It’s midsummer – and what a scorcher it’s shaping up to be. Outdoor gatherings and festivals have never seen so many cagoule-free revellers.
You might think that the mighty Boardmasters (pictured above) dominates Cornwall’s events calendar in August – and indeed, Newquay’s headliner festival is the place to go for full-throttle surfing and big names belting out tunes by the sea.
However, you’ll also find a run of smaller, cooler events this month – from Summer Sessions at Porthtowan Eco Park to a solar eclipse and a sailing fiesta in Falmouth.
Here’s our pick of the best things to do in Cornwall in August:
When? 27–30 August
Where? Port Eliot Estate
Port Eliot’s cult festival had its last outing in 2019, but didn’t ever really put on the brakes – it just returned rebranded, with the same easy mix of music, comedy, food and wellbeing on the banks of the Tamar. Tunes in the Park headliners include Razorlight and Faithless, alongside bottomless brunches with Philleigh Way, boozy painting sessions, dinosaurs loose in the gardens, and recycled-percussion workshops where you can make your own music.
When? 12 August
Where? Falmouth Bay
Around 95% of the sun will disappear behind the moon over Cornwall this August – and any west-facing beach or headland is the place to watch it. So why head to Falmouth? Not only does Pendennis Point offer an unobstructed view to the west-northwest horizon where the moon will take a bite out of the low-slung sun, but three world-class display teams, including the AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers, fly over the bay from 6pm, just ahead of the eclipse’s peak.
When? Various dates in August
Where? Eco Park, Porthtowan
Who needs to drop hundreds on a festival ticket when the Eco Park has free live music all summer long? From The Disappointments’ folkabilly boogie on 1 August, to the Celtic poetry of Our Atlantic Roots on 7 August, and the Afrobeat swing of Nothing Concrete on 21 August, the lineup’s set to bring rhythm to your summer evenings after a day on nearby Porthtowan beach. And you can save your pennies for a sundowner and Sri Lankan streetfood from the onsite Tiger Feet Café.
When? 5–9 August
Where? Headland Hotel, Newquay
What do you say to Boardmasters week without the wristband? Five days of clifftop energy at the WAX Garden Party above Fistral. It’s free to attend, with daily DJ sets, a BBQ cookout, the Sharps & Jubel bar, and a front-row view of the surf competition below. No tickets, no booking. Just turn up.
When? 2 August
Where? South Fistral, Newquay
Headphones on, toes in the sand, for a Vinyasa flow to Balearic beats. Celebrating Silent Disco Yoga’s ten-year anniversary, join Jen for her birthday back at the iconic Fistral Beach. Look out for flags, bring a mat if you have one, and ready yourself for a feel-good morning packed with energy, joy, and connection. Beginners welcome. Booking essential.
When? 9 August
Where? The Castle, Bude
Back for a second helping this year, follow the Bisto-trail of streetfood and fresh bakes to Bude for this one-day food festival. Expect locally reared sausages, fresh bread and even gourmet dog snacks, all set against the castle and beach backdrop – perfect for stocking a picnic for a day at the beach or the famous Bude Sea Pool.
When? 14/15, 21/22, 28/29 August
Where? Chapel Porth
A day at the beach rustles up quite an appetite – and on a summer’s eve, who wants to head home and cook? Chef Adam Vasey has come up with the solution at Chapel Porth, where he opens his pop-up Night Hatch on select weekends through August. It’s first come, first served, and often a sellout. So get there soon after six for Northern Thai-inspired dishes on the sand – think Cornish mussels and scallops with crispy rice.
When? Throughout August
Where? Fowey River
Kayak or SUP along the Fowey River as day turns to dusk, spotting mullet shoals, roosting birds and exploring the river as it winds down at sunset. Encounter Cornwall’s two-hour sundowner paddles meander up the secluded Penpol Creek at high tide, and along the sandbanks at low. Suitable for families, friends and solo paddlers, with no experience needed. And true to its name, you finish with a sundowner at Golant’s Fisherman’s Arms.
When? Various dates in August
Where? St Ives School of Painting
Chasing a bit of creative headspace? Summer is time to get outside and turn the landscape into art with St Ives School of Painting. Painting the Coast Path is a three-day walking-and-painting course with artist Greg Humphries. Abstract Coastline is a single day of collage and watercolour on Porthmeor Beach with Kitty Hillier. Courses run for all abilities and media throughout the month.
When? 7–16 August
Where? Falmouth
You don’t have to be a sailor to be swept along in Cornwall’s biggest sailing regatta. Spilling way beyond its water-bound roots, Falmouth Week brings boat loads of fun on land and sea, with street performers and markets, live music, fireworks, air displays, and a vibrant Pink Wig parade. For the best view of the racing without the town-centre parking, catch the St Mawes Ferry across the bay.
Where? Padstow, North Cornwall
Beach house at Trevone or harbour apartment in Padstow? Harbour Holidays has last-minute summer availability for a few holiday cottages in North Cornwall. Choose a dog-friendly, family-friendly pad footsteps from the beach, or scrap parking hassles in Padstow and bed down in a townhouse where you can waltz to the water and some of the best restaurants in Cornwall.
Sailors, literary lovers, foodies and ramblers roll up to one of Cornwall’s most beguiling harbour towns. Independent shops and waterfront restaurants line Fore Street, sailing boats drift along the estuary, and the town holds a calm, storied charm.
Explore Fowey with our Local’s Guide.
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