Originally a small fishing village, the most westerly town of Cornwall, Penzance, has grown over the centuries into a large, vibrant town and an exceedingly popular tourist destination.
The annual Golowan Festival takes place in Penzance in mid June, offering an eclectic programme of open-air theatre, musical performances and a vibrant fun fair. The event runs for a full week and encompasses the quirky Mazey Day Parades where locals and tourists can witness colourfully decorated floats and be entertained by a host of street performers including musicians, storytellers and choirs.
Many visitors pay a special visit for the Newlyn Fish Festival held on the late-August bank holiday weekend. Celebrating Cornwall’s rich fishing heritage and associated culture, the event features produce stalls, RNLI demonstrations and plenty of live musical entertainment.
In December, Penzance’s Montol Festival comprises six days of events celebrating Cornish traditions and the midwinter solstice. Visitors will be treated to a collection of carol concerts, mummers’ plays (traditional English folk performances), lantern and mask-making workshops, and strolling bands.
All year round, Penzance’s charming Acorn Theatre plays host to a range of creative performances including theatre, dance, music, films and choirs. Occupying a beautiful former Wesleyan Methodist chapel, the venue holds a special place in the hearts of locals and regular visitors alike.
Fans of digging up historical curiosities about Cornwall should pay a visit to Penlee House Gallery and Museum, where fascinating exhibits tell stories of Cornish heritage as well as offering talented artists a platform to showcase their work.
Live Music
Fri 15th May, 2026
The Acorn, Penzance
£18 — £20
Art, Workshops
Fri 15th May, 2026
Morrab Library, Penzance
£8 — £8
Live Music
Sat 16th May, 2026
The Acorn, Penzance
£20 — £20
Family, Workshops
Sat 16th May, 2026
Morrab Library, Penzance
£5 — £5
Community, Family
Fri 15th May, 2026 — Sat 16th May, 2026
Treneere Community Hub (WAC building) and around, Penzance
Community, Festivals, Spiritual & Wellness, Talks, Workshops
Sat 16th May, 2026 — Sun 17th May, 2026
St. John's Hall, Penzance
£0 — £2
Live Music
Sun 17th May, 2026
The Acorn, Penzance
£11 — £11
Live Music
Wed 20th May, 2026
The Acorn, Penzance
£20 — £20
Theatre
Thu 21st May, 2026
The Acorn, Penzance
£12 — £12
Live Music
Fri 22nd May, 2026
The Acorn, Penzance
£18 — £20
Community, Workshops
Fri 22nd May, 2026
Pulse Venue, Heamoor, Penzance
Live Music
Sat 23rd May, 2026
The Acorn, Penzance
£15 — £18
Cornwall 365 Box Office, Live Music
Sun 24th May, 2026
St Buryan Church, Penzance
Book Now
Live Music
Sun 24th May, 2026
The Acorn, Penzance
£16 — £16
Cornish & Heritage, Spoken Word
Wed 27th May, 2026
The Acorn, Penzance
£14 — £14
Cornish & Heritage, Theatre
Thu 28th May, 2026
The Acorn, Penzance
£10 — £12
Live Music
Fri 29th May, 2026
The Acorn, Penzance
£21.50 — £21.50
Spoken Word, Theatre
Fri 29th May, 2026
Wren and Raven, Penzance
£12.50 — £12.50
Book Now
Live Music
Sat 30th May, 2026
The Acorn, Penzance
£20 — £25
Live Music
Sun 31st May, 2026
The Acorn, Penzance
£17.50 — £17.50
