St Ives September Festival: What to See & Do
Every September, the town of St Ives comes alive with a vibrant celebration of art, music and culture. Now in its fifteen-day run (Saturday 13th to Saturday 27th September), the St Ives September Festival offers an inspiring mixture of exhibitions, performances, workshops, theatre, walks, comedy, poetry, films and more.
If you’re thinking of attending, here are some of the top things to see and do – plus insider tips to help you soak up everything this festival has to offer.
Top Things to See & Do
Headline Shows & Live Music
Steve Knightley (of Show of Hands), bringing both familiar favourites and new material to St Ives Theatre.
Martin Simpson, a master of acoustic & slide guitar, returns for another performance.
Martha Tilston – folk artist, filmmaker – offers an intimate and artistic show.
And don’t miss Fascinating Aida — witty, smart, cabaret-style performance; their final night (September 27) has already sold out.
These are ticketed events, so booking ahead is strongly recommended. Venues like the newly renovated St Ives Theatre will be buzzing.
Open Studios & Art Exhibitions
One of the festival’s greatest charms is its Open Studios trail, where local artists throw open their workshops so you can see see their work and the space they use to create.
Galleries throughout St Ives – including Penwith Gallery, Leach Pottery, Tate St Ives and many smaller ones – host free or low-cost exhibitions. Great chance to explore the huge variety of art that St Ives has to offer.
Creative Workshops
Try drawing, painting, or pottery workshops ideal whether you’re a beginner or more practiced. We have a very limited number of places remaining on our half-day workshops, all taught be experienced artists, based in the historic Porthmeor Studios.
Love Drawing Landscape
16 Sept | 13.30
Liz Luckwell
Working in the landscape and in the studio learn of interpreting the world through your drawings.
Surrealism + The Spirit of Place
17 Sept | 09.30
Greg Humphries
Join Greg Humphries for an unusual & enchanting journey to explore the Spirit of Place through the use of art.
Mindful Ways to Paint
17 Sept | 09.30
Kitty Hillier
Take a pause from your day-to day life and discover a journey into mindful ways to paint.
Walks, Tours & Talks: Porthmeor Studios
There is always a huge range of guided walks around St Ives, exploring the history, local architecture, and artist-heritage. The historic Porthmeor Studios will play host to a number of events, here are just a few of our highlights:
Memories of Barbara, Ben and the St Ives Modernists
15 Sept | 10.30
In this film, Sir Alan Bowness tells how he first came to St Ives, and his memories of the St Ives artists in the 50s/60s, especially Hepworth, Nicholson, Lanyon, Heron, Frost and Hilton.
History of the St Ives Downlong Communities
23 Sept | 14.30
Janet Axten is currently researching the fascinating yet ignored stories of those living and working Downlong, St Ives over the past two centuries; from fishing & mining, to discussing faith and housing during that time.
Artist Talk: Rebecca Moss
25 Sept | 18.00-19.30
Over the last three months, Rebecca Moss has been in residence in Studio 9, and during this time has discovered many exciting sources of inspiration, visiting many local museums and experiencing the Cornish landscape on long walks.
Street Entertainment & Atmosphere
The festival opens with a burst of street entertainment, including marching bands, performances in the open air. Great for wandering, getting surprised, and absorbing the local atmosphere. Buskers, small pop-ups, impromptu performances across venues add to the festival’s charm.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Festival
Book in advance for ticketed shows: Popular performances (like Fascinating Aida, Talland House Garden Talks) often sell out early.
Plan your days with variety: mix events (e.g. a workshop or talk in the morning, an exhibition in the afternoon, live music or theatre in the evening).
Check times & venues carefully: Multiple venues across town and open studios have varying opening hours.
Allow time to explore the town: Beaches, cafés, galleries outside the festival programme. The environment is part of the experience.
Be flexible with weather: Outdoor events/street entertainment may be affected. Having a backup plan (indoors, theatres, galleries) is wise.
Stay close or centrally: It reduces time lost in travel between events/venues, and lets you soak up the festival atmosphere.
And most importantly… enjoy!
11/9/2025
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