Top Things to Do in August 2024
1 August
August is officially jam-packed with a variety of things to see and do around the Fal River. What better way to celebrate than to dive right into theatre, themed river cruises, live music, and family fun! Take a look at our top picks for August entertainment.
Pendennis Castle
1st, 13th - 15th: Legendary Joust
Experience the exhilarating spectacle of speed and skill as four legendary knights compete for honour and glory in the grand medieval joust. See lances shatter, feel the thunder of hooves and hear the crowd's roar as reputations are won and lost at Pendennis Castle this summer. The fearless fighters and their magnificent horses will charge at each other at full speed in an unforgettable display of chivalry and sheer courage.
6th - 8th and 20th - 22nd: Knights' Tournament
Go back in time and get up close to the action as rival knights compete in the ultimate test of strength and skill at Pendennis Castle's Knights' Tournament. Four armoured knights and their squires will clash in four gruelling rounds. You'll be transported back to the 15th century as you experience the pageantry, excitement and action of the fearsome tournaments that took place at the castle in days gone by. Take advantage of one of history's most spectacular sporting contests.
Find out more about all events at Pendennis Castle here
St Mawes Town Regatta
3rd August
The St Mawes Regatta has been running for over 180 years. This lively Regatta is a traditional Cornish community day and gets bigger and better every year. There are also plenty of sailing races to watch and get involved in and lots of activities for families to enjoy. The sailing races include local and national sailing classes, rowing, kayaking and swimming. Guaranteed fun for all the family, expect a marquee for Punch and Judy, kids crafts, and face painting. There will be children's beach sports and aquatic sports for children and adults. Plenty of music will keep everyone entertained, including a silver band who will finish their performance with the flora dance and live music from Talan Poore.
Find out more here
The St Mawes Ferry operates three crossings an hour between Falmouth and St Mawes. There will be a special late-night ferry running for the Regatta. Check the St Mawes Ferry timetable here.
Princess Pavilion Street Eats & Beats
Every Thursday in August: 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th
The monthly Street Eats & Beats extravaganza is a brilliant community evening with friends and family. It features a selection of fantastic street food traders and local craft and food stalls, all set to chill DJ vibes. Entry is free, so grab your friends, start the weekend early, and enjoy this fantastic venue's beautiful surroundings, food, tipples and music.
Find out more about all events at the Princess Pavilion here
Staying in St Mawes? Hop on the Thursday late night St Mawes Ferry! The ferry operates between Falmouth and St Mawes.
National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Throughout August
Escape from Treasure Island
Drop anchor at the Museum over the summer holidays for a new family theatre show, a captivating Treasure Map Trail, pirate-themed craft workshops and more. Be transported to Treasure Island this summer, where everything is not quite as it seems. Join our heroes as they race to solve the clues, find the treasure and defeat the baddies.
Treasure Island Trail and Make & Take
Follow the treasure map around the Museum… will you find the X that marks the spot and uncover the treasure? In the Make & Take crafting workshops, create your own paper pirate ship, fashion a pirate hat, craft a flying parrot wrist puppet, or create a little card treasure box for storing all your loot.
Find out more about all events at the NMMC here
Summer at Trelissick
Throughout August
Play on repeat this summer every day at Trelissick! Get active and try traditional games, play tennis on the West Lawn or come along on a Friday to have a go at archery; Fridays 2nd – 30th August, 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm. Embrace your creativity and make-believe in the stables, where you'll find a stage ready for you to dress up and perform.
Explore the garden and have a mini-summer holiday as part of the Trelissick garden trail.
Join children's author Naomi Jones as she reads her latest picture book 'Thunderboots' on 16th August. Find out about the inspiration behind the story, practice your superhero moves and create your very own superhero in an interactive workshop.
Enjoy The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck as Quantum presents a delightful new adaptation of the Beatrix Potter classic tale on 21st August.
Find out more about all events at Trelissick here
Getting there: Enterprise Boats, calling at Malpas, Trelissick & Falmouth; information here
Trebah Garden
9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th: Squashbox
Squashbox Theatre comes to Trebah this month, bringing a host of shows that incorporate puppetry and storytelling, such as Tales from the Trees, Wonderful World, the Sea Show, and Skillywidden.
On the 17th, join Mary, Colin and Dickon as they tell the story of their favourite place in the world - The Secret Garden. A brand new reimagining of the classic Frances Hodgson Burnett book brought to you by The Plandits.
Find out more about all events at Trebah here
Miracle Theatre: Love Riot
Various dates throughout August, including the incredible settings of:
6th: St Mawes Castle
14th: Trelissick Garden
22nd - 24th Enys Gardens
Step into a world of enchanting romance and uproarious comedy with Miracle Theatre's latest outdoor production, Love Riot! In this vibrant reimagining of Hannah Cowley's classic play, The Belle's Stratagem, audiences are transported to a world of scandal, matchmaking, and unexpected twists. With Miracle's signature wit and charm, Love Riot promises an unforgettable evening of laughter and entertainment for audiences of all ages.
Find out more about all performances here
Summer Cruises
Enjoy an evening with a difference - on the water! There are two exciting cruises to choose from this month:
25th: St Mawes Sundowner
For the perfect end to the weekend, enjoy a magical two-hour boat trip from the picturesque village of St Mawes. Sail into the sunset with a chilled tipple and celebrate summer with a cruise from St Mawes Harbour aboard the luxury wooden boat Moyana. Relax, unwind on deck, and drink in the breathtaking landscape and glorious summer sky from a different perspective.
31st: Secrets of Smuggling
Hop aboard for an undercover look at smuggling around the Fal, led by local legend Will from Falmouth Uncovered. This cruise will look at all the secret smuggling stories from days gone by around one of the UK's most prolific coastlines for smuggling.
Find out more about all summer cruises here
BBQ Sundays at The Rosevine
Every Sunday throughout August: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th.
Culinary excellence meets a warm, welcoming atmosphere at The Rosevine Hotel. Unwind with friends and family at this picturesque coastal retreat while savouring the finest BBQ delights. Nestled in the heart of Portscatho, The Rosevine Hotel invites you to indulge in a culinary experience like no other. Don't miss out on this perfect way to end your weekend.
Find out more about dining at The Rosevine here
Late night St Mawes Ferry
Every Thursday: 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
The late-night St Mawes Ferry operates every Thursday between Falmouth and St Mawes, perfect for a family adventure, date night, or somewhere new for dinner. Start the weekend early and hop on board for an evening with a difference.
Find out more about the St Mawes Ferry here
Stay updated with the region's fantastic events by visiting our comprehensive What's On pages online or grab a copy of the Fal River Area Guide for a handy offline reference.