6 September Festivals in Cornwall to See Out the Summer
It may be back-to-school time and technically the end of the summer holidays, but Cornwall feels like it holds on to its summer rays a little longer than the rest of the UK. There is still plenty to coax us outdoors and many would say September is their favourite month in Cornwall. Eke out those summer days with our six picks for your entertainment this month.
Penzance Food Festival
3rd–6th September 2026
The setting is Penlee Park, and the focus is firmly on real food and the people who grow, catch and create it. Of course, good food needs good music and this festival won't disappoint. Now in its third year, among the organisers are the duo behind Falmouth and Newquay's popular food festivals.
Lizard Sea Shanty Festival
4th–6th September 2026
Keeping it west, hark back to times gone by and hear Cornwall's maritime history ringing out across The Lizard Sea Shanty Festival. Free to attend, this annual celebration is all about community, music and local spirit.
We know nautical festivals a little ourselves too. At Pickle Design we recently designed and developed the website for Sea Salts & Sail in Falmouth.
Little Orchard Cider and Music Festival
11th–13th September 2026
Celebrate the end of summer in West Country style with Healeys' cider and music festival. Although the name makes you think small, in its thirteenth year this festival has really grown. Four live music stages, a woodland silent disco, comedy, street food and, naturally, plenty of cider.
I do love festivals. At Pickle Design we had great fun creating the branding for a few Wadebridge Wines festivals over the years, including their Gin, Rum & Tequila, and Beer & Cider festivals.
Awenek! The Great Cornish Heritage Festival
12th September 2026
Head to Enys Gardens for a Saturday full of all things Cornish. Family friendly and packed with traditional skills, demonstrations, living history, stories and activities to intrigue all ages.
They'll have Cornish wrestling there, which is a sight to behold. They have it every year in my little town's carnival and it can get rather fierce! This jam-packed day is a great place to explore the county's archaeology, mining history, weapons, crafts and traditions.
St Ives September Festival
12th–26th September 2026
This two-week creative celebration weaves together art and craft workshops, open studios, music, poetry, film, talks and much more, all in the beautiful town of St Ives. Running since 1978, it is a fixture in many a calendar. So much to see and do in one of the most beautiful places in the UK – what's not to like!
Looe Weekender
18th–20th September 2026
For a final hurrah to the summer make your way to Looe for three days of free music by the sea – perfect. Throughout the town, in all sorts of venues and pop-up stages, you'll find more than 90 sets to enjoy. The town comes alive and it really does feel like a great send-off to the summer.
September is one of those lovely months when Cornwall seems to have a foot in both seasons – still plenty of summer spirit, but with the first hints of autumn creeping in. Whichever festival takes your fancy, check the organiser's website before setting off in case timings or arrangements change.
Comments
Post a Comment