St Ives September Festival 2026: A Cornish Celebration of Creativity

September is one of our favourite times of year in St Ives. The pace of summer begins to slow, the beaches become a little quieter and there’s still plenty happening around town.

And this September brings the return of one of St Ives’ best-loved events: the St Ives September Festival, taking place from 12th–26th September 2026.

For two weeks, St Ives comes alive with music, art, poetry, comedy, exhibitions, open studios, workshops, walks and performances, with events popping up in venues and spaces throughout the town.

The roots of the September Festival stretch back to 1977, when local artists and musicians came together with the idea of creating a celebration of music and the arts.

The first festival followed in September 1978, bringing together everything from folk and chamber music to dance, poetry, theatre, film and fine art. Nearly five decades later, that creative spirit is still very much at the heart of the festival.

Today, it has grown into two weeks of events celebrating the artists, musicians, performers and creative community that have made St Ives such a special place for generations.

There’s a packed programme planned for 2026, so whether you’re spending a couple of days in St Ives or joining us for a longer Cornish escape, there’s always something new to discover.

Expect live music, open studios, exhibitions, workshops and classes, films and talks, guided walks, poetry, comedy and free street entertainment throughout the fortnight.

Music is always a big part of the festival, with the 2026 programme including performances from artists and acts including The Oggymen, Molly Hocking, Steve Knightley and LYR, the musical and spoken-word project featuring Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.

You don’t necessarily need a ticket to get involved either. Pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants across St Ives will host free live music, while the much-loved Norway Square Poetry & Music sessions return every lunchtime from 12.30pm–2pm throughout the festival.

Just minutes from St Ives, The Gannet makes the perfect base for a September Festival escape.

Spend the day dipping in and out of exhibitions, live music and performances before returning to Carbis Bay for a drink, a relaxed dinner and a cosy night at our Cornish coastal inn.

And with four hours of complimentary access to C Bay Spa at Carbis Bay Estate included with your stay, you can add a little downtime to your festival break too.

Whether you’re joining us for a couple of nights or making a longer stay of it, September is a wonderful time to rediscover St Ives.

St Ives September Festival 2026 runs from Saturday 12th to Saturday 26th September.

Explore the full programme on the official St Ives September Festival website and start planning your September escape.

Make The Gannet your home by the coast and enjoy two weeks of music, art and culture with beautiful St Ives just minutes away.