What’s On In 2026: Events In and Around Port Isaac
Are you planning a holiday to Port Isaac this year? With so much going on in 2026, we’re looking forward to every season.
The year always starts out slowly and restfully in North Cornwall, perfect for calm breaks to reset, but once spring arrives the flowers bloom and things start to get going with the celebration of Cornwall’s patron saint, St Piran. This year there are some fantastic music festivals and performances taking place through the spring, summer and autumn that you might want to plan your holiday around, as well as the return of North Cornwall Book Festival in the autumn. If you’re setting yourself a physical challenge this year then as well as being perfectly located on the South West Coast Path, there are numerous sporting events and challenges nearby throughout the year that you can sign up to. As autumn ends Port Isaac embraces the quiet of the winter months before Christmas arrives with its calendar of events and markets that make the festive period in Port Isaac so special.
We are delighted to offer the greatest selection of holiday accommodation in Port Isaac, so whether you are a party of two or twelve we have the perfect place for you to stay. As a locally owned and operated business we love to share the best of our village and are always on hand to offer advice for things to do and help you to make the most of your visit.
We look forward to welcoming you to Port Isaac in 2026.
The New Year
10th January
10K, half marathon, marathon and ultra-marathon distance races starting and finishing at Polzeath that head north eastwards along the coast path and back again. The half marathon turns back just before Port Isaac, but the marathon and ultra-marathon runners go right through the village! This is a spectacular trail run, but very challenging – it is part of the Endurance Life series and the marathon and ultra distances are UTMB qualifiers. Definitely one for the regular off-road runners!
Spring: March, April & May
5th March
The most important day in the Cornish calendar! The national day of Cornwall recognises the patron saint of tin miners, St Piran, and is celebrated all over the county.
Wadebridge Festival of Music and Speech
2nd - 7th March
This six day festival provides a platform for Cornish musicians of all ages. Expect individual performances, music ensembles, choirs and school entires.
14th March
An intimate concert by folk musician Steve Knightley, a founding member of the revered ‘Show of Hands,’ and a highly acclaimed and multi-award-winning singer-songwriter and musician, to open the Endelienta Arts 2026 concert series.
Cornwall Spring Flower Show, Wadebridge
30th & 31st March
Cornwall's answer to the Chelsea Flower Show, taking place at the Royal Cornwall Showground on the outskirts of Wadebridge.
6th - 12th April
The St Endellion Easter Festival concentrates more on smaller-scale orchestral works and brings together a wide range of musicians from all over the world to perform opera, choral, orchestral, chamber and recital concerts in the inspiring and intimate atmosphere St Endellion Church, above Port Isaac.
1st May
Also known as Obby Oss Day, the tradition of May Day is celebrated in Padstow and welcomes in the spring with dancing, music, flowers and traditional dress in the streets of the old harbour town.
Fisherman’s Friends Festival (Sold Out)
22nd – 24th May
Port Isaac’s own The Fisherman’s Friends present a weekend of music and hearty fun at Stithians Showground (an hour’s drive from Port Isaac) in May 2026 celebrating Cornwall. Main Stage line-up includes the band themselves, plus Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Kate Rusby, Skipinnish, Seth Lakeman and much more. Unfortunately, it’s already sold out!
Summer: June, July & August
4th - 6th June
Showcasing all things agriculture, the Royal Cornwall Show is a huge event that takes place in North Cornwall. Thousands of visitors flock to the Showground over the 3-day weekend to eat and drink local produce, watch performances and see heritage breeds.
Late June TBC
The Peter Keeling Cup sees the Rock Sailing and Waterski Club unleash their fleet of Shrimpers and Dinghies for a series of local races.
12th July
This charity swim is held in aid of Marie Curie UK. Participants swim the 1-mile crossing between Padstow and Rock across the Camel Estuary accompanied by safety support.
23rd - 26th July
Rock Oyster Festival is a much-loved Cornish festival that takes place at Little Dinham Farm overlooking the Camel Estuary on the road between Port Isaac and Wadebridge. This year’s music headliners are Groove Armada (DJ set), Scissor Sisters and Kool & the Gang, and alongside them you can expect cooking demos, delicious food and activities for both kids and adults.
28th July - 7th August
One of the most important and well-attended musical events in the local area, the St Endellion Summer Festival Music attracts musicians, singers and fans from all over the world to perform and enjoy opera, choral, orchestral, chamber and recital concerts in an intimate setting at St Endellion Church. 2026 marks fifty years since the death of composer Benjamin Britten, and the festival is marking this anniversary with the landmark premiere of a new version of Britten’s War Requiem, amongst other exciting performances.
August TBC (Usually the Second Weekend in August)
Join the people of Port Isaac on the Platt for the Port Isaac RNLI’s Lifeboat Larks – the village’s annual fundraising event for the local lifeboat. The event includes a day of family-friendly activities, a demonstration by the RNLI lifeboat crew, and a BBQ and bars.
Cornwall Folk Festival, Wadebridge
27th - 31st August
A small-town celebration with a big heart, the Cornwall Folk Festival in Wadebridge brings together contemporary folk names from across the UK alongside brilliant Cornish and southwest musicians.
August TBC
The highlight of the sailing year, Camel Week is held by the Rock Sailing and Waterski club and attracts sailers from far and wide. Suitable for a wide variety of classes and abilities with something for everyone. Also running in August is Junior Camel Week for the youngsters.
Autumn: September & October
1st – 4th September
It’s a bit of a drive up the coast, but Bude Jazz Festival is a must-visit for music-lovers if you’re in Port Isaac at the start of September. Expect a fantastic line-up of musicians from across the UK, each bringing their own unique style, vibrant energy, joyful music, and the community spirit that has made the festival a favourite in Bude for over thirty years.
24th - 27th September TBC
The North Cornwall Book Festival is Endelienta Arts' annual weekend with authors, music, workshops, art, a market, and a popular pop-up café.
Autumn - Dates TBC
After a year off in 2025, we are all hopeful that this wonderful weekend festival will return in 2026. The Port Isaac Sea Shanty Festival truly takes over the village, with venues all over Port Isaac and shanty singing groups and musicians from all over the world performing, filling the village with song! This is a really fantastic weekend to be in Port Isaac, but accommodation books up fast!
Winter: November & December
Big Switch On December 4th TBC
Enjoy Port Isaac illuminated at the annual Christmas lights, switched on in early December with traditional Cornish carols, food and drink, and staying lit all month.
3rd – 6th December TBC
Filling the hole left by the much-loved Padstow Christmas Festival, this weekend-long food festival sees big-tent food demonstrations from national and internationally renowned chefs alongside a Christmas market making the first weekend in December a must-visit.