Events in Newquay: Your Complete Guide to Cornwall's Entertainment Hub

Newquay, Cornwall's vibrant coastal town, has established itself as a premier destination for world-class events that celebrate music, sport, and culture. From international music festivals to action-packed sporting competitions, the town's event calendar draws visitors from across the globe, cementing its reputation as the Southwest's entertainment capital.

Boardmasters: Where Music Meets Ocean Culture

The crown jewel of Newquay's event scene, Boardmasters Festival combines the best of music, surfing, and coastal living. Set against the stunning backdrop of Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach, this five-day festival attracts over 50,000 attendees annually. More than just a music festival, Boardmasters showcases professional surfing competitions, offering spectators the chance to witness world-class athletes riding Cornwall's famous waves.

The festival's main stage at Watergate Bay has hosted international headliners while maintaining strong ties to local talent, creating an eclectic mix that perfectly captures Newquay's spirit. Beyond the music, the festival's Surf Village at Fistral Beach has become a hub for surf culture, featuring demonstrations, competitions, and lifestyle brands that celebrate the sport.

UK Surf and Skate Expo: The Alternative Sports Showcase

The UK Surf and Skate Expo represents Newquay's dedication to board sports culture. This dynamic event brings together the best of British surfing and skateboarding, offering a platform for both emerging talent and established professionals. The expo features competitive events, industry showcases, and keynote speakers such as Andrew “Cotty” Cotton and former world champion Shaun Tomson this will be the biggest surf industry event in the UK in 2025.

Professional demonstrations and workshops provide attendees with unique insights into these dynamic sports, while the trade show element connects enthusiasts with leading brands and local craftspeople.

Killacourt Events: Community Spirit in the Heart of Town

The recently renovated Killacourt has emerged as Newquay's premier outdoor events space, hosting a diverse calendar of community-focused activities throughout the year. This historic location, with its panoramic coastal views, provides a stunning setting for everything from local food festivals to live music performances and cultural celebrations.

During summer months, the Killacourt comes alive with monthly markets, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. The space has become integral to Newquay's cultural identity, offering a platform for local artists, performers, and vendors to showcase their talents and products to both residents and visitors.

Vibrant Market Scene: Local Flavors and Crafts

Newquay's market scene has evolved into a cornerstone of local life, with regular events showcasing the best of Cornish produce and craftsmanship. The monthly Farmers' Market brings fresh, local produce to the heart of town, while the seasonal Craft Markets feature handmade goods from local artisans. During summer months, the Newquay BIG Markets transform the town centrr into a bustling  destination, complete with street food vendors, live entertainment, and unique shopping opportunities.

New for 2025 the Newquay Food Festival, held in July, will become a  highlight, featuring diverse cuisines from local vendors and liove cooking demonstrations. These markets not only provide shopping opportunities but create a vibrant atmosphere that enhances Newquay's appeal as a destination.

Seasonal Celebrations: Calendar Highlights

Newquay's event calendar follows the rhythm of the seasons, each bringing its own unique celebrations:

Spring Events

The Easter Weekend combines traditional activities with modern entertainment, including free Easter egg hunts for all the family to enjoy! 

Summer Highlights

Beyond Boardmasters, summer brings a whole load of exciting events, featuring outdoor cinemas, Newquay Markets and a wide variety of community events. The Summer Sessions music series at on the Killacourt keeps the town buzzing with live performances.

Autumn Activities

The Newquay Harbour Festival celebrates Newquay's fishing heritage with cookery demonstrations and beach entertainment. October's Zombie Crawl has become a hugely popular event, bringing Halloween festivities to the streets.

Winter Festivities

The Christmas programme transforms Newquay into a winter wonderland, with the Christmas Lights Switch-on event drawing thousands. The New Year's Eve celebrations, featuring fireworks over the harbour, provide a spectacular finale to the year's events.

Please see the events calendar for what’s on in Newquay each month, alternatively scroll down to see what else is in this section.