Family Fun at Cardiff Bay’s Next Card Show: Dates, Vendors and Free Activities

Key Points

• The Red Dragon Centre in Cardiff Bay will host the next Cardiff Bay Card Show from Friday, 28 February to Sunday, 1 March 2026, running daily from 11am to 5pm.​
• The event expands into a full weekend of trading, collecting, and family fun, coinciding with National Pokémon Day and celebrating Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.​
• Vendiboyz, operators of the popular Vendiboyz card vending machine at the Centre, will trade alongside other vendors they have assembled, offering opportunities to buy, sell, trade cards, and view community collections.​
• Free family activities include face painting from 12pm-4pm daily, special character guests, and a fan-focused atmosphere.​
• Visitors can extend their day with cinema, bowling, arcades, restaurants, and cafes at The Red Dragon Centre.​
• The Centre supports BulliesOut as its partner charity, promoting kindness, respect, and inclusion—core values of the trading community.​
• A busy weekend is anticipated; visitors should plan ahead and use public transport where possible, with travel and parking details on the Centre’s website.​

Cardiff Bay(Cardiff Daily) 29 January 2026 – The Red Dragon Centre has announced dates for its next Cardiff Bay Card Show, set to take place over a full weekend from 28 February to 1 March, transforming the venue into a hub for trading card enthusiasts, collectors, and families amid Pokémon’s 30th anniversary celebrations. Daily operations will run from 11am to 5pm, featuring Vendiboyz and other vendors, free face painting, character appearances, and support for charity partner BulliesOut.

What Dates and Times Are Set for the Cardiff Bay Card Show?

The event kicks off on Friday, 28 February 2026, and concludes on Sunday, 1 March 2026, with consistent hours of 11am to 5pm each day. This scheduling marks an expansion from previous shows, dedicating an entire weekend to trading, collecting, and family-oriented activities. As reported by event organisers at The Red Dragon Centre, the timing aligns perfectly with National Pokémon Day, amplifying the celebratory mood for Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.​

Why Does This Weekend Align with Pokémon Celebrations?

National Pokémon Day falls during this period, tying into the franchise’s milestone 30th anniversary, which organisers highlight as a key draw for fans. Vendiboyz, known for their card vending machine at the Centre, confirmed their involvement, stating it provides “plenty of opportunities to buy, sell, and trade cards, and explore impressive personal collections from across the community.” This synergy promises a special atmosphere for attendees.

Who Are the Key Vendors and Traders Involved?

Vendiboyz leads the vendor lineup, operating their popular on-site vending machine and curating additional traders for the event. They have brought together a wide range of vendors and collectors following the success of past shows at the Centre. Visitors will find ample tables for buying, selling, and trading cards, with community members showcasing personal collections. The Red Dragon Centre’s announcement emphasises that this setup caters to enthusiasts of all levels.

What Family Activities Can Attendees Expect?

Beyond trading, families can enjoy free face painting sessions from 12pm to 4pm daily. Special character guests will appear, contributing to a welcoming, fan-focused environment. Organisers describe the event as encompassing “trading, collecting, and family fun,” ensuring broad appeal.​

How Does the Venue Enhance the Full-Day Experience?

The Red Dragon Centre itself bolsters the occasion with on-site amenities including a cinema, bowling alley, arcades, and diverse restaurants and cafes. Visitors are encouraged to “make a full day of it,” blending the Card Show with leisure options. This integration positions the Centre as more than a venue but a comprehensive destination.​

Which Charity Is the Centre Supporting at the Event?

BulliesOut serves as the official partner charity, with the Centre pledging support to promote kindness, respect, and inclusion. These values resonate deeply with the trading community’s ethos, as noted in the event announcement. BulliesOut’s involvement underscores the event’s community-oriented focus, aligning anti-bullying efforts with collector camaraderie. Representatives from BulliesOut have welcomed the partnership, highlighting its potential impact.

How Busy Is the Event Expected to Be?

Organisers anticipate a “busy weekend,” advising visitors to plan their day in advance. Public transport is recommended where possible to ease access. Detailed travel and parking information is available directly on The Red Dragon Centre’s website.​

What Travel and Parking Options Are Available?

The Centre provides comprehensive guidance on its site, covering public transport routes, nearby parking facilities, and accessibility tips. With high attendance projected, early planning ensures a smoother visit, especially for families. Planners stress using sustainable options to minimise congestion.​

Why Was This Event Expanded to a Full Weekend?

Past events’ success prompted the shift to three full days, allowing more time for trading and engagement. Vendiboyz echoed this, noting the demand from collectors for extended access to vendors and displays. The Pokémon anniversary timing further justifies the expansion, drawing larger crowds. This format builds on feedback from previous Cardiff Bay Card Shows.

What Makes the Atmosphere Fan-Focused?

The event promises a “welcoming, fan-focused atmosphere,” with activities tailored to enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Free elements like face painting and character guests foster inclusivity, while trading tables cater to serious collectors. BulliesOut’s presence reinforces positive community values.

Following the triumphs of prior gatherings, this iteration elevates the experience with broader participation and timely theming. Vendiboyz’s role, as operators of the Centre’s vending machine, ensures reliable trading options. Families stand to benefit most from the blend of free fun and venue amenities.

The charity tie-in with BulliesOut not only adds purpose but mirrors the respectful exchanges typical in card trading circles. As Cardiff Bay’s premier retail and leisure spot, The Red Dragon Centre is well-equipped for such crowds.

Practical advice from organisers—advance planning and transport choices—aims to keep enjoyment high amid expected turnout. Pokémon fans, in particular, will relish the 30th anniversary overlap with National Pokémon Day.​

This announcement, timed for late January 2026, gives ample notice for enthusiasts to mark calendars. Whether trading rare finds or enjoying family outings, the weekend offers something for all. Local collectors and visitors from further afield are poised to converge.

In summary of the details, the Cardiff Bay Card Show at The Red Dragon Centre on 28 February-1 March 2026 stands as a highlight in the region’s events calendar, fusing commerce, celebration, and community support.