Gather under the sun for sound baths, sea swims and wild festivals. Celebrate the UK’s surf and skate culture, chase your muse, or feast on the sand until the sun goes down. Summer’s sizzling in Cornwall – here’s our pick of the best events to squeeze the most out of every last ray.
When? 10-12 July
Where? Porthtowan
Glitter up in your brightest outfit, and lose yourself in three days of world music and beachside revelry. Tropical Pressure brings a riot of colour to Porthtowan, blending global rhythms with a proper Cornish welcome. Expect an electrifying celebration rooted in the cultures of Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean, alongside dreamy sunsets and eco-friendly festival vibes.
When? 23 – 26 July
Where? Rock
Raise a glass at Rock’s family-friendly fusion of Cornish food and live music. Celeb chefs, big bands and a sparkling Camel Estuary backdrop make the Rock Oyster Festival one of the county’s most stylish summer weekends. With Raymond Blanc in the kitchen and Scissor Sisters taking the stage, we can’t wait.
When? 11 July
Where? Bedruthan Steps Camping
As if the view from the clifftops at Bedruthan Steps wasn’t reason enough to linger at sunset, this summer there’s even more reason to visit one of the UK’s best sundowner spots. At RE:SET on 11 July, catch BBC Introducing ‘One to Watch’ Peri Rae playing live, alongside Cornwall favourites Sunfull and a DJ set from Annon-Lee. Book a pre-gig sauna, fill up on street food and settle in for indie-folk storytelling and dance tunes that take you into the small hours.
When? Various dates in July
Where? Eden Project
Don’t let summer run away without a gig against one of Cornwall’s most iconic backdrops. July’s Eden Sessions include Bowling for Soup and Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls (Sun 5 July), Bastille (Thurs 9 July), Ben Howard (Fri 10 July), The Maccabees (Sat 11 July), Mika (Sun 12 July) and CMAT (Wed 15 July) – all joining the stellar roster of stars who’ve taken to this legendary Cornish stage.
When? 26 July
Where? Bedruthan Steps Camping
Lie down on the dramatic cliffs of North Cornwall and soak up the healing sounds of nature at a one-off fundraiser overlooking the sea stacks of Bedruthan Steps. Relax into the immersive sounds of Cornwall’s leading sound bath practitioners – with every penny from the Big Bedruthan Sound Bath going to Cornwall Air Ambulance.
When? 9 – 12 July
Where? Newquay
Eat your way around Cornwall with local food traders, live fire-cooking demos, artisan stalls and a proper festival buzz. Now in its second year, Newquay Food Festival brings together the best of Cornwall’s food, drink and creative community against the dramatic backdrop of the Atlantic coast.
When? 31 July 2026
Where? Trebah Garden, Helford
Tunnel through subtropical canopies to Trebah’s private beach, for a beach BBQ with live saxophone soundtracks from Jake Causley. Sip a tipple from the boathouse bar, tuck into flame-grilled mackerel, burgers or plant-based plates with all the trimmings, and slip into summer evening vibes with family, friends and sandy toes.
When? 25 – 26 July
Where? Newquay
The UK’s surf and skate scene has long-deserved a celebration – and there’s nowhere better for it than between the surf beaches and skate parks of Newquay. After its success in 2025, the UK Surf Skate Expo is back in July, with demos, talks, traders and events that capture everything that makes this stretch of coast the UK’s surf capital.
When? 9 July
Where? Penzance
Need less partying more action this summer? Try something new, train for something bigger, or simply enjoy a social swim-run by the sea at the Jubilee Pool Aquathalon. Swim a lap of the lido (200m) then run 3km along Penzance promenade to Newlyn Green and back, for a fun, early-evening challenge that suits beginners and experienced triathletes alike.
When? 7 – 11 July
Where? Penzance
Meet comedy legend and bestselling author Dawn French at Penzance Litfest, alongside talks, workshops, literary walks and fringe events that celebrate books and storytelling in all their forms. If you’re a writer or creative, don’t miss Writing Through the Chaos with Clare Howdle and Hannah Ray – a candid chat about self-starting, staying motivated and juggling family and day jobs with creative ambitions.
When? 18 July – 2 Sep
Where? Heligan
Wildlife fan? This one’s for you. Steve Backshall brings a summer of wild adventure to Heligan, turning the gardens into a playground for nature lovers and curious minds. Get hands-on with family activities, talks and workshops, and rediscover your wild side with every chance to get closer to the natural world.
Where? Bedruthan Steps, North Cornwall
Bed down for the night just steps from the cliffs at Seaview Tipis – where you can enjoy 180-degree sea views in one of the most picturesque spots in Britain. Wake up to skylarks and the sound of the ocean, watch the sunset over the rock stacks, and slip out of your sumptuous tipi to the wood-fired sauna, coffee, crepes and streetfood, and live music sessions.
Hop on the Black Tor ferry from Padstow for a day out in one of Cornwall’s most stylish coastal escapes. Try wake-surfing, dine on oysters fresh from the estuary, follow the coast path to Daymer Bay and Polzeath, and check out Ainsworth’s Enodoc Hotel – opening 27 July.
Dive into our Local’s Guide to Rock.
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