From open-air Shakespeare performances in subtropical gardens to art workshops that connect your creativity with nature, see below for our top list of what’s on in south Cornwall during summer 2023.

Twelfth Night and other performances at Trebah Garden

21st July 2023 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Twelfth Night was first performed in 1602. Four hundred and twenty-one years on, Trebah Gardens are proud and privileged to bring this extraordinary play to you in their amphitheatre by Duke’s Theatre Company. Surrounded by subtropical majesty, the full text will be presented in all its glory; with innovative production design to support the unparalleled energy of a wonderful cast; original music so that Shakespeare’s songs are heard in a whole new way.

Whether you’re an audience member in 2023 or back in 1602, you could be forgiven for thinking that Twelfth Night was going to be the darkest of tragedies: what could be more nightmarish than to lose your twin sibling in a furious storm at sea and to think they’d died?

In fact, a romantic comedy unfolds with a madcap farce at its heart. The broadest of broad humour mixes with moments of unbearable pathos.

Pack a picnic and prepare yourself for a memorable evening at an unforgettable venue.

Falmouth Week

Friday 4th – Sunday 13th August 2023

With its origins as a local sailing regatta dating back at least as far as 1837, the week is an opportunity for sailors and landlubbers to enjoy the many daytime and evening events in the picturesque seaside town of Falmouth in Cornwall. You can expect family friendly activities in the heart of Falmouth town on The Moor, with everything from a 40 foot Victorian carousel, alongside an eclectic market and buzzing atmosphere.

Helford River Regatta

Saturday 5th August 2023  

At the beginning of August, beside the Helford River and one of our very favourite pubs, they will have a roster of races throughout the afternoon for all ages and abilities. On the water, there are rowing, paddleboarding, kayaking and the highly competitive Land & Sea races. On the beach will be the kids’ sandcastle competition, egg and spoon, sack and three-legged races, as well as the dramatic Tug of War competition – assemble your teams of 6 to do battle. The Ferryboat Inn will be firing up its fantastic BBQ at 12:30 pm as well as have live music keeping you dancing until late! All funds raised on the day go to our lifesavers, the RNLI.

Potager Garden Creative Nature – A playful exploration of painting and creativity

Thursday 10th August 2023

Join artists Kitty Hillier and Naomi Hannam in one of our very favourite event venues, creative spaces and eateries in our little pocket of Cornwall. 

Where do you gather inspiration for your art? How do you start a painting when you don’t know where to start? Over this day-long workshop, Kitty and Naomi will support you to look at your everyday surroundings afresh with close observation, experimental drawing and painting, while sharing a range of creative processes that connect you to your creativity and the landscape.

Wander through Potager’s beautiful gardens and take time to notice, look and wonder. Gather objects for inspiration and draw your surroundings, using all of your senses and paying attention to the seasonal transitions, abundance and sounds of summer.

If you are looking to connect to your creativity in nature and find fresh ideas to awaken your imagination, this course is for you. The day includes tea, coffee, all materials and lunch will be available from Potager’s Cafe.

Falmouth Tall Ships

Tuesday 15th – Friday 18th August 2023

An event not to miss, for the first time in nine years, Falmouth will once again host the start of the prestigious Tall Ships Races Magellan Elcano, Falmouth. This will be the sixth time Falmouth has hosted the prestigious regatta and race, with the inaugural one for the town being held in 1966.

Before the race, a Parade of Sail will take place and there will be several days of events. Visitors will have the opportunity to board some of the historic tall ships as they will be sited within the A&P Falmouth Docks. This will be the sixth time Falmouth has hosted the prestigious regatta and race, with the inaugural one for the town being held in 1966.

The tall ships race follows a course from Falmouth to A Coruna in Spain, then onward to Portugal’s capital, Lisbon before finishing in Cadiz, Spain.

Hall For Cornwall BBC Proms

Sunday 27 August 2023 2:00 pm

The world’s greatest classical music festival with stunning performances and collaborations returns to Cornwall at Truro’s Hall for Cornwall.

The Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective, a ‘sparky, shape-shifting ensemble of starry young musicians’, will make its Proms debut. Schubert’s ‘Trout’ Quintet will celebrate the expressive power of each individual instrument with its ebullient, characterful writing; music of unclouded joy and delight. The sun will also shine through Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s richly melodic Nonet, captivating with its warm-hearted opening, song-like slow movement, wicked Scherzo and confident finale. 

Cornish Bank Events

Situated in a former bank in Church Street, The Cornish Bank is Falmouth’s in-town, colourful live-music event space founded by record shop owner, Will Greenham and arts and music event space owner, Rufus Maurice.  

Bringing together live music, gigs, food, drink and creative events in the centre of Falmouth, this is a community-focused space with bags of character and a welcoming and eccentric atmosphere. The Cornish Bank hosts gigs, events and food nearly every night of the week. 

Their long list of upcoming events will run through summer, it’s the perfect spot to spend a less favourable beach day or lively evening and provides ample opportunity to meet friendly locals and Cornish creatives.