Autumn is the perfect time to visit Cornwall. The summer crowds have departed, the weather is often lovely and there’s still plenty happening. From festivals to fun days, there's something to suit everyone and the cottages at Middle Colenso are a great base for exploring what’s on in West Cornwall and slightly further afield. Here’s our roundup of some of the main events taking place over the next couple of months.
Redruth Pasty and Mining Festival
The festival kicks off with the creation of giant pasty at the Miner's Statue on Fore Street. There will be food and drink stalls and an exhibitor about Mexico and its connection to Cornwall's mining and pasty history.
Breeze Art and Makers Fair
September 13th to 15th
Historic Trereife House on the outskirts of Penzance will be hosting this popular event that showcases the work of more than 80 artists and makers.
St Ives September Festival
September 14 to 28th
One of the biggest events on the autumn calendar. The whole town comes alive with art, music, literature, workshops, guided walks, exhibitions, talks and more.
Godolphin Heritage Open Days
September 16th to 20th
Explore the garden and outbuildings at the historic country estate free of charge all this week.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/godolphin
The Little Big Gig Bash
September 20th to 21st
A two-day family festival at Henrys Campsite on the Lizard with live music and ale as well as lots of activities for children.
Otobong Nkanga at Tate St Ives
September 20th to January 5th
Nigerian-born contemporary artist Otobong Nkanga will install new and existing works at Tate St Ives. Nkanga's drawings, installations, photographs and sculptures address complex and fraught histories around the politics of land and its relationship to the body.
Red Panda Weekend at Paradise Park
September 21st and 22nd
The red pandas are a firm favourite at the Hayle-based wildlife park and you can get to meet them during this special weekend. The event is in aid of the Red Panda Network which is establishing the world’s first protected area dedicated to red pandas in Nepal.
Truro Food festival
September 27th to 29th
Cornwall has become one of the country’s favourite foodie destinations in recent years. Come and sample everything the county has to offer at this two-day event at Truro’s Lemon Quay.
The South West Outdoor Festival
September 27th to 29th
The National Trust and Cotswold have teamed up to offer this festival of all things outdoors. Taking place at Penrose, near Helston, it will give people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to try a range of activities such as trail running, mountain biking, kayaking and even axe throwing.
Proms at the Minack with the Mount Charles Band
September 28th and 29th
Re-live the atmosphere of the Last Night of the Proms at Cornwall’s famous outdoor theatre.
Dog Day 2019 at the Jubilee Pool
September 29th
Penzance’s iconic Art Deco lido is a firm favourite with swimmers throughout the summer but dogs get to enjoy a dip once a year just before the pool closes for the season.
Head Gardener Tours at St Michael's Mount
Fridays in October
Find out about the challenges of gardening in this iconic and challenging location.
CAMRA Kernow Falmouth Beer Festival
October 3rd to 5th
This year’s festival will feature more than 245 real ales, 80 ciders, 20 Cornish craft beers, and 15 Cornish gins. There will also be a selection of street food and entertainment from local singers, musicians and bands.
https://cornwall.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=64476
Movies by Moonlight at the Minack Theatre
October 4th and 5th
Two classic films, Rebecca and Jaws, will be showing on the big screen at the Minack Theatre.
Giving Thanks at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
October 5th
Local artist Claire Lucas leads a meditative day of creating art using found materials. The ticket price includes lunch at Tremenheere Kitchen.
Ocean Film Festival
October 9th and 10th
Redruth Regal Theatre hosts the Ocean Film Festival for two evenings of ocean-themed films. The festival celebrates our connection to the ocean and those who have dedicated their lives to it.
Falmouth Oyster Festival
10 Oct 2019 to 13 Oct 2019
Falmouth’s famous oysters take centre stage this weekend. The festival includes cookery demonstrations by leading local chefs, oysters, seafood, wine and local ale, sea shanties, and marquees brimming with Cornish produce.
A Tale of Mother's Bones, Newlyn Art Gallery and The Exchange
October 19th to January 4th
An exhibition exploring the work of Grace Pailthorpe, Reuben Mednikoff and the birth of psychorealism.
Autumn fun day at Trengwainton Garden
October 20th
A day to celebrate all things autumnal including pumpkin carving, games and kitchen garden snacks.