Cornwall Living
What’s on? June to August
Highlighting the best events across the Duchy, from festivals and markets to exhibitions, theatre, music and family days out. Whether you call Cornwall home or are visiting this vibrant county, there’s always something happening just around the corner…
Steam Train Trips With a Twist
From the 9th June 2026
Bodmin General Station,
Harleigh Road, Bodmin PL31 1AQ
The Murder Mystery Train returns from 9th June with a brand-new storyline for 2026. Join the cast on the platform at Bodmin General, then board a vintage carriage as the story unfolds around you. Suspects, secrets and surprises – all as the Cornish countryside rolls past the window.
Your ticket includes an award-winning Cornish pasty, a welcome drink, and one question that will keep everyone guessing: can you solve the case before the train returns to the station?
Selected evenings throughout summer.
Group tickets available. Booking is essential via the website.
01208 73555 | www.bodminrailway.co.uk
Tropical Pressure Festival
10th – 12th July
Mount Pleasant Eco Park, PORTHTOWAN
Tropical Pressure is a three-day, family-friendly world music festival held on a clifftop site overlooking the Atlantic at Porthtowan Beach.
Known as one of the UK’s most intimate and authentic summer festivals, it welcomes a few thousand lucky ticket-holders to the stunning Eco Park setting, with live bands, DJs and free workshops celebrating the vibrant cultures of Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean.
During the day, the arena hosts incredible live bands from all corners of the world, complemented by a packed schedule of free workshops suitable for all ages. As the sun sets, the site transforms, and world-renowned DJs take over three totally unique party spaces.
01209 891500 | www.tropicalpressure.co.uk
ROCK OYSTER FESTIVAL
23rd – 26th July
Dinham House Estate, St Minver, WadebridgePL27 6RH
Rock Oyster is a four-day, family-friendly festival of music and food set against the stunning backdrop of the Camel Estuary near Rock.
This unique voyage of culinary discovery and musical mischief, brings together world-class live acts and Michelin-starred chefs alongside cooking demonstrations and taster plates from the best restaurants and producers in Cornwall.
The 2026 lineup includes Groove Armada DJ Set, Scissor Sisters and Kool & the Gang, with over 50 live music performances across the weekend. Also on offer are Michelin-starred chef demos, long table banquets, masterclasses and over 60 activities for all the family to enjoy.
Penzance Literary Festival
7th – 11th July
PENZANCE
Penzance Literary Festival is a five-day celebration of writing, literature and the arts held in the heart of Penzance. Founded in 2010 and now in its 15th year, this beloved volunteer-led festival brings together authors, poets, performers and publishers from across Cornwall and beyond, with a particular focus on the vibrant literary community of West Cornwall.
The 2026 programme will feature a wide range of author talks, readings and panel discussions, alongside fringe and community events taking place across the town. Also on offer are creative writing workshops, fringe arts events and a warm, friendly atmosphere that has earned it the title of the friendliest LitFest in the West.
01736 363545 | www.pzlitfest.co.uk
STITHIANS SHOW
13th July
STITHIANS SHOWGROUND TR3 7DP
This one-day, family-friendly agricultural show is held at its dedicated showground. One of Cornwall’s most beloved annual events, it features a packed programme across the day, with St Stythians Band leading a traditional opening march before entertaining throughout the day.
Stithians Show has something for everybody; displays and demonstrations, animals, fairground, vintage vehicles, food and crafts and a great selection of shopping from the trade stands and local producers. The Show will also host a terrific line up of live music both on the Main Stage and at the Buskers’ Corner Pop-Up Festival.
GOLOWAN FESTIVAL
19th – 28th June
PENZANCE
A family-friendly Cornish street festival held across Penzance each June, draws visitors from far and wide to celebrate midsummer with music, art, parades and community spirit.
Rooted in the ancient Feast of St John, it is one of the South West’s most distinctive festivals, with highlights including the spectacular Mazey Day procession, the torchlit parade on St John’s Eve, the Quay Fair and the raucous Mock Mayor Elections. The 2026 theme is Forever Flying High, with makers’ markets, street theatre, sea shanties, folk music, food stalls and family activities happening across the festival.
FALMOUTH WEEK
7th – 16th August
FALMOUTH
Falmouth Week – is a sailing regatta and shoreside festival, held each August in Falmouth. The largest sailing regatta in the South West, it sees more than 400 yachts racing across Falmouth Bay, while the town comes alive with a packed programme of evening entertainment, a spectacular Falmouth Carnival, a Family Day and a fireworks finale.
The 2026 evening entertainment lineup includes Peter Andre, The Bohemians, K-Pop Superstars, Spice Girls Experience and The Wurzels, with further headliners still to be announced. Across the festival, expect creative workshops, markets and the iconic Pink Wig Mermaid March on August 7th.