Cornish Summer Festivals in 2026

Food and Culture Festivals in Cornwall

St Ives Festival of Food & Drink

When: Friday, 15 May – Sunday, 17 May

Where: Porthminster beach, St Ives

This popular event has to be the best-smelling festival ever!  Rows of stalls line Porthminster beach, along with beer tents, music and kids’ entertainments.  Try to catch a demonstration from visiting chefs, or explore the stalls of local makers, before soaking in the live music from the beach stage.

Find out more about St Ives Festival of Food & Drink, or explore more food and drinks festivals in Cornwall.

Photo Credit to St Ives Food Festival

Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature

When: Friday, 1 May – Saturday, 9 May

Where: Various locations around Fowey

For over a week in May, lovely Fowey celebrates its literary heritage with a series of talks, tours, concerts and displays. This year’s guest speakers include Dr Sian Williams, Sarah Vine and Mark Kermode. Look out for arts and music events, too.

Find out more about Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature

Royal Cornwall Show

When: Thursday, 4 June – Saturday, 6 June

Where: Wadebridge

Not strictly speaking a festival, but as one of the biggest events in Cornwall’s calendar, we absolutely have to include it! Come here for shows, demonstrations and competitions, and some of the best Cornish street food you can imagine.

Find out more about the Royal Cornwall Show

Cornwall Summer Music Festivals

The Great Estate

When: Wednesday 13 May – Saturday

Where: Near Redruth

Described as “the most rambunctious garden fete”, this eccentric Cornish festival takes place in the beautiful grounds of Scorrier House near Redruth. It has a laid-back, family-friendly vibe, with music, art, theatre and comedy. Pack a tent, or just come for the day.

Find out more about The Great Estate festival

Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival

When: Friday, 12 June – Sunday, 14 June

Where: Various locations around Falmouth 

Sea shanties may be a recent hit on YouTube, but they have been singing them down Falmouth for years. Singers come from all over the world to join in with this traditional musical treat, accompanied by plenty of food and drink and a wonderfully friendly atmosphere.

Find out more about Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival

Rock Oyster Festival

When: Thursday, 23 July – Sunday, 26 July

Where: St Minver, near Rock

Where else would you find the Scissor Sisters and Raymond Blanc on the same bill? Rock Oyster Festival is a marvellous mix of music and food, and this year’s line up is incredible. There is plenty for younger festival goers to enjoy too.

Find out more about Rock Oyster Festival

Tunes in the Dunes

When: Friday, 6 June – Sunday, 7 June

Where: Perranporth Beach

This year the beach-bound music festival, Tunes in the Dunes, features headliners including Basement Jaxx and The Wombats. There are organised sea swim sessions too, as well as morning meditations and soothing sound baths for those who like to start their festival days in a state of calm.

Find out more about Tunes in the Dunes

Photo Credit Tunes in the Dunes

Boardmasters

When: Wednesday, 5 August – Sunday, 9 August

Where: Fistral Beach, Newquay

Cornwall’s most famous festival comes back to Fistral. This year’s headliners are Fatboy Slim, Lily Allen and Kasabian, along with a huge list of fabulous support artists. There will be a bit of surfing too…

Find out more about Boardmasters

Photo Credit to Boardmasters