Main Stage
Cardiff's premier gay cabaret bar where drag queens reign supreme, delivering laughter, music, and unmissable nights in the city center.
Main Stage is Cardiff's vibrant gay bar and cabaret club on St Mary Street, renowned for its lively drag shows, welcoming atmosphere, and energetic nightlife. Nestled in the bustling city center, it features hilarious performances by local queens, affordable drinks, and a mix of music, comedy, and dance that draws diverse crowds for unforgettable evenings. Open late on weekends with Sunday roasts adding daytime appeal, it's a cornerstone of Cardiff's LGBTQ+ scene.
A brief summary to Main Stage
- 21 St Mary St, Cardiff, CF10 1PL, GB
- +447792615685
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Thursday 7 pm-12 am
- Friday 5 pm-2 am
- Saturday 5 pm-2 am
- Sunday 7 pm-12 am
Local tips
- Arrive early on Sundays for prime seating during the extended cabaret shows featuring multiple drag acts.
- Opt for cocktails at the bar—their selection pairs perfectly with the high-energy performances.
- Check the dress code is casual; come as you are to match the laid-back, inclusive vibe.
- Combine with nearby venues like Queen Street Station for easy access post-show.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
Main Stage location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Main Stage
Heart of Cardiff's Nightlife
Tucked away on lively St Mary Street in Cardiff's city center, Main Stage pulses with the energy of a true entertainment hub. This gay bar and cabaret venue occupies a prime spot amid the historic streets, where the hum of urban life meets the thrill of performance. Its facade beckons with promises of spectacle, drawing in locals and visitors alike for nights filled with laughter and rhythm. The interior blends cozy seating with a stage primed for action, creating an intimate yet electric space. Dim lights cast a warm glow over comfortable booths and a central bar stocked with a range of drinks to suit every mood. Whether sipping cocktails or pints, the setup encourages mingling and immersion in the unfolding shows.Drag Spectacle and Cabaret Magic
At the core of Main Stage's allure are its drag performances, featuring charismatic queens who command the spotlight with wit, glamour, and powerhouse vocals. Shows blend comedy sketches, lip-sync battles, and audience interaction, turning each evening into a theatrical feast. Sunday nights stand out, with extended cabaret lineups that showcase resident talents delivering non-stop hilarity and high-energy numbers. The cabaret tradition here honors Cardiff's vibrant queer culture, where performers weave storytelling through song and satire. Burlesque elements add flair, with elaborate costumes and choreography that captivate from the first curtain rise. It's a space where creativity thrives, unfiltered and exuberant.Daytime Delights and Evening Energy
Beyond the night, Main Stage offers Sunday lunches with hearty roasts, providing a tasty entry point for daytime visitors. The menu emphasizes comforting flavors, paired with the bar's welcoming vibe. As evening approaches, the tempo shifts to upbeat music, setting the stage for cabaret. Weekends see the doors swing open from late afternoon, ramping up to peak hours with crowds spilling in for pre-club drinks or full show experiences. The venue's flexibility—from relaxed afternoons to raucous nights—makes it versatile for different paces.Cultural Cornerstone in the Welsh Capital
Main Stage embodies Cardiff's inclusive spirit, serving as a safe haven within the city's dynamic LGBTQ+ landscape. Its location near major landmarks and transport hubs amplifies its role as a go-to spot. The bar's commitment to live entertainment fosters a sense of community, where strangers become fast friends amid shared applause. Performers often draw from local lore and global pop, creating relatable, joyous escapism. This fusion of heritage and modernity cements its place in the cultural fabric, offering a glimpse into Wales' evolving nightlife scene.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Fogo's Free Tours
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Historical Wales
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Cardiff Town Wall
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Cardiff Central Train Station Water Tower
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Water Towers by Amber Hiscott & David Pearl
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Statue of The Second Marquess of Bute
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Capitol Cardiff
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The Gathering - Cardiff
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City Hall
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HMP Cardiff
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Bute Park
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Unmissable attractions to see
Morgan Arcade
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Cardiff Market
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Cardiff Antique Centre
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Royal Arcade, Cardiff
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Step into Cardiff’s oldest Victorian shopping arcade, where historic charm meets unique independent shops and delightful eateries.
The Cardiff Market
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Discover Cardiff Market’s vibrant Victorian charm, where fresh local produce and unique stalls create a lively city-centre shopping experience.
Royal Arcade
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Step into Cardiff’s oldest shopping arcade, where Victorian charm meets unique independent shops in a beautifully preserved historic setting.
Museum of Cardiff
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Explore Welsh art, natural history, and archaeology in Cardiff’s grand historic museum with free admission and rich cultural treasures.
Wally's Delicatessen
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Discover Cardiff’s premier gourmet deli and café, where global flavors meet local charm in the historic Royal Arcade.
Alcotraz Cardiff: Cell Block Nine-One
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St David's Hall
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St John The Baptist City Parish Church
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Cardiff’s oldest medieval church, blending historic grandeur with vibrant community spirit in the city centre.
High Street Arcade
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A beautifully preserved Victorian shopping arcade in Cardiff’s Castle Quarter, filled with independent boutiques, vintage shops, cafés, and historic charm.
Castle Quarter Arcades
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Rummer Tavern
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Blue Bell
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Essential places to dine
Lezzet Turkish Kitchen
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The Sorting Room Restaurant
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Turtle Bay Cardiff
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The Alchemist Cardiff
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Dirty gnocchi (Cardiff Market)
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Cafe Citta
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Gaucho Cardiff
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Giovanni's Restaurant
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The Botanist Cardiff
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Asador 44 Spanish Grill & Wine House
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Casanova
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Cornerhouse Cardiff
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Bill's Cardiff Central Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Great Welsh Gifts
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Morgan Quarter
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Mojo King
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Discover smart, affordable Mod and Northern Soul-inspired men's fashion at Mojo King, a unique gem in Cardiff Indoor Market.
Knight Vintage
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Discover unique vintage fashion treasures and exclusive KV collections in the heart of Cardiff Market’s vibrant historic setting.
elephants and flowres
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Artisan gifts and local crafts in Cardiff's charming Victorian arcade.
Welcome Things
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Discover whimsical treasures in Cardiff's historic Royal Arcade at this eclectic gift shop, where unique Welsh-inspired finds meet global curiosities in Victorian splendor.
Driftwood Designs Cardiff
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Bright, bold Welsh art and homewares in the heart of Cardiff’s Royal Arcade – perfect for souvenirs, gifts, and a splash of contemporary Welsh culture.
Joie de Vivre Boutique and Vintage Store
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Independent boutique treasure trove in historic Royal Arcade, celebrating curated vintage and artisanal finds.
Ganesha Handicrafts
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Ethical elegance from India and Nepal: jewelry, textiles, and handicrafts in Cardiff's iconic Royal Arcade.
Sobeys Vintage Clothing
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Urban Outfitters
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Hobos Vintage
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Little Welsh Company
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Menkind
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Main Stage
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Glassworks
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Slug & Lettuce - St Mary St Cardiff
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Flight Club Cardiff
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Brewhouse
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Kapu
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Lab 22
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Penny
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Tonight Josephine - Cardiff
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Coyote Ugly Saloon Cardiff
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Rum & Fizz
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Tiny Rebel Cardiff
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The Philharmonic
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Popworld - Cardiff
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Metros
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For Your Eyes Only
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Clwb Ifor Bach
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Fuel Rock Club
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The CUBE
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Tiger Tiger Cardiff
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CIRCUIT Cardiff
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Pulse
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The Vaults
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The Globe
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Cabaret at Wales Millennium Centre
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Coco Cubanas
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Bar Cocoa
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Experience Barry’s vibrant weekend nightlife at Bar Cocoa, a lively nightclub where music and dancing keep the party going until the early morning.
Eclipse Nightclub
15.9 km
Experience Pontypridd’s vibrant midweek nightlife at Eclipse Nightclub, where music, dancing, and community come alive every Wednesday night.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- LGBT Friendly
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
