Cornwall is no stranger to an epic festival, with an array of foodie favourites and cultural celebrations making up our rolling calendar of events. But it’s the music festivals that have put this sprawling county on the map.
Whether it’s surfing competitions that have evolved to host some of the biggest names in music or hidden gems that promise intimate performances you’ll remember for a lifetime, Cornwall’s incredible music festivals really do have something for everyone.
To ensure you make the most of this musically-minded calendar, we’ve rounded up the cream of the cultural crop, inviting you to find a festival that sounds like a little bit of you.
From beachfront parties to farm-fun festivities, these are the top music festivals in Cornwall to turn your next holiday into a toe-tapping sensation.
April
Rattler Fest
Best for: Cyder-fuelled festivities
24th - 25th April 2026
Healeys Cyder Farm, nr Truro
rattler-fest.co.uk
You know it’s going to be a good festival when it’s named after one of Cornwall’s most famous bevvies. Oh yes, Rattler Fest boasts the same refreshing vibe as its namesake cyder. Music is the name of the game here, with a myriad of performers adding their unique blends to the line-up. This year, Dub Pistols take to the stage for an epic DJ set, Phil Hartnoll from Orbital brings the rave, and Mr C cranks up the energy for a dynamic dance set you won’t want to miss. Over in the Apres Ski Lodge, DJs galore will be upping the beat, while a silent disco invites you to get down to your own beat. One thing Rattler Fest does especially well is entertainment, whether you long to enter the yodelling competition or you can’t resist a party game.
May
Tunes on the Shore
Best for: Seaside grooves
22nd - 23rd May 2026
Carlyon Bay Beach, St Austell
tunesontheshorefestival.com
With so many great beaches on offer, it’s of little surprise that Cornwall boasts more than one beachfront bash. Turning up the volume on Cornwall’s dreamy south coast, Tunes on the Shore promises a sand-packed weekend of musical mayhem located at the iconic Cornwall Coliseum right on the beach. The Vengaboys will bring their Eurodance vibes on Friday night, while the Ibiza Symphonic Orchestra cranks up the beats with a host of epic dance anthems on Saturday. There will be plenty of tempting food and drink throughout the weekend, not to mention the host of excellent eateries just a stone’s throw away. Come for the music, stay for the unbeatable setting.
Fisherman’s Friends Festival
Best for: True Cornish vibes
22nd - 24th May 2026
Stithians Showground, nr Truro
fishermansfriendsfestival.co.uk
In its inaugural year, the Fisherman’s Friends Festival was born out of a growing need for, well, growth! After several films, albums, and a hit musical, this Cornish group has quite literally outgrown its humble beginnings of singing in Port Isaac. The solution? Create an incredible two-day festival that has more than enough space for visitors to enjoy a veritable smorgasbord of toe-tapping talent. Kicking things off with a headliner to beat all headliners, the festival welcomes Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, alongside the witty delights of The Longest Johns and the smooth sounds of Seth Lakeman. Of course, Fisherman’s Friends themselves will be performing on both nights, inviting you to stomp, holler, and sing your way through their beloved catalogue.
The Great Estate Festival
Best for: Vintage vibes
29th - 31st May 2026
Scorrier House, Redruth
greatestatefestival.co.uk
A firm favourite in the Cornish calendar, The Great Estate has made a name for itself as the place of rambunctious fun and curious happenings - and a whole lot of live music. In 2026, revellers will enjoy the musical mayhem of Kaiser Chiefs, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Skunk Anansie, as well as a DJ set by none other than Simon Pegg. Alongside the lyrical line-up, a series of workshops, activities, and performers ensure no moment goes unnoticed. Think mermaids and piskies, pasty making, and even a Victorian sports day, so you can put your egg and spoon skills to the test. New for this year, Dark Cornwall invites intrepid adventurers to explore all corners of the festival, where magical realms and fascinating stories await.
June
Eden Sessions
Best for: A fantastical setting
June and July
Eden Project, nr St Austell
edensessions.com
Ok, while not technically a festival, it wouldn’t be a round-up of Cornwall’s music scene without mentioning Eden Sessions. Held at the iconic Eden Project, these epic evenings make the most of one of the biggest and best concert settings in the UK. Backed by the biomes, which are lit up like giant disco balls, the Eden Project sets the stage for an evening unlike any other. Some of the world’s biggest artists have performed here, with 2026 set to see the likes of Snow Patrol, Ben Howard, The Maccabees, and Bastille. Running throughout June and July, we heartily recommend heading to the Eden Project for the day of your evening entertainment, as there’s nothing quite like starting your visit in a rainforest and finishing it under the stars as your favourite band plays your favourite song.
The Wyldes
Best for: Summer sessions
June and July
Lower Exe Farm, Bude
thewyldescornwall.com
Originally the home of the famous Leopalooza festival, The Wyldes now hosts a series of epic summer sessions that take you through a variety of jumping genres. This year, they’re kicking off the season with a Digital Disco night, which promises a blend of hip hop remixes, digital jams, and bass and breaks, as well as Dinkie’s Tiny Nightclub for when the rhythm takes you and won’t let go until the last song stops. On the 20th of June, you can celebrate the Summer Solstice with a fun-filled gathering that combines curated fusion music, incredible food and workshops for the ultimate start to the summer. And finally, July welcomes in good vibes and beats with Freedom Sounds, an unbeatable night of reggae, breakbeat jungle, and dub mashups.
Tunes in the Dunes
Best for: Beachfront bars
5th - 7th June 2026
Perranporth Beach
tunesinthedunes.co.uk
Another Cornish music festival to make a name for itself on the global stage, Tunes in the Dunes is a whirlwind of sand, sea, and sounds. The festival takes place on the literal beach at Perranporth on Cornwall’s dramatic north coast, offering up a truly spectacular setting for the weekend. The main stage plays host to an eclectic mix of artists, with this year promising the musical stylings of Basement Jaxx, The Proclaimers, and Ministry of Sound Classical, to name but a few. Live music might be the name of the game here, but that’s by no means all that’s on offer across the weekend. Think wellbeing corners for mindful meditations and sound baths, wild swimming and canoeing, and surfing galore - after all, it wouldn’t be a coastal Cornish festival without catching a wave or two. And not forgetting a mouthwatering selection of street food to ensure your weekend is fuelled to the max.
International Sea Shanty Festival
Best for: Boot-stomping vibes
12th - 14th June 2026
Falmouth
falmouthseashanty.co.uk
The largest free sea shanty festival in Europe, this Falmouth favourite is for all who love nothing more than singing at the top of their lungs while beer sloshes from a tankard in time to the music. Oh yes, hosting over 80 nautically-minded artists and groups, the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival is one of the best places to go for live music in Cornwall. The entire town gets into the spirit of things, with multiple stages popping up, including pubs (naturally), gardens, and the aptly nicknamed Events Square. Falmouth’s extensive foodie scene is on hand throughout the weekend to fuel and refuel festival goers, whether you want a Cornish pasty, a platter of seafood, or a slap-up pub lunch. And if you need a moment of solitude during the celebrations, the town’s beautiful beaches are only a short stroll away.
Morvala Festival of Arts
Best for: Creative corners
25th - 28th June 2026
Mount Edgcumbe Estate and Country Park, nr Torpoint
morvalafestival.com
Held at the beautiful Mount Edgcumbe Estate on the Rame Peninsula, this creative medley of a festival calls to those who want to get lost in something a little different. The line-up of musicians is a who’s who of artists old and new, from Toploader, Embrace, and The Feeling to Sleeping at Last, Fink, and Hawkwind, plus many more across the three days. In the poet’s corner, wordsmiths gather to share ideas and inspiration, while wellness workshops and a sauna ensure you leave feeling totally refreshed. We also recommend slipping out to explore the surrounding coastline during your visit, as the Rame Peninsula is home to some truly incredible landscapes and chocolate-box villages.
July
Tropical Pressure
Best for: World music
10th - 12th July 2026
Eco Park, Porthtowan
tropicalpressure.co.uk
A Cornish music festival that takes you on a journey around the world, Tropical Pressure is a curated celebration of global sounds and cultures. Artists come together to showcase their heritage, from Latin American grooves to African beats. This year, Espanglish is headlining on Friday to bring some Mexican funklore to the Cornish coast, while Saturday sees Freshlyground showcase their Afro-contemporary mix. Across the three days, you’ll move to the rhythm of a host of other amazing artists, from France and Colombia to Mali and Morocco. Throughout the weekend, a selection of free workshops, talks, and activities invites you to get involved, or you can book a slot at the wild spa for a rejuvenating soak and sauna. Perched high above the beautiful north Cornish coast, this festival promises an unforgettable setting in which to escape the everyday.
Rock Oyster Festival
Best for: Variety
23rd - 26th July 2026
Dinham House Estate, nr Rock
rockoysterfestival.co.uk
Rock Oyster is a family-friendly affair that boasts a medley of music and foodie delights. Held over a long weekend, you’ll find a merry mix of live music throughout the days and evenings, alongside a sprawling site with plenty of fun things to see and do, from axe-throwing and foraging walks to chef demos and workshops. Of course, the main attraction is the music stage, which welcomes a host of artists, ranging from Groove Armada and Kool & the Gang to Scissor Sisters and Sam Ryder, and a consistent focus on world music woven throughout the weekend. There’s also a smaller stage for big vibes, with a time-travelling mix of DJ sets. With a number of bars and foodie areas peppered across the site, there are lots of tasty treats on the horizon, while children will love the many activities scattered around, including a fantastic model-making workshop with Aardman Animations themselves!
Alstock
Best for: Rock enthusiasts
25th July 2026
Priory Park, Bodmin
alstock.co.uk
With a landscape hewn from granite, it’s of little surprise that Cornwall loves a good rock show (see what we did there?). Cornwall’s largest rock festival, Alstock was first created in 2007 to celebrate the life and work of Big Al Hodge, a local and international music legend who put Bodmin on the musical map. Since then, the festival has grown and grown into the epic one-night bash we know and love today. 2026 is promising to be the biggest and best year yet, with the likes of The Best of Grohl, The Strutts, Porkchop, and Kernoasis taking to the stage. And if one night of fun isn’t enough, book your ticket for the Friday Night Hoedown, where country and line dancing kick things up a notch (cowboy hats optional, but highly encouraged).
August
Boardmasters
Best for: Surf and sounds
5th - 9th of August 2026
Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach, Newquay
boardmasters.com
Synonymous with Cornwall’s music scene, Boardmasters has become one of the biggest events in the country, attracting some of the world’s biggest artists to headline in Newquay. A variety of stages make up the sprawling festival site, from the epic main stage that hosts the top attractions to the original stage, which promises soulful beats and acoustic vibes alongside the sounds of the sea. In 2026, the lineup is jam-packed with every kind of music you can think of, from headliners Fatboy Slim, Lilly Allen, and Kasabian to the big and beautiful sounds of the Cornwall Rock Choir. Alongside five days of toe-tapping, head-banging fun, you’ll also find a tempting array of street food vendors. And it wouldn’t be a visit to Boardmasters without checking out the namesake action, with a variety of surfing fun to get involved with. Watch the competitions, chat with the amazing round-up of surf ambassadors, and take to the waves yourself with one of the many surf lessons.
Tunes in the Park
Best for: Rural festivities
27th - 30th August 2026
Port Elliot Estate, nr Saltash
tunesinthepark.com
A countryside celebration that brings together music, comedy, and food for a weekend of epic moments, Tunes in the Park is a must for anyone looking for a music festival with a difference. A range of musicians take to the stage across the weekend, with 2026 welcoming Razorlight, Faithless, Jessie J, and The Hoosiers - plus many, many more. We’re particularly excited to get lost in the soulful chants of the Monks of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, who will be sharing their ancient rituals on Friday night. Tunes in the Park is a great family-friendly festival with lots of amazing activities for your little festivalgoers to enjoy, including a mystical maze, Mad Hatter's tea party, and roaming dinosaurs! And when hunger strikes, head to one of the fantastic feasting options, whether you fancy a bottomless brunch or three courses and canapes overlooking the main stage.
Cornwall Folk Festival
Best for: Acoustic sounds
27th - 31st August 2026
Wadebridge
cornwallfolkfestival.com
Filling Wadebridge with folky fun for over 50 years, the Cornwall Folk Festival is the place to be for live music and bustling beats. The whole town gets involved, with venues popping up to host a range of national and local artists, including the town hall, Betjeman Centre, and plenty of pubs. Dance the night away to the likes of Martha Woods, Flats & Sharps, and Steve Knightley & the Winter Yards Band, while daytime performances invite you to shift and sway with a drink in one hand and a pasty in the other. Tickets can be purchased for specific performances, or you can book a weekend pass to make the most of over 80 hours of music. You’ll also find some great music and dance workshops in the mornings, perfect for getting in the groove before the shows begin.
September
Kernowfornia Festival
Best for: A small festival with a big heart
4th - 6th September 2026
Looe Beach
kernowforniafestival.com
Come one, come all to one of Cornwall’s biggest beachside bashes held on the sprawling sands of East Looe every year. Run by a group of grassroots musicians and friends, this Cornish festival boasts a real focus on sustainability and local communities, whether it’s the food you chow down on or the people you listen to as you do. This year’s lineup includes James Morrison, who actually learned to play the guitar right here in Cornwall, alongside Kula Shaker, Shaky Graves, and Reef… And many, many more. There’s a wonderfully friendly vibe here, making it perfect for families and friends to come together and appreciate some excellent world and local talent amidst an unforgettable coastal setting.
Little Orchard Cider and Music Festival
Best for: Family-friendly fun
11th - 13th September 2026
Healeys Cyder Farm, nr Truro
cornwallciderfestival.co.uk
A family-friendly festival that delivers music, entertainment, and cyder at every turn, Little Orchard is a must for anyone visiting Cornwall in September. The musical line-up for 2026 is a marvellous mix of genres, from the big and bold sounds of rock group Spaceacre to the country stylings of Taynee Lord - and not forgetting the home-brewed grooves of The Wurzels, Healeys' resident band. The festival takes place at Healeys Cyder Farm, inviting you to get stuck into some good ol’ fashioned farm fun, including line dancing and the famous Rattler Olympics. Feet still itching to boogie? Head over to Grandma’s Funky Wardrobe for some gin and beats or the silent disco for a mesmerising mix of silence and sound. And for the little ones attending, the outdoor adventure club is sure to keep them entertained, whether they love paintball fights, army crawling, or learning handy-dandy survival skills.
St Ives September Festival
Best for: Cultural celebrations
12th - 26th September 2026
St Ives
stivesseptemberfestival.co.uk
In September, St Ives turns into a hub of cultural expression, with two weeks of art, poetry, and music filling the air with inspiration. Those wishing to soak up some soulful sound will relish the eclectic line-up, with 2026 promising artists such as Johnny Cowling, Molly Hocking, and Barney Kenny. It’s not your usual festival venue either, as the town offers a multitude of locations for the performances. We are particularly fond of the shows at St Ia Church as the acoustics are truly next level. Of course, being a cultural festival, there are lots of other activities to get involved in. Check out the many open studios and galleries that pepper the town, join a foraging walk, or try your hand at something creative yourself, from painting to journaling.
Ready to dance? Explore our holiday cottages in Cornwall and start planning a harmonic holiday that hits all the right notes.