What’s on in Cornwall this summer: events, festivals & local favourites
- Guested
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Planning a summer stay in Cornwall? Whether you're already booked into a coastal cottage or browsing holiday lets in Cornwall, this is the season where the region really shines. From open-air theatre to seafood feasts, there’s something for everyone.
As local experts in Airbnb property management in Falmouth, we love sharing what makes our part of the world so special. Here’s your guide to the best events, festivals and happenings in Cornwall this summer — especially in and around Falmouth and Flushing.
1. Falmouth Food Festival
A must for food lovers. Expect chef demos, local producers, street food, bars, and live music across Church Street and Events Square. It’s a fantastic showcase of Cornwall’s coastal cuisine and community.
📅 24–26 May 2025
📍 Falmouth town centre (Events Square & Church Street)
2. Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge
A true Cornish institution, this massive agricultural show features livestock, local food, crafts, and live entertainment. It’s a great day out for all ages, blending rural charm with big event energy.
📅 6–8 June 2025
📍 Royal Cornwall Events Centre, Wadebridge
3. Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival
Europe’s largest free maritime music festival returns with over 70 groups performing across pubs, streets, and waterfront stages. It’s lively, family-friendly and packed with local character.
📅 14–16 June 2025
📍 Across Falmouth town and waterfront
4. St Ives Summer Exhibition
Hosted by the St Ives Society of Artists, this exhibition showcases some of Cornwall’s most exciting painters, sculptors, and creatives. Perfect for a cultural stop during a beach day.
📅 29 June – 31 August 2025
📍 Mariners Gallery, St Ives
5. Rock Oyster Festival
A food and music lover’s dream on the Camel Estuary. Expect Michelin-starred chefs, street food, cookery demos, wellness sessions, family-friendly activities, and an eclectic music line-up — all with stunning estuary views.
📅 25–27 July 2025
📍 Dinham House, near Rock, North Cornwall
6. Flushing Regatta Week
A fun-filled, family-friendly regatta week with sailing races, crabbing competitions, sandcastle building, and village BBQs. It’s a wonderfully local event that showcases the spirit of this waterside community.
📅 July 2025 (dates TBC)
📍 Flushing waterfront & village centre
7. Boardmasters Festival, Newquay
Surf, sand, and world-class music. Boardmasters combines international headliners with surf comps and beach vibes. Expect a younger crowd and a buzzing atmosphere across Cornwall’s north coast.
📅 7–11 August 2025
📍 Watergate Bay & Fistral Beach, Newquay
8. Falmouth Week
One of the biggest events in the town’s calendar. Falmouth Week features sailing races by day and live music, parades, fireworks, and themed nights by evening. A fantastic time to experience the full energy of the town.
📅 8–17 August 2025
📍 Falmouth town & harbour
9. Fal River Festival
Celebrating life on and around the water, this festival brings together art, adventure, and community. From guided paddles to pop-up performances, it’s a great way to explore the Fal estuary and surrounding coastline.
📅 Dates TBC (usually May–June)
📍 Various locations around the Fal River & Falmouth
10. The Minack Theatre Summer Season
An unforgettable experience. This open-air theatre, carved into the cliffs above the sea, hosts drama, musicals, and storytelling all summer long. Take a picnic and enjoy sunset with your show.
📅 May–September 2025
📍 Porthcurno, near Land's End
11. Falmouth Oyster Festival
A true celebration of the start of the oyster dredging season and one of Falmouth’s most-loved annual events. Expect cookery demos, Cornish produce, live music, and plenty of local oysters and seafood.
📅 9–12 October 2025
📍 Events Square, Falmouth
Why summer in Cornwall is better with a local stay
Staying in a local holiday let means you can enjoy the best of Cornwall at your own pace. Whether you're heading to a festival or exploring a quiet cove, your home base matters.
At Guested, we manage handpicked holiday lets in Cornwall, with a focus on comfort, style and seamless guest experiences. As specialists in Airbnb property management in Falmouth, we make sure every stay feels personal, local and memorable.
Ready to book your summer in Cornwall?
Browse our properties or get in touch to find the perfect base for your Cornish adventure. And if you’re a homeowner looking to make the most of summer demand, we’d love to help.