Local Events & Festivals

Discover the vibrant calendar of events, festivals, and seasonal activities in West Cornwall.

Annual Events & Festivals

St Piran’s Day Celebrations (March 5th)
- Where: Various locations, especially Perranporth
- What: Cornwall’s national day honoring the patron saint of tin miners with parades, music, and traditional food.
- More Info
Porthleven Food Festival (Late April)
- Where: Porthleven Harbour
- What: A celebration of Cornish food and drink with celebrity chefs, cooking demos, and live music.
- Website
St Ives Food & Drink Festival (Early May)
- Where: Porthminster Beach, St Ives
- What: A weekend of food stalls, masterclasses, and tastings showcasing local produce.
- Website

Golowan Festival, Penzance (Mid-June)
- Where: Throughout Penzance
- What: A 10-day midsummer festival featuring the famous Mazey Day parade, music, and street performances.
- Website
St Ives September Festival (Mid-September)
- Where: Various venues in St Ives
- What: Two weeks of music, arts, and cultural events in one of Cornwall’s most picturesque towns.
- Website
Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival (June)
- Where: Falmouth Town Centre & Harbour
- What: The largest free nautical music festival in the UK with sea shanty performances.
- Website

Falmouth Oyster Festival (Mid-October)
- Where: Events Square, Falmouth
- What: Celebrating the start of the oyster dredging season with seafood feasts and cookery demonstrations.
- Website
Penzance LitFest (November)
- Where: Various venues in Penzance
- What: A celebration of literature with author talks, workshops, and performances.
- Website

Montol Festival, Penzance (December 21st)
- Where: Penzance Town Centre
- What: A midwinter festival celebrating Cornish traditions with processions, music, and fire.
- Website
Mousehole Christmas Lights (December)
- Where: Mousehole Harbour
- What: Magical Christmas light displays illuminating the picturesque fishing village.
- Website

Bluebell Walks (April-May)
- Where: Tehidy Woods, Enys Gardens
- What: Stunning displays of bluebells in ancient woodlands.
Seal Watching (March-May)
- Where: Godrevy Point, The Lizard
- What: Best time to spot seal pups along the coast.

Open Air Theatre at Minack (May-September)
- Where: Minack Theatre, Porthcurno
- What: World-famous open-air theatre carved into the cliffs.
- Website
Beach Days (June-August)
- Best Beaches: Porthcurno, Sennen Cove, Porthmeor
- Tip: Arrive early during peak season as parking fills up quickly.

Whale Watching (September-October)
- Where: Lizard Peninsula, Porthgwarra
- Best Tours: Marine Discovery Penzance
Harvest Festivals (September-October)
- Where: Local churches and villages
- What: Celebrations of the harvest with local produce and crafts.

Storm Watching (November-February)
- Best Spots: Porthleven, Porthcurno, Land’s End
- Tip: Check tide times and stay safe during high winds.
New Year’s Day Swim (January 1st)
- Where: Sennen Cove, Porthleven, St Ives
- What: Brave the Atlantic waters for a refreshing start to the year!

Truro Farmers’ Market (Wednesdays & Saturdays)
- Where: Lemon Quay, Truro
- What: Over 40 stalls of local produce and crafts.
Helston Farmers’ Market (1st & 3rd Saturdays)
- Where: Helston Cattle Market
- What: Local food producers and artisans.

Note: Event dates may vary each year. Please check the official websites for the most up-to-date information.

A traditional Cornish celebration with music, dancing, and local food in the historic town of St Just.

Check local listings for exact dates and additional events during your stay.