What's On In Cornwall For Summer 2026
Get ready for a summer of fun because Cornwall has so many amazing events going on over the school summer holidays! Save time searching for things to do and take a peek at our list of what's on in Cornwall for summer 2026...
Summer Foraging, 14th July
Join an expert forager for an enthusiastic, fun and informative walk around the beautiful Heligan garden and estate, to explore the abundance of our hedgerows, and the natural habitats around us. Discover a wide range of edibles and learn about how to use them, recipes to create, their healing properties, along with how to identify toxic lookalikes and how to forage from nature sustainably. From wild edibles to garden varieties, there’s so much to discover!
Lafrowda Festival, 12th - 18th July
The “edge of the world” is about to get a lot more enchanting! From Sunday, 12th July, the streets and community buildings of St Just in Penwith will transform into a whirlwind of creativity and community spirit as the Lafrowda Festival returns for 2026. This week-long celebration of arts and culture culminates in the legendary Lafrowda Day on Saturday, 18th July, promising a spectacular experience for locals and visitors alike.
Outdoor Theatre - The Tales of Peter Rabbit, 18th July
An outdoor performance at Trelissick Gardens by Quantum Theatre. Peter and his naughty cousin Benjamin know very well that they are not to go into Mr McGregor’s garden, but they cannot resist and soon they find themselves in all sorts of scrapes! Michael Whitmore’s charming adaptation will have you spellbound so why not grab the kids, a blanket and a picnic and join Peter and Benjamin on their hair-raising adventures - a magical afternoon of fun for all the family.
Golowan Festival, 19th - 28th June
Golowan Festival is Penzance’s vibrant 10‑day celebration of Cornish culture, creativity and community, transforming the town into a colourful hub of music, art and midsummer magic. Penzance comes alive with parades, street theatre, live music, dance, workshops and makers’ markets. The iconic Mazey Day procession fills the streets with giant sculptures and community creations, while the Quay Fair and festival markets showcase local makers, food producers and independent traders.
Circus Skills with Circo Kernow, July & August
Clown around and hone your circus skills this summer at Trelissick. Join Circo Kernow on the West Lawn every Thursday from 30th July until 27th August to practice circus skills with the professionals.
Maritime Adventures, 24th July - 2nd September
All aboard for an unforgettable family adventure this summer at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall! Discover what maritime fun awaits when you step into the pop-up indoor play space. Try your luck with games to choose your voyage, then dive into hands-on family activities inspired by real seafaring tales. Play together, share stories, dress up in seafaring style and capture the memories of your adventure with fun photo moments.
Beach BBQ with Live Music, 31st July & 21st August
Join a summer evening BBQ on Trebah Garden's private beach with live saxophone music from Jake Causley. From soft serenades, to funky pop covers and all-time saxophone classics. A relaxed and fun atmosphere to come together and celebrate summer!
Pepper Pig's Big Family Show
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show is packed full of music, adventure and surprises for little ones and is the perfect introduction to theatre.
Camp Cornwall, throughout the holidays
Imagine a classic American-style summer camp, but set against the breath-taking backdrop of the rugged Cornish coast. Camp Cornwall is a place where children can swap their screens for the salty sea air, trading a normal summer break for a day camp, 2 night camp or 5 night camp of pure, unadulterated adventure.
Legendary Joust at Pendennis Castle, 4th - 6th August
Experience an exhilarating spectacle as four legendary knights compete for glory in the grand medieval joust. See lances shatter, feel the thunder of hooves, and hear the roar of the crowd as reputations are won and lost. Each knight represents a character from myth or legend – The Wyvern, The Wildman, Sir Lancelot and Jason of the Argonauts. Who will be your champion?
Beach Art Explorers, 5th - 27th August
Join the Tate St Ives every Wednesday and Thursday in August as they create art outside inspired by the seaside environment of Porthmeor Beach and the artists in their galleries. Each session is led by a local artist and will help you think about the themes of the current exhibitions and explore the Cornish coastline through different ways of making and imagining. Designed for children age 5–12. Younger children welcome.
Bocconoc Steam Fair, 7th - 9th August
Located on the beautiful Boconnoc Estate near Liskeard, Cornwall, the Steam Fair is one of the largest events of its kind in the South West. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of heritage steam engines, hop on a trailer ride, enjoy the fun fair and plenty of food and craft stalls.
Falmouth Week, 7th - 16th August
The highlight of the summer in Falmouth! On the water it is the largest sailing regatta in the south west with seven day of sailing races. Onshore there is a full line up of events from live music and carnivals to party nights and fireworks.
Goodnight Mister Tom at Minack Theatre, 17th August - 1st September
With perfect views across the bay from the famous cliff top outdoor theatre, you'll enjoy David Wood’s superb adaptation of Michelle Magorian’s much loved novel. A brilliant and moving family show.
Fowey Royal Regatta, 18th - 22nd August
A week of maritime and shoreside fun! A bustling festival of boat races, harbour swims, live music, carnival processions, fireworks, classic car shows and the spectacular Torchlight Dinghy Procession.
Tunes In The Park, 27th - 30th August
A 4-day laid-back, intimate, and family-friendly weekend festival that seamlessly balances a high-energy music festival with a tranquil wellness retreat. Hosted by the Grade I listed Port Eliot Estate, the festival is surrounded by lush gardens, ancient woodland, and a scenic river estuary backdrop. Attracting major international music stars but maintaining a community and family vibe, this is one festival not to miss in Cornwall.