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.
Film
Sat 4th May, 2024
Praa Sands Community Centre, Penzance
£4 — £6
Live Music
Sun 5th May, 2024
The Acorn, Penzance
£18 — £20
Comedy, Workshops
Tue 7th May, 2024
Landithy Hall, Penzance
£7 — £10
Live Music
Fri 10th May, 2024
The Acorn, Penzance
£12.5 — £12.5
Live Music
Sat 11th May, 2024
The Acorn, Penzance
£20 — £22
Theatre
Sun 12th May, 2024
The Acorn, Penzance
£13 — £13
Live Music
Tue 14th May, 2024
The Acorn, Penzance
£28 — £28
C365 Box Office, Comedy, Festivals, Live Music, Spoken Word
Tue 14th May, 2024
Edge of the World Bookshop, Penzance
£6 — £10
Book Now
Theatre
Wed 15th May, 2024
The Acorn, Penzance
£10 — £18
Live Music
Thu 16th May, 2024
The Acorn, Penzance
£10 — £12
Community, Live Music
Fri 17th May, 2024
The Acorn, Penzance
£13 — £15
C365 Box Office, Comedy, Festivals, Live Music, Spoken Word
Fri 17th May, 2024
Penlee Park Open Air Theatre, Penzance
£ — £12
Book Now
Theatre
Sat 18th May, 2024
The Acorn, Penzance
£11 — £44
Cornish & Heritage, Outdoor, Theatre
Sat 18th May, 2024
Battery Rocks, Penzance
£0 — £0
Live Music
Fri 24th May, 2024
The Acorn, Penzance
£20 — £25
C365 Box Office, Comedy, Festivals, Live Music, Spoken Word
Fri 24th May, 2024
Hypatia Trust, Penzance, Penzance
£ — £12
Book Now
Live Music
Sat 25th May, 2024
The Acorn, Penzance
£19.5 — £22
Live Music
Sun 26th May, 2024
The Acorn, Penzance
£15 — £17
Open Studios, Workshops
Mon 27th May, 2024
2 Darlington Road, Longrock, Penzance
£50 — £50
