Luxury stays for the St Ives September Festival
From 12–26 September 2026, the St Ives September Festival returns for 15 days of music, art, theatre, literature and creativity by the sea.
One of Cornwall's best-loved cultural events, the festival transforms St Ives into a vibrant celebration of the arts, with performances, exhibitions, talks, workshops and Open Studios taking place throughout the town.
Set against the backdrop of golden beaches, winding cobbled streets and one of Britain's most celebrated artistic communities, the festival offers the perfect excuse for an autumn escape to Cornwall. Whether you're attending a concert at St Ives Theatre, exploring artist studios tucked away in the town's narrow lanes, browsing galleries overlooking Porthmeor Beach or simply soaking up the atmosphere around the harbour, a luxury self-catering stay allows you to experience the festival at your own pace.
At Cornish Gems, we offer a collection of handpicked holiday homes across St Ives and West Cornwall, from sea-view apartments and romantic retreats to dog-friendly cottages and family-sized coastal escapes. Stay close to the festival action while enjoying all the comforts of home.
Why stay in a holiday home during the St Ives September Festival?
Unlike many festivals, the St Ives September Festival is woven into the fabric of the town itself. Events take place in galleries, theatres, churches, cafés, pubs and community venues, encouraging visitors to slow down, explore and immerse themselves in St Ives' unique creative atmosphere.
A luxury holiday home gives you the freedom to enjoy the festival on your own schedule. Start the day with breakfast overlooking the sea, spend the afternoon discovering exhibitions and artist studios, then return after an evening performance to your own private retreat.
Many of our properties also feature sea views, hot tubs, enclosed gardens and dog-friendly facilities, making them perfect for extending your stay beyond the festival itself.
The best places to stay for the St Ives September Festival
- St Ives: Stay at the heart of the festival and enjoy easy access to galleries, restaurants, performance venues and the harbour. With events taking place throughout the town, St Ives is the ideal base for visitors wanting to immerse themselves in the festival atmosphere.
- Carbis Bay: Just a few minutes from St Ives, Carbis Bay offers a quieter setting with a beautiful Blue Flag beach and easy access to the festival via road or rail.
- Gwithian, Godrevy & Hayle: Home to miles of golden sand and spectacular estuary views, Gwithian, Godrevy and Hayle offer easy access to both St Ives and the wider attractions of West Cornwall.
- Wider West Cornwall: From picturesque fishing villages to secluded coastal retreats, West Cornwall provides endless opportunities to combine the festival with a longer holiday exploring Cornwall's dramatic coastline.
Find your perfect stay for St Ives September Festival
During the St Ives September Festival, the whole town takes on a creative buzz.
Events spill out across galleries, theatres, churches, studios and harbour-side venues, giving you the perfect reason to explore St Ives at a slower pace.
Between performances, wander Porthmeor Beach, browse the galleries around Fore Street, watch fishing boats in the harbour, or settle in for a long lunch overlooking the water.
Looking for the perfect base? Whether you're seeking a romantic retreat for two, a dog-friendly cottage by the coast or a large holiday home for friends and family, you'll find a Cornish Gems stay perfectly suited to your festival visit.
Driftwood
A luxury eco-home set in the dunes of West Cornwall
- Sleeps 6
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- 2 Dogs
What's on at the St Ives September Festival?
Since 1978, the St Ives September Festival has celebrated the town's rich artistic heritage through a diverse programme of music, theatre, visual arts, literature and creative experiences.
Live music, theatre & performance
Music has always been at the heart of the festival.
Visitors can enjoy an eclectic programme spanning folk, jazz, classical, contemporary music, comedy, spoken word and theatre performances across venues including St Ives Theatre, St Ia Church and St Ives Arts Club.
From intimate acoustic sets to headline performances, the festival offers something for every taste.
Art, galleries and Open Studios
Few places are better suited to an arts festival than St Ives.
Home to world-renowned institutions such as Tate St Ives, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, Penwith Gallery and Leach Pottery, the town has long been a source of inspiration for artists.
Throughout the festival, local galleries host special exhibitions while artists open their studios to visitors, offering a rare opportunity to meet makers, view works in progress and gain insight into St Ives' thriving creative community.
Workshops, talks and creative experiences
Alongside music and exhibitions, the festival programme includes poetry readings, author talks, films, guided walks and hands-on workshops.
Visitors can try their hand at painting, learn more about Cornwall's artistic heritage or enjoy thought-provoking discussions with writers, artists and performers throughout the fortnight.
Frequently asked questions about St Ives September Festival
The St Ives September Festival is one of Cornwall's best-loved cultural events, bringing together music, art, theatre, literature, film, workshops and creative experiences across the town. Running for over two weeks each September, the festival celebrates the rich artistic heritage of St Ives through a diverse programme of events and performances.
The 2026 St Ives September Festival takes place from 12–26 September 2026, with events running throughout the fortnight at venues across the town.
Unlike a traditional festival site, events take place throughout St Ives in galleries, theatres, churches, studios, cafés and community venues. This gives visitors the opportunity to explore the town while enjoying the festival programme.
Yes. Many visitors stay in nearby locations such as Carbis Bay, Lelant, Hayle and other parts of West Cornwall while enjoying easy access to festival events.
A self-catering holiday home allows you to experience the festival at your own pace. Enjoy breakfast overlooking the sea, spend the day exploring galleries and performances, then return to your own private retreat after an evening event. It's a flexible and comfortable way to combine the festival with a Cornwall getaway.
Cornish Gems offers a wide range of luxury self-catering accommodation, including romantic retreats, sea-view apartments, family holiday homes, dog-friendly cottages and larger properties for groups travelling together.
St Ives itself is ideal if you want to be at the heart of the festival. Carbis Bay offers a quieter coastal setting nearby, while Gwithian, Godrevy and Hayle provide easy access to the town and the wider attractions of West Cornwall.
Yes. St Ives is one of Cornwall's easiest destinations to reach by rail. Visitors can travel to St Erth and connect to the scenic St Ives branch line, which arrives in the centre of town. Many festival venues, galleries, restaurants and beaches are within walking distance.
Not at all. While art plays an important role, the programme also includes live music, theatre, comedy, literature, film, talks, workshops and community events. There's something to suit a wide range of interests.
Some festival events are ticketed, while others are free to attend. We recommend checking the official festival programme before your visit and booking popular performances, talks and concerts in advance, as many events sell out quickly.
Yes. Cornish Gems offers a selection of dog-friendly holiday cottages across West Cornwall, making it easy to bring your four-legged friend along for your autumn break.
Absolutely. The combination of live music, art, coastal scenery and excellent food makes the festival particularly popular with couples looking for a cultural escape by the sea.
Many visitors do. The festival provides the perfect reason to visit West Cornwall in September, with plenty of time to explore beaches, galleries, coastal walks, gardens and attractions before or after festival events.
A long weekend is ideal for experiencing the highlights, but many visitors stay for four to seven nights or longer to make the most of both the festival and everything West Cornwall has to offer.
The festival is one of the highlights of Cornwall's autumn calendar, and accommodation in St Ives and the surrounding area can book up quickly. We recommend booking early for the best choice of properties and locations.
A holiday home gives you more space, privacy and flexibility than a hotel room. You'll have your own kitchen, living areas and outdoor space, allowing you to relax between events and enjoy a more immersive Cornwall experience.
Book your accommodation for the St Ives September Festival
From harbour-side concerts and artist studios to coastal walks and gallery hopping, the St Ives September Festival offers a unique way to experience Cornwall in the autumn.
Browse our collection of luxury holiday homes across St Ives and West Cornwall or contact our Guest Experience team on 01872 241241 (option 1) to find your perfect festival escape.
Cornwall's best festivals
Not around for the St Ives September Festival? Head to our blog for our complete guide to Cornwall's best festivals.
