The Vyvyenne Lodge Seasonal Guide to Padstow & Cornwall Events
From the famous May Day celebrations to celebrity chef demonstrations at Christmas, use our annual guide to plan your perfect Cornish getaway.
See some of our favourites below, grouped by season. Another great resource is Padstow Tourist Information Events Page.
Spring: Culture & Bloom (March - May)
Event | When | The Vyvyenne Lodge Recommendation |
| Obby 'Oss Festival | May 1st (Annually) | The biggest day in Padstow! Experience this ancient May Day celebration with traditional dancing and processions right in the harbour. It's a must-see spectacle on your doorstep. |
| St Piran's Day | March 5th (Annually) | Celebrate Cornwall's national day in Padstow with flags, music, and traditional Cornish festivities. A great day to enjoy a proper Cornish pasty. |
| Porthleven Food Festival | Early May | A beautiful drive down the coast. This major food festival offers celebrity chef demos, live music, and fantastic street food by the harbour. |
| Cornwall Spring Flower Show | Early April (Wadebridge) | Visit the nearby Royal Cornwall Showground for stunning floral displays and horticultural excellence—often called the 'Chelsea of the South West'. |
Summer: Music, Surf & Agriculture (June - August)
Event | When | The Vyvyenne Lodge Recommendation |
| Royal Cornwall Show | Early June (Wadebridge) | The county's largest annual event. Just a short drive away, this three-day show is a brilliant family day out showcasing the best of Cornish agriculture, food, and craft. |
| Rock Oyster Festival | Late July (Near Rock/Wadebridge) | A fantastic local event across the estuary. A blend of top-tier music, food, and family fun, with demonstrations often led by chefs like Jack Stein. |
| Padstow Carnival | Early August | A great local, community-focused event in Padstow with parades, floats, and fun for the whole family. |
| Boardmasters Festival | Mid-August (Newquay) | If you love live music and surfing. This huge event offers world-class surfing competitions at Fistral Beach and major music headliners at Watergate Bay. |
Autumn: Food & Literary Feasts (September - October)
Event | When | The Vyvyenne Lodge Recommendation |
| St Ives September Festival | Mid-September | Two weeks of fantastic music, art, poetry, and comedy in the stunning seaside town of St Ives. A perfect cultural day trip. |
| Falmouth Oyster Festival | Early October | Celebrate the start of the native oyster dredging season. Enjoy cookery demos, live music, and of course, plenty of fresh seafood. |
| Truro Food Festival | Late September | Take a trip to the cathedral city of Truro for a massive celebration of Cornish produce, street food, and artisan markets. |
| Halloweden (Eden Project) | October Half Term | The Eden Project hosts fantastic family-friendly Halloween trails and activities, a perfect adventure for the children during the school break. |
Winter: Festive Food & Lights (November - February)
Event | When | The Vyvyenne Lodge Recommendation |
| Padstow Christmas Fayre | Early December | A flagship event! The harbour comes alive with a huge market, celebrity chef demonstrations (Rick Stein, Paul Ainsworth), and a spectacular fireworks display. |
| Mousehole Christmas Lights | December - Early January | Worth the scenic drive. One of the UK's most famous light displays, where the entire harbour is illuminated with incredible floating displays of sea creatures and ships. |
| Ice Skating at the Eden Project | Oct - Feb | Enjoy a magical outdoor ice skating session under the cover of the biomes, followed by hot chocolate and festive treats. |
| Boxing Day Swim | December 26th | For the brave! A refreshing dip in the Atlantic at a local beach (like Trevone or Padstow Harbour) to burn off the Christmas pudding—a true Cornish tradition. |