Top things to do in September (2024)

Welcome to September in Cornwall. It's that sweet spot between seasons - still sunny enough for beach days, but with a hint of autumn's calm in the air.

As the summer winds down, Cornwall comes alive with a variety of events that allow you to make the most of these last sun-soaked days. From BBQs that let you indulge in the flavours of summer one last time, to festivals that celebrate Cornwall's rich cultural heritage, there’s no shortage of activities to fill your calendar.

Now's your chance to really soak in Cornwall's beauty. Stroll along quiet coastal paths, explore sleepy towns, or discover a hidden garden or two. Whether you're after a bit of adventure, some culinary delights, or just a peaceful wander, Cornwall in September has something up its sleeve for everyone. So grab a Cornish ice cream (it's never too cold for one of those) and check out our top picks for things to do this month. Trust us, September might just be Cornwall's best-kept secret.

It’s our last chance to enjoy a BBQ before the roast season well and truly kicks in. Why not let someone else do the work with the BBQ while you sit back and relax at one of these events.

The Rosevine
1st and 7th September
Make the most of the lingering sunshine at The Rosevine where they will be kicking off September with a sumptuous BBQ feast. Unwind with friends and family in the picturesque coastal retreat nestled right in the heart of Portscatho. Enjoy dishes like BBQ’d smoked pork belly, salmon in paprika and honey, or a steak burger topped with brisket and crispy bacon, alongside fresh sides from the salad bar. For those who don’t eat meat, options like miso-crusted butternut squash steaks and vegan burgers are also available. Pair your meal with a selection of fresh sides from the salad bar and finish off with a Roskilly’s ice cream topped with toasted almonds and a chocolate flake.

Trebah Beach BBQ with live music from Will Keating
20th September
Embrace the Cornish Spirit at Trebah’s Beach BBQ with music from local favourite Will Keating. Set on Trebah’s private beach, you can expect a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for gathering friends, family, or even colleagues to enjoy the last tastes of summer.Alongside the BBQ and entertainment, your ticket also includes entry to Trebah Garden from 4pm, giving you the chance to explore the subtropical paradise that Trebah is known for. Take your time wandering through the garden’s lush landscapes before settling in for an evening of great food, music, and stunning seaside views as the show kicks off at 6:30pm.

Housel Bay Summer Sundays
Every Sunday throughout September
Hang onto the taste of Summer with Housel Bay’s Summer Sundays menu served every Sunday throughout September. Expect all the BBQ classics alongside some elevated dishes including seasonal small plates and sharers, fresh Cadgwith lobsters, local BBQ meat and burgers and more. Settle in for al fresco dining on the terrace, overlooking the stunning Lizard Peninsula.

14th - 28th September
Celebrate Cornwall’s vibrant art scene at the St Ives September Festival, set against the backdrop of one of Cornwall’s most beautiful towns. This two-week-long event is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich mix of music, art, and culture. Wander through the town enjoying live music and street entertainment, attend workshops ranging from yoga and aerial arts to intuitive painting and creative writing, celebrating art in all its forms. Explore open studios showcasing the talent of local artists, and on Saturday the 14th, join in the fun with a sandcastle competition on Porthminster Beach.

Art lovers also won’t want to miss the final chance to see the Maresias exhibition at The Tate, exhibiting until 29th September.

25th – 29th September
Enjoy a mouth-watering experience with the return of the Truro Food Festival, running from September 25th to 29th. This harvest-time celebration will shine a light on the many talented up-and-coming chefs, as well as some familiar faces, through engaging chef demos. Showcasing local artisans and small businesses offering a range of fresh local produce alongside home grown food and drink, it’s the perfect opportunity to get a true taste of Cornwall.

Alongside culinary highlights, expect live entertainment, all your favourite Cornish street food vendors and of course plenty of family fun.

Saturday 7th September
Get ready for a vibrant day out in Newquay with a series of events perfect for a family day out. Start your day at Newquay’s BIG Market with around 50 local makers, producers, and small businesses, it's the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts, support local talent, while enjoying live entertainment, creative sessions, and community fun. With Christmas just around the corner (the 16th marks 100 days left!) it’s a great opportunity for the forward planners to pick up Christmas gifts.

The market takes place alongside Newquay's Summer Finale, a free family fun day at the Killacourt, featuring games, activities, and live music for the whole family to enjoy.

After exploring all the market has to offer and getting your fill of free fun at the Summer Finale, head down to the Newquay Harbour Festival where The Boathouse will be hosting a celebration of community spirit and local enterprise. The Boathouse and Newquay BID, together with Cornwall Shop Small, have curated an exciting line-up of events that highlight the best of the town. Expect cooking demonstrations from talented Cornish chefs, a Harbour Rockpool Ramble, interactive gin flavouring sessions, wine tastings, and live music throughout the day. This vibrant event is all about coming together to enjoy Newquay's unique charm and celebrate the local produce that makes the town special.

Experience Heligan like never before with their summer events. From guided foraging walks to seasonal suppers made with Heligan's own produce.

Sunrise Sessions
5th, 12th, 19th and 26th September
Wake up with Heligan with their Sunrise sessions offering you the opportunity to wander through the beautiful gardens and ancient Estate in the peaceful early morning. Watch the sun rise over St Austell Bay from the Northern Summerhouse, with only the sound of birdsong to accompany you. It’s a chance to slow down, reflect, and soak in the calm before the day begins.

Awenek! The Great Cornish Heritage Festival
8th September
Celebrate Cornish heritage and tradition at Heligan with Awenek, a one day festival packed with hands-on activities, demonstrations, re-enactments and performances showcasing everything that makes Cornwall special. Throughout the festival you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at Cornish wrestling, explore an Early Medieval encampment or see the endangered craft of Cornish hedging in action. After a day full of action, sit back and listen to Ed Rowe, “The Kernow King”, regale you with stories of Cornish heroes and heroines. Then end the day cheering on Heligan’s Cornish warriors as they take part in an exciting battle to bring the festival to an end.

Heligan Working Horse Weekend
14th – 15th September 10.30am – 4pm
Celebrate the past, present and future of working horses and all of Heligan’s unique and wonderful breeds during their Working Horse Weekend. Get up close to these magnificent animals during a meet-and-greet session and watch them in action as they demonstrate their strength and skill across the Heligan estate.

At The Barn, AWCF Farrier Rob Bankbrook will showcase traditional blacksmithing techniques, offering a fascinating glimpse into the craftsmanship behind horseshoes. Don’t miss the highlight of the event—the Concours d’Elegance ride, where horses and riders will gracefully parade around the estate, offering a beautiful display of tradition and elegance.

Garden and Estate Foraging Walks
26th September
Join Heligan’s expert forager, Emma Gunn, for an insightful walk around the garden and estate, where you'll explore the abundance of Heligan’s hedgerows and natural habitats. Learn how to identify and use a wide range of edible plants, from crafting recipes to understanding their healing properties, while also gaining knowledge on toxic lookalikes and sustainable foraging practices. The walk concludes at the estate's Learning Den, where you can sample foraged snacks and ask Emma all your questions about harvesting and eating from the wild.

20th – 22nd September
Whether you’re a visitor looking to delve into Cornish culture, or have mining connections and would like to pay tribute to hardworking men and women who shaped Cornwall's rich industrial past, this event provides a special opportunity to connect with history.

The event kicks off with Miner’s Day on Friday 20th September at 4 pm, featuring an organised walk from the Miner statue in Redruth Town to Wheal Uny, where two chimney stacks will be smoked in honour of miners in Cornwall and around the world. Led by Will and Hetty from Cobweb Tours, along with the Redruth Festival Band, this walk offers a tribute to Cornwall’s mining heritage, though the uneven terrain means suitable footwear is recommended and may not be accessible to those with a disability.

Throughout the weekend, expect plenty of storytelling, workshops, and interactive stalls that celebrate Cornwall’s mining legacy. Saturday 21st September, known as Pasty Day, will see the streets of Redruth come alive with pasty competitions, live music, and an array of cultural performances, all in honour of the miners before us along with the beloved Cornish pasty.

The celebration concludes with the Mining Pilgrimage Festival on Sunday 22nd September, beginning with a procession at 10 a.m. from Wheal Basset Stamp House to Wheal Uny Engine House, followed by the formal service at 11:30 a.m. at St Euny Church.

8th September
The highlight of the month for dogs and their owners, A Doggy Summer Fete by Miss Ivy Events brings an activity-packed day dedicated to all things canine.

Dogs can enjoy an action-packed day with have-a-go agility courses, scurries, scent games, cani-cross, and more. It’s a chance for them to let loose, have fun, and maybe even learn a new trick or two! Also taking place include activities to help supported charities raise funds including a Charity Dog Show, where all proceeds will be donated to Gables Dog and Cats Home.

Every ticket includes a special treat for your dog – a puppachino and biscuit from Wags Café – ensuring they’re pampered and well-fed throughout the day. And of course, there’s plenty for the humans to enjoy, too. Indulge in street food while browsing over 20 exhibitors offering everything from leads and toys to treats and pet services.