Cornwall food festivals
Cornwall is the home of good food, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of events celebrating its culinary prowess! During your stay at a caravan park in Cornwall, make sure you stop by one of the exciting food festivals that pop up each year across the county. Whether you want to try some local produce or wander through market stalls, there will be plenty of opportunities to indulge in the best of Cornwall’s food and drink. So, read on to discover the line-up of the best Cornwall food festivals taking place throughout the year.
The Royal Cornwall Show
Cornwall’s largest annual event is not to be missed. With a vast array of food stalls, entertainment and shopping on offer, plus a few farm animals here and there, you’ll be sure to create some fun memories when attending The Royal Cornwall Show.
We spoke to The Royal Cornwall Show’s secretary Chris Riddle to learn more: “The Royal Cornwall Show is a three-day celebration of all that is special about Cornwall and is a long-established part of the county calendar having originally been founded way back in 1793.
“The show is a fabulous day out (or three!) for both visitors to Cornwall and those more locally based. With an amazing array of livestock, over 1,000 trade stands, action-packed entertainment, show stages, and so much more. Plus, of course, among its many feature areas is the amazing Cornwall Food and Farming Pavilion, where some of the very best Cornish food and drink are on offer. Brand Cornwall, and particularly its wide-ranging food and drink products, is a world-leading area for local and often very distinctive items to tempt the palate. No visit to Cornwall would be complete without a taste experience or two, and where better to sample than at the Royal Cornwall Show – Cornwall’s very own showcase event.”
When and where: June in Wadebridge
READ ALSO: The best places to eat gluten-free in Cornwall
Cornish Pasty Week
Of course, you can’t mention Cornish food without mentioning their famous pasties! If you’re a fan of these savoury treats, then a week not to be missed is Cornish Pasty Week. This is a whole seven days of celebrations, including the ‘World’s Fastest Crimper’ competition’ and the ‘#PastySmile’ social tag, where people can snap their own photos with the hashtag with them and their pasties.
The week is presented by the Cornish Pasty Association and has pasty-bakers from all across the world coming to experience the festivities. Cornish Pasty Week also looks to raise funds for local schools so that they can encourage cookery.
When and where: Late February across Cornwall.
READ ALSO: Where to get a Christmas pasty in Cornwall?
St Ives Food & Drink Festival
The harbourside town of St Ives comes alive for one weekend each year, as Porthminster beach is covered in tents that host artisan markets, live music and food workshops.
St Ives Food & Drink Festival also provides opportunity to enjoy one of the many chef demonstrations that take place, where you can watch culinary experts create impressive dishes. Stroll along the sand, sampling some delicious food before settling down on the deckchairs on the beach to listen to the music that’s on day and night.
St Ives is famous for its coastal art scene, so expect to find some unique prints and art stalls to look at as you tuck into tasty street food from the many vendors that set up at the event.
When and where: Mayin St Ives (the next occurrence of the festival is in May 2025).
READ ALSO: The best beer and drink festivals in Cornwall
Porthleven Food Festival
Three days of fantastic food, drink and live music take place at the Porthleven Food Festival, attracting locals and visitors alike, with nearly 40,000 people arriving each year.
So, what can you expect to find from the event? Everything from cocktail masterclasses, where you can make your own concoctions using some famous Cornish spirits, to watching some of the best chef talents in the UK take to the theatre to rustle up something mouth-watering.
As well as this, you can enjoy the background noise of live music as you explore the event. With a mixture of folk, jazz, and funk to be enjoyed, the music provides a great atmosphere for the culinary festivities.
When and where: April in Porthleven
READ ALSO: 9 foods you must-try in Cornwall
Rock Oyster
The annual Rock Oyster festival, usually held in mid-July, highlights the finest offerings of Cornish cuisine, beverages, and melodies.
Attendees can enjoy a medley of live music acts spanning both local talents and global performers, alongside an array of culinary delights and libations provided by regional vendors.
For those opting for an extended experience, the festival provides a camping zone. Located in the beautiful Dinham House Estate, the Rock Oyster Festival exudes a relaxed, family-oriented vibe. Its enduring charm has led to expansions in recent years, with additional areas and stages to accommodate its increasing acclaim.
When and where: July in Wadebridge
READ ALSO: The best street food to try in Cornwall
Newquay Harbour Festival
With plenty of entertainment and fresh food to enjoy, a visit to the Newquay Harbour Festival should be on all seafood lovers’ bucket lists.
Demonstrations for top chefs will be happening throughout the weekend, each unveiling some of their cooking secrets for how to perfect a seafood dish. Whilst watching the demos, you can munch on various tasty treats from some of Cornwall’s best food vendors, who pop up along the harbourside.
Newquay Harbour Festival has replaced the defunct Newquay Fish Festival, meaning that lovers of great seafood still have a date to remember on the calendar.
When and where: September in Newquay
Amazing food festivals in Cornwall
- The Royal Cornwall Show
- Cornish Pasty Week
- St Ives Food & Drink Festival
- Porthleven Food Festival
- Rock Oyster
- Newquay Harbour Festival
When you’re next on your holiday to Cornwall, make sure you enjoy a visit to one of these food festivals. We will leave you with one piece of advice – bring your appetite! Looking for more activities ahead of your visit? Read our guides about things to do in Cornwall.
