, with lots of delicious local food and attractions for you to check out.

Brecon Classic Car Show

• Date: Sunday, August 2nd 
• Location: Christ College, Brecon
• The Vibe: If you love classic cars, we don’t need to say anything more. Best of all, it's completely free to attend, with donations towards the local food bank much appreciated.

Llangynidr Agricultural Show

• Date: Bank Holiday Sunday, August 30, 2026 (9:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
• Location: Llangynidr Village Hall, NP8 1LS. It's along the way to Brecon from our narrowboat hire base near Abergavennny
• The Vibe: You’ll find all things farming, food, and craft – plus a family dog show! If you can’t make the Brecon show on your narrowboat holiday, you’ll get a great community experience from this one.

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Festivals

Brecon Jazz Festival

• Date: August 6th–9th
• Location: Across multiple venues in Brecon, including Theatr Brycheiniog (situated directly on the canal wharf), The Guildhall, and The Muse.
• The Vibe: You’ll hear world-class jazz icons right by the waterside. The concert stages are ticketed, but you’ll still get vibrant local pubs and streets filled with pop-up gigs. 

Brecon Pride 2026

• Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026 (11:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
• Location: King George V Playing Field, Canal Road, Brecon
• The Vibe: It's a celebration of all things inclusive in Brecon! After the parade, there will be live music, local stalls, and drag performances. Check their Facebook page for the full schedule.

Entertainment

Open-Air Theatre at Abergavenny Castle

• Date: Pinocchio on August 2nd and Pirates of Penzance on August 23rd
• Location: Abergavenny Castle, just a short walk from the canal at Llanfoist
• The Vibe: The show will go on, rain or shine. For anyone on a dog-friendly narrowboat holiday, your pup is welcome on a lead.

Topsy Turvy Circus Show

• Date: July 28th and 29th.
• Location: Gilwern Outdoor Centre
• The Vibe: Dance, circus skills and family entertainment under a big top. A great choice for a narrowboat holiday family day out.

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