8 of the Best Cornwall Boat Trips
Here at Cornish Cottage Holidays, we are firm believers that Cornwall’s boat trips are the best way to explore...
Now that we are entering 2025, it’s time to look ahead and see what events are happening in Cornwall this year!
Cornwall hosts many festivals, concerts, events, and fairs throughout the year. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from food and drink to music and art.
So get those calendars out and mark down your favourite picks as we tell you all the events in Cornwall you won’t want to miss!
Read on to discover festivals and events in Cornwall…
Saturday 5th – Sunday 6th April 2025
Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge
The Spring Flower Show features more than 40 nurseries from around Cornwall and showcases the best of horticulture in the region.
Described as the “Chelsea of the South West”, this Cornwall event attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Those green-fingered among you will love browsing the many traders at the show. Pick up something new, whether adding to a window box or large garden.
Get inspired by the RHS Chelsea Gold medal winners showcased here, perfect if you missed out on visiting Chelsea.
Along with all things gardening and flowers, you can enjoy Cornish food and drink too.
Tickets are £10 if booked in advance, and £12 at the gate, and those under 16s go free.
Find out more at the Cornwall Garden Society website. Read our full guide for more Easter events in Cornwall.
Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th May 2025
Set against the stunning backdrop of Porthleven Harbour, the Porthleven Food Festival returns in 2025 for another spectacular three-day celebration of Cornwall’s culinary excellence.
Running in partnership with acclaimed chef Jude Kereama, this free event showcases the best of local food and drink while promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. Visitors can enjoy live chef demos, vibrant street food, family activities, and incredible live music throughout the weekend.
Perfect for foodies and families alike, this award-winning festival is the ultimate Cornish experience.
For more details, visit the Porthleven Food Festival website.
Friday 16th – Sunday 18th May 2025
Porthminster Beach, St Ives
The St Ives Food and Drink Festival 2025 promises another mouth-watering weekend by the sea, celebrating Cornwall’s finest food, drink, and culinary talent.
Set on the iconic Porthminster Beach, this annual event combines stunning views with an array of food stalls, chef demonstrations, live music, and family-friendly activities. From artisan treats to fresh seafood, there’s something for every palate. We’ll be attending this year, so come and say hello!
For more details and ticket information, visit the St Ives Food and Drink Festival website.
Throughout Summer
Cornwall Pride 2025 is set to bring joy and colour to our amazing county with 11 events across Falmouth, Camborne, St Austell, Saltash, St Ives, Bodmin, Bude, Penzance, Redruth, Newquay, and Truro. Each celebration features unique themes like ‘celebrating Celtic culture’ and ‘supporting human rights.’
Pride marches will showcase the world’s largest Pride flag alongside banners, music, dancers, and drag queens. Kicking off on 17th February, the Pride Bus will tour Cornwall to promote the festivities. Join the marches and celebrate diversity and inclusion in style!
Find the dates and themes for each 2025 Pride event further below, and get ready to join the celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and community across Cornwall!
None of these Pride events require tickets, however donations are very welcome.
Find more information at the Cornwall Pride website.
Thursday 5th – Saturday 7th June 2025
Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge
This three-day agricultural show is a calendar staple when it comes to Cornwall events. It’s the county’s biggest annual event, and whilst its focus is on food and farming, there’s plenty to entertain as well! We’ll be there, so make sure to stop by and say hello!
One of the best parts of the show is the Royal Cornwall Food and Farming Pavilion, which showcases a wide range of Cornish-grown and produced food and drink.
There are over 1,000 trade stands across the show, so you can pick up some fantastic items whilst supporting local businesses.
Along with livestock shows, Cornwall Cider Championships, and a flower show, expect exciting things from the Main Ring Entertainment.
Find more information on the Royal Cornwall Show website.
Thursday 12 June – Saturday 12 July 2025
Eden Project, near St Austell
Imagine the beauty of Cornwall, the iconic Eden Project, and unforgettable live music – welcome to the Eden Sessions. Since their debut in 2002, these unique concerts have become a staple of the Cornish summer calendar, offering a one-of-a-kind experience in the stunning surroundings of the Eden Project.
Rather than a traditional festival, Eden Sessions features standalone performances, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in each act. The Eden Project’s breathtaking biomes become part of the show, glowing in vivid colours and transforming into dazzling, open-air stages that set the scene for unforgettable nights.
Over the years, the Sessions have hosted legendary acts like Oasis, My Chemical Romance, Diana Ross, and Elton John.
The 2025 lineup is already shaping up to be just as exciting:
Prepare for a summer of music, magic, and memories. Secure your tickets and discover more at the Eden Sessions website.
Friday 13th – Sunday 15th June 2025
Venues across Falmouth
Set sail for the largest free nautical music festival in Europe! The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival returns in 2025, celebrating Cornwall’s rich maritime heritage with songs, stories, and plenty of nautical cheer.
This beloved festival attracts over 65,000 visitors and features more than 70 shanty groups from around the globe. Performances take place across Falmouth, from lively pubs and bustling bars to historic quays and charming courtyards. Venues include The Greenbank Hotel, Events Square, Custom House Quay, and Church Street Car Park, with a schedule packed full of free entertainment throughout the weekend.
Falmouth, once the first safe port of call for deepwater sailing ships, continues to keep the spirit of the sea alive. Wander its 17th-century quays, explore its eclectic shops, or relax in its beautiful gardens and beaches—all while soaking up the magic of this unique celebration.
Join the crew for a festival that’s brimming with music, history, and community spirit. Visit the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival website for more details.
Saturday 12th July 2025
The Liskeard Show 2025 is set to be one of the biggest and most exciting agricultural events in Cornwall. With a fantastic selection of high-quality entries across various categories, you’ll see large animal classes, donkeys, poultry, companion dogs, and even beautiful flowers, fruit, and vegetables.
The show is a celebration of Cornwall’s farming and rural heritage, offering something for everyone. Gates open from 9am to 5pm, and dogs are welcome on non-retractable leads.
We’ll be there too, so come visit us and enjoy the festivities! The full schedule will be available in mid-April 2025.
For more details, visit the Liskeard Show website.
Monday 14th July 2025
Stithians, Truro
The Stithians Show 2025 promises a delightful blend of rural tradition and modern excitement, offering something for everyone.
Whether you’re a fan of animal displays, vintage vehicles, or local crafts, you’ll find it all here. Enjoy a range of live music performances on the Main Stage and at Buskers’ Corner, and visit the trade stands for a taste of local produce and shopping.
Families will love the Sunflower Trail, an interactive experience for kids and adults alike. With events ranging from show jumping to pigeon competitions, the Stithians Show offers an action-packed day of entertainment.
For more information, visit the Stithians Show website.
Thursday 24th – Sunday 27th July 2025
Held in the stunning village of Rock, the Rock Oyster Festival 2025 offers a vibrant mix of food, music, and activities.
Enjoy over 50 live performances, from electric headliners like Ministry of Sound Classical, Rag’n’Bone Man, and UB40 to traditional sea shanties.
Taste incredible food from leading chefs and local producers, showcasing the best of Cornwall’s culinary scene. With over 60 activities to choose from, you can pack your weekend with excitement or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event! For more details, visit the Rock Oyster Festival website.
Friday 8th – Sunday 17th August 2025
Various Falmouth locations
Running from 2nd to 10th August, Falmouth Week 2025 blends thrilling sailing races with vibrant shoreside entertainment. Originating in 1837 as a local sailing regatta, it’s now one of Cornwall’s best events, offering competitive races and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
Onshore, highlights include the Marching Carnival, the lively Pink Wig Parade, and activities on The Moor, such as a vintage carousel, climbing wall, local music, art workshops, and bustling markets. Evenings are packed with themed events like 80s and Ska nights, organised by Southwest Bars and Events.
Check out our guide to things to do in Falmouth while you’re attending the much-loved Falmouth Week!
Book a stay in Falmouth to enjoy a week of shopping, dining, watersports, and endless entertainment. Visit the Falmouth Week website for full details.
Wednesday 6th – Sunday 10th August 2025
Cornwall’s iconic festival, Boardmasters, returns in 2025 from 6 to 10 August. It will bring together music, surfing, BMX, and skateboarding for an unforgettable five-day event in Newquay, the UK’s surf capital.
By day, watch thrilling surf competitions featuring amateur and professional surfers on Fistral Beach. By night, enjoy an epic lineup of artists, bands, and DJs at Watergate Bay.
This year’s headline acts include Raye and The Prodigy. Supporting acts feature Nelly Furtado and London Grammar, with many more to be announced.
Immerse yourself in the Boardmasters experience and find out more on the Boardmasters website.
Sunday 17th – Saturday 23rd August 2025
Fowey Town Quay
The Fowey Royal Regatta, one of the UK’s most famous sailing events, takes over the historic town of Fowey every August, attracting thousands of visitors.
Enjoy a packed schedule of sailing, with races for troys, harbour boats, cruisers, and more. Thrill-seekers can join the open-water swim or the stand-up paddleboard race while spectators cheer them on from the shore.
On land, tradition meets entertainment with highlights like the Carnival Procession, fireworks displays, crab-catching, and nightly live music on Town Quay. Don’t miss the unique Giant Pasty Ceremony or the ever-popular pasty-eating competition—a true Cornish delight!
It’s a week of unforgettable memories for all ages. Find out more at the Fowey Royal Regatta website.
Thursday 21st – Monday 25th August 2025
Mark your calendar for the 2025 Cornwall Folk Festival, running from Thursday, the 21st, to Monday, the 25th of August, as it transforms the charming town of Wadebridge into a vibrant hub of folk music, workshops, and family fun.
With over 100 hours of music programmed across four days, this town-based festival hosts a stellar lineup of local, regional, national, and international acts. Artists booked so far include The Henry Girls, Merry Hell, The Magpies, Bagas Fellyon, The Countrymen, and Martha Woods.
Highlights include the open-air FAR Stage, showcasing nine daily acts from traditional to alt-folk styles, with local food and drink on offer. Entry is just £5 per person or £10 for families. Evening concerts in Wadebridge Town Hall feature seated performances, including the lively Nos Lowen dance on Thursday.
Enjoy workshops, street entertainment, children’s activities, and more, all within walking distance in Wadebridge. Make it a long weekend to explore North Cornwall’s attractions, from the Camel Trail to nearby beaches.
Find out more and book tickets on the Cornwall Folk Festival website.
Saturday 13th September – Saturday 27th September 2025
Venues across St Ives
The 2025 St Ives September Festival takes place from Saturday 13th to Saturday 27th September, offering 15 days of music, arts, and cultural events across this charming Cornish seaside town.
This year, the newly renovated St Ives Theatre will host headline music events. It has a seating capacity of 312 and, for the first time, numbered seating for festival-goers.
The Festival begins with Aspects-sponsored Street Entertainment on Saturday 13th, followed by a packed programme including live music, poetry readings, films, exhibitions, talks, workshops, Open Studios, and more. Many events are free to attend.
For the adventurous, enjoy activities like walking tours, surfing, and fishing, embracing the best of Cornish culture.
Find more details on the St Ives September Festival website.
December 2025
Various locations in Cornwall
Cornwall transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, with its Christmas markets offering a unique blend of local crafts, delicious treats, and twinkling lights. From the bustling stalls of Fowey Christmas Market to the coastal charm of Padstow’s Christmas Festival, there’s something for everyone.
Enjoy mulled wine, meet local artisans, and find the perfect gifts while soaking up the magical atmosphere. Explore our Christmas Markets in Cornwall blog for a guide to the best festive markets across the county this season!
Now you have a great idea of what’s in store for Cornwall in 2025, start planning your trip! This gorgeous part of the UK is waiting to be celebrated and explored. And when it comes to finding the best holiday cottage for your trip, look no further than Cornish Cottage Holidays.
With a wide range of cottages to choose from, we have something for every taste and budget. Browse dog-friendly Cornish cottages, cottages in Cornwall with a hot tub, Cornwall cottages by the sea, and plenty more!
Book a property today with Cornish Cottage Holidays.
Take a look at our other blog posts…
Edward Webb – (CC BY 2.0); stiaslittlehelper – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Robert Pittman – (CC BY-ND 2.0); Raph_PH – (CC BY 2.0).
Hi, I'm Katy and I joined Sykes in February 2020. I love travelling the UK and exploring our beautiful country. From the mighty...
Read More About Author
Sign up to receive exclusive offers, competitions and the latest news to your inbox, and you'll be entered into our monthly prize-draw 3 times!
Here at Cornish Cottage Holidays, we are firm believers that Cornwall’s boat trips are the best way to explore...
Whether you have been to Cornwall plenty of times and want to do something a bit different, or you...
Are you planning on staying in Falmouth for your next staycation? If so, then you’re in for a treat!...
