Cornish Summer Festivals in 2026.
Festival season in Cornwall is here! This summer has to be the best year ever, with festivals celebrating everything from jazz to dance music, with fish, cider and sea shanties thrown in. If you are planning a Cornwall holiday this summer, take a look at our guide to Cornish Summer Festivals in 2026.
Food and Culture Festivals in Cornwall.
We have lined up a few of our favourite food-based Cornish Summer Festivals below!
St Ives Festival of Food & Drink Festival.
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.
The 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.
Photo Credit to Royal Cornwall Show
Cornwall Summer Music Festivals.
A guide to Cornish Summer Festivals isn’t complete without discussing the Cornish music scene. See our favourites below.
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.
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
Meet The Author.
As Business Development Director at Cornish Escapes, Emma plays a strategic role in driving the growth of the business through the marketing and recruitment whilst also overseeing the performance of our sister company Handpicked Cottages. Emma brings a wealth of industry insight to the business.
With over 20 years of experience in the holiday rental market, Emma focuses on understanding evolving market trends and her goal is simple: to increase bookings for our owners through marketing while also strengthening the visibility and reputation of our brands.
Outside of work, Emma makes the most of Cornwall’s stunning coastline. Her favourite walk is the St Ives to Zennor route – a challenging trek, but one she says is always worth it for the views and a well-earned pint at The Tinner’s Arms. Passionate about the lifestyle Cornwall offers, Emma loves exploring the county with her two daughters, from discovering family-friendly days out to attending local events such as the St Ives Food Festival, where she enjoys sampling some of the very best Cornish food and drink. When it is time to relax, she can often be found at Newlyn Film House catching the latest film or sharing recommendations on the best theatre productions and live performances across Cornwall.
You do not have to sleep in a tent to enjoy a festival…
Book a comfy Cornish holiday cottage instead! Take a look at our selection of warm, dry and mud-free holiday cottages in Cornwall.
