Cornwall, located on the southwestern tip of England, is not only famous for its rugged coastlines and pasties but also for hosting some of the UK’s most vibrant festivals. From music extravaganzas by the sea to seafood feasts in historic harbors, Cornwall’s 2025 festival calendar is packed with experiences that appeal to all tastes.
In this definitive 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through the top festivals in Cornwall, including:
- Dates, locations, and ticket info
- Must-see performances and highlights
- Family-friendly and free-entry festivals
- Tips for planning your visit
Whether you’re a local planning your summer or a tourist seeking the best time to visit Cornwall, this guide will help you discover the must-attend events in Cornwall in 2025.
Boardmasters Festival – Newquay
Dates: August 6–10, 2025
Location: Fistral Beach & Watergate Bay
A perfect mix of surfing, music, and beach culture, Boardmasters is one of the UK’s most iconic coastal festivals.
Headliners (Expected for 2025):
- Ed Sheeran
- Chase & Status
- Florence + The Machine
Why It’s Special:
- Live acts on clifftop stages with ocean views
- International surfing competitions
- Yoga, wellness, and coastal adventure zones
Ticket Info:
- Day pass: From £89
- Weekend camping: From £189
Porthleven Food Festival – Porthleven
Dates: April 25–27, 2025
Location: Porthleven Harbour
A free-entry weekend celebrating Cornish and global cuisine. This award-winning event features over 90 food vendors, pop-up bars, and celebrity chefs.
Highlights:
- Live cooking demos by Michelin-starred chefs
- Street food from local and international vendors
- Firework show on the final evening
Bonus:
Live music from local acoustic artists to full-blown DJ sets in the Shipyard Stage.
The Masked Ball – Mount’s Bay
Dates: May 23–25, 2025
Location: Private clifftop estate near Porthleven
The Masked Ball is an immersive electronic music and art festival with wild costumes, hidden venues, and sunrise beach parties.
What to Expect:
- Secret stages and themed rooms
- Costume competitions
- Underground DJs and electronic acts
Age Limit: 18+
Tickets: From £130
Falmouth Oyster Festival – Falmouth
Dates: October 9–12, 2025
Location: Events Square, Falmouth
Celebrate the start of the oyster dredging season with fresh seafood, wine tastings, and chef competitions.
Festival Features:
- Cookery demos from top Cornish chefs
- Oyster shucking contests
- Live music and family entertainment
Entry: Free (Food tasting tokens available for purchase)
St. Ives September Festival – St. Ives
Dates: September 13–27, 2025
Location: Various venues across St. Ives
A multi-genre arts festival celebrating music, literature, film, and painting.
Key Attractions:
- Open studios from local artists
- Poetry readings and workshops
- Jazz, folk, and indie music concerts
Cost: Many free events; concert tickets from £10
Golowan Festival – Penzance
Dates: June 20–29, 2025
Location: Penzance town center
Golowan is a revived Celtic midsummer festival featuring Mazey Day, fireworks, parades, and ancient rituals.
Highlights:
- Mazey Day parades with giant puppets
- Fireworks over Mount’s Bay
- Live Cornish folk music
Fun Fact:
“Golowan” means “Feast of St. John” in Cornish.
Rock Oyster Festival – Dinham House, Wadebridge
Dates: July 25–27, 2025
Location: Camel Estuary
A family-friendly music and food festival set against the stunning backdrop of the Camel Estuary.
Features:
- Celebrity chef demos (Tom Kerridge, Rick Stein)
- Wellness & yoga workshops
- Artisan markets
- Kids’ area with circus skills and crafts
Tickets: From £99 for adults; under 12s go free
Tropical Pressure Festival – Porthtowan
Dates: July 11–13, 2025
Location: Mount Pleasant Eco Park
A vibrant eco-friendly festival celebrating the music and culture of Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
What to Expect:
- Live reggae, Afrobeat, salsa, and dub
- Vegan food village
- Zero-waste, plastic-free policy
Tickets: Adult weekend from £85
Lowender Peran – Newquay
Dates: October 23–27, 2025
Location: Newquay town venues
This celebration of Cornish and Celtic culture brings together musicians, dancers, and storytellers from across the Celtic nations.
Events Include:
- Traditional Cornish ceilidhs (dances)
- Gaelic singing workshops
- Folk concerts and costume parades
International Feel:
Guests from Brittany, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Isle of Man
Great Estate Festival – Scorrier House, Redruth
Dates: May 30–June 1, 2025
Location: Scorrier House
Billed as the “most rambunctious garden fête in the UK,” this festival mixes rock, circus, comedy, and food in a stately home setting.
Lineup:
- Indie and electro bands
- Vintage fairground rides
- Secret gin gardens and late-night parties
Tickets: From £85
Family-Friendly Festivals in Cornwall 2025
|
Festival |
Child Activities |
Entry Cost |
|
Rock Oyster |
Crafts, circus, kids’ cooking classes |
Free under 12 |
|
Great Estate |
Vintage games, story tents |
Child tickets £20 |
|
Golowan |
Parades, music, dancing |
Free |
|
Porthleven Food Fest |
Kid zones & workshops |
Free |
|
Tropical Pressure |
Nature play, drum circles |
£20 weekend pass kids |
Tips for Planning Your Festival Trip in Cornwall
✔️ Book Early
Cornwall’s popularity means hotels, Airbnbs, and campsites sell out fast, especially for Boardmasters and food festivals.
✔️ Pack Smart
Bring waterproofs, sunscreen, portable chargers, and reusable cups to most festivals.
✔️ Consider a Festival Pass
Some multi-day festivals offer combined camping + meal tokens + merchandise bundles for better value.
✔️ Use Public Transport or Shuttle Buses
Cornwall’s small towns often have limited parking. Opt for park-and-ride options where available.
Quick Festival Calendar 2025
|
Month |
Festival |
|
April |
Porthleven Food Festival |
|
May |
Masked Ball, Great Estate |
|
June |
Golowan Festival |
|
July |
Rock Oyster, Tropical Pressure |
|
August |
Boardmasters |
|
September |
St. Ives September Festival |
|
October |
Falmouth Oyster Festival, Lowender Peran |
FAQs
❓ Are these festivals pet-friendly?
Most festivals like Golowan and Porthleven welcome dogs, but check each festival’s policy online.
❓ What’s the best time of year for festivals in Cornwall?
Peak season runs May through August, but cultural festivals like Lowender Peran in October offer off-season charm.
❓ Do I need a car?
While a car is helpful for rural locations, train services to towns like Newquay, Truro, and St. Ives combined with shuttle buses work well.
❓ Can I camp at all festivals?
Not all festivals offer on-site camping, but Boardmasters, Masked Ball, and Rock Oyster do.
Read Also: Cornish Cream Tea: History, How to Make It & Where to Eat It in Cornwall
Conclusion
Whether you’re a food lover, music fan, cultural explorer, or family traveler, Cornwall’s 2025 festival scene has something for everyone. From world-famous stages to intimate coastal gatherings, these events highlight the very best of Cornish life, food, and spirit.
Plan ahead, pack your sun hat (and raincoat!), and get ready to experience Cornwall in full celebration mode.
