With another busy season just around the corner it is time to look at what is lined up for your (and our) entertainment this year. Cornwall always offers an incredible mixture of arts, food, traditional and downright wacky events and 2026 looks to be no different.
Whether you’ll be here to walk the coast path, enjoy the beaches or are one of the ones lucky enough to live in Cornwall, here are some of the best events and festivals to look forward in 2026.
Dates can vary but for many local schools, the 2026 holidays will be:
Easter Holidays: 30/03/26 – 10/04/26
May Half-Term: 25/05/26 – 29/05/26
Summer Holidays: 23/07/26 – 02/09/26
03/04/26 – 06/04/26: Easter
04/05/26: Early May bank holiday
25/05/26: Spring bank holiday
31/08/26: Summer bank holiday
Porthleven, 24-26 April
The ever popular food fest is back with more mouth-watering dishes, top notch chefs and quality bands. Expect cooking demonstrations from the region’s best chefs, streets packed with locally produced food and a few surprises too.
The lively harbour town, featured in many of our walking itineraries, has become one of Cornwall’s must-dine locations and rightly so.
Padstow, 1 May
Everyone’s heard of Padstow’s May Day festivities and the famous ‘Obby ‘Oss. The streets are decorated on the night of April the 30th, and the following morning, the red and blue ‘Obby ‘Osses are released from their stables. They twirl their way around the town, followed by white-clad musicians and dancers. It’s quite a sight.
It’s been known for 30,000 revellers to cram into Padstow’s narrow streets for the celebrations. Parking can be crazy, and you’re definitely better off walking to Padstow…
Helston, 8 May
This is another ancient festival, celebrating the spring. The day begins at 7am with the Morning Dance, followed by the traditional Hal-An-Tow, an old Mummers’ Play that tells the tale of the town. Helston’s children then take to the streets for their own special dance; and the famous Furry Dance takes place at midday. It’s a wonderful, joyful spectacle.
Again, parking is limited, and we’d definitely recommend setting out on foot to Helston!
Porthminster Beach St Ives, 15-17 May
And we’re back with the food…! St Ives has a great reputation for food and drink, and this is celebrated in this two-day treat of a festival. It takes place on beautiful Porthminster Beach, and pretty much every local food provider and producer is involved. As well as stalls and demos, there’s lots of entertainment including music, fireworks and an artisan market.
A lot of our walks pass through or start in St Ives, so you might be lucky and catch this event.
Perranporth, 5-7 June
Three days of live music. The UK’s biggest festival on a beach with major national & international headline acts. This is a big and busy one!
Falmouth, 12-14 June
The largest free nautical music and song festival in Europe. Falmouth will be filled with rousing songs of the sea, raucous entertainment, and a vibrant festival atmosphere that will bring the town’s maritime spirit to life.
Penzance, 19-28 June
We love this one. Every June, Penzance erupts into buoyant, bonkers life in this vibrant, recently-revived old festival. The highlight is Mazey Day on the final Saturday, where there are parades, stalls and all sorts of entertainment. There’s music and events all week, as well as a funfair by the Prom.
Technically, the fair is on the South West Coast Path: a must for walkers.
St Just, 11-19 July
Celebrate West Cornwall’s thriving arts scene in this lively festival in St Just. There’s a fortnight-long programme of events, culminating in Lafrowda Day. There are parades and a torchlit procession, as well as entertainment at the Plain-An-Gwarry, the traditional Cornish outside theatre.
If you’re walking in West Cornwall in the first half of July, you’re very likely to come across a Lafrowda event.
Watergate Bay, Newquay, 5-9 August
If you’d like to catch this famous festival, you’ll need to plan well in advance – it’s not an event you can simply stumble upon. However, we couldn’t leave out Cornwall’s legendary beach party, with its combination of surf and music.
St Ives, 13-27 September
And it’s back down West in September, for St Ives’ main arts festival. This has everything, from gigs to exhibitions to workshops. Try and catch one of the talks or tours about the town’s history. Fascinating, and often free.
September is a great time for a walking holiday in St Ives. Festival aside, the weather’s generally good, the sea is warm(ish), and most of the visitors have left…
Penzance, 18-20 September
Set in Penlee Park, a cherished green space, the festival treads lightly, protecting the area’s natural assets while showcasing Penzance’s culture, community, and coastal heritage. Showcasing the best of Cornish food, from live-fire cooking and top local chefs to artisan producers and craft drinks.
Events Square Falmouth, 8-11 October
Unless you’ve had oysters and a pint of Betty Stogs in a tent, while a bunch of local blokes sing Trelawney at you, you haven’t experienced Cornwall. OK, this is a slight exaggeration; but honestly, the Falmouth Oyster Festival is a marvellous occasion. You don’t even have to like oysters.
Falmouth’s a welcoming place all year round; and our epic nine-day walk to the lively university town is a superb way to get to know West Cornwall.
Take a look at what will be happening in 2026 & make the most of your time in Cornwall.
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