Throughout the year in 2026, Newquay in Cornwall plays host to a fantastic array of events. There’s something for everyone – music, sports, food, theatre, literature, comedy, art and family fun. Here’s a round-up of Newquay and Cornwall’s forthcoming events in 2026.
St Piran’s Day is Cornwall’s national day. You might also hear the Cornish name – Gool Peran. Saint Piran was a 5th-century Cornish abbot and saint, and he is also the patron saint of tin miners. Like most places in Cornwall, Newquay hosts a whole range of events to celebrate St Pirans day including a St Piran’s Parade on Thursday, March 5th 2026. Gathering at 3.30 pm in the gardens at Beechfield Ave, then join the Parade in Newquay, departing from Central square, along Bank Street, East Street, to Victoria Hotel. You’ll hear the pipes, drums and other musicians playing along with a procession of St Piran’s banners. Everyone is welcome to join in and don’t forget to bring your St Piran flags to wave.
Celebrate Cornwall’s culinary gift to the world, the delicious humble pasty, and support funds for charity from many traders selling genuine Cornish pasties during this week. The Cornish Pasty week event will help raise donations to support 2026 Pasty Week charitable causes. So, if you buy a pasty from a trader who is supporting the week and the fundraising, then a portion of your money will go towards providing resources and regular cooking activities in schools across the Duchy.
Porthleven Food Festival is an award-winning food and music event set to the backdrop of this stunning port town’s picturesque harbour. A chef’s theatre, food stalls, street food, music and entertainment combine to bring families and foodies together to enjoy Cornwall’s culinary delights. Tickets
A not to be missed Celtic folk custom is Padstow’s May Day. This little town comes alive during this annual festival. First, locals decorate the town’s streets with flags, flowers and greenery. Then, ritual hobby horses parade through the streets with a procession of young and old playing music and singing the traditional May Song.
Inspired by the author Daphne du Maurier and her close connections with the Cornish town of Fowey, this charming festival features a range of competitions, awards and lots of literary-themed events.
Floral Day is a spring festival that celebrates the end of winter and marks the arrival of the vitality and freshness of the new season. A day of dancing and song, a massive procession of couples dance through the streets, entering selected houses and shops. The pageants, dance and traditional songs all tell the story of Helston’s unique history.
On beautiful Porthminster Beach, St Ives Food and Drinks Festival celebrates Cornwall’s fabulous local producers. With a fantastic range of things to do, music and entertainment, the festival offers a welcoming atmosphere and events that’ll keep the whole family entertained. Dates for May 2026 to be confirmed.
This festival has a quirky alternative vibe. Billed as a rumbunctious bonanza of live entertainment, it takes place on the grounds of the gorgeous Scorrier House estate. The event aims to provide a welcoming atmosphere offering something for every family member.
Billed as the UK’s biggest festival on a beach, with a stunning backdrop of Perranporth’s cliffs, expect gorgeous views and big-name artists with Basement Jaxx, Ministry of Sound, Ellie Sax, and The Proclaimers topping the bill in 2026.
For LitFest 2026, expect more fascinating talks and workshops at the 2026 15th edition of this local festival that celebrates writing, writers and their wonderful works. The Arts festival also celebrates the town’s connections to the world of art, this Penzance Festival puts the town’s artists, galleries and museums centre stage. With over 1,000 local artists involved in a packed programme of exhibitions, workshops, talks and lectures, this event is a firm favourite for culture lovers.
Charlestown’s UNESCO world heritage Georgian harbour (of Poldark fame) takes centre stage for a host of activities during regatta week. Events include raft races, water sports, the Grand Carnival, flora dance procession, and so much more.
Falmouth Week draws massive crowds to this lovely harbour town. With origins as a sailing event, the regatta has grown to include so much more. This August, music shows, a carnival, and incredible fireworks are all set to light up the town.
The ultimate surf & music festival on the Cornish coast, Boardmasters, takes place on Newquay’s famous Fistral beach, just a stone’s throw from the hotel. If you’ve never experienced the phenomenon that is Boardmasters, then 2026 could well be the year to discover this ultimate celebration of surf culture.
Held every August, Fowey Royal Regatta is perhaps Britain’s premier sailing event. Attracting thousands each year for an annual pilgrimage, the maritime events are numerous; however, there’s plenty for landlubbers to get their teeth into with lots of fun-filled family attractions on the bill too.
The North Cornwall Book Festival brings together writers and readers for a literary retreat in a truly idyllic setting. With a packed roster of authors telling tales and showing knowledge, book-lovers will be in their element for this fabulous festival of the written word.
If you love seafood, this is the event for you! There’ll be a plentiful supply of freshly shucked oysters for the thousands of visitors to this lovely fishing town. The festival puts fresh Cornish seafood front and centre, celebrating some of the finest quality produce you’ll find anywhere in the world.
The Christmas celebrations begin on Friday evening alongside Newquay’s spectacular Christmas lights switch-on. Enjoy live music throughout the town, a magical lantern parade weaving through the streets, dazzling fireworks over the harbour, and a festive bar to keep spirits high.
The market continues all weekend, giving you plenty of time to browse, shop, and savour the festive atmosphere while supporting Cornwall’s vibrant community of independent businesses.
An annual celebration of food, drink and all things Christmas. Padstow’s Christmas market features artisanal pop-up stalls with lots of local arts and crafts – perfect for a little Christmas shopping. There’s also plentiful food and drink on offer, an ideal place to relax and enjoy a winter’s evening. Long weekend date for this event is to be confirmed.
The Christmas lights in Mousehole illuminate the tiny harbour from which the village takes its name. They’re on display every evening from December 11th until the new year; however, perhaps the most magical time is Tom Bawcock’s Eve – December 23rd. Locals decorate their houses with lights, and there is a lantern procession celebrating the legend of the village’s famous fisherman who, as the legend goes, braved stormy seas to bring home the catch.
Say goodbye to 2026 and welcome 2027 with a spectacular bang as Newquay Town Council presents a dazzling midnight fireworks display to make your New Year’s Eve truly unforgettable. Find your favourite vantage point overlooking the Harbour, gather with friends and loved ones, and watch as the sky erupts in colour over the bay when the clock strikes 12 midnight.