Golowan Festival is Penzance’s joyful midsummer (St John’s) celebration in Penzance, United Kingdom, held each late June with days of community arts that peak on Mazey Day and Quay Fair Day. Expect giant street parades, pop-up markets, the Mock Mayor of the Quay, and Cornish characters like Penglaz ‘Obby ’Oss, plus the hand-in-hand Serpent Dance and the harbour-side Summer Fire fireworks. It’s best enjoyed by wandering the town centre all day.
DATES & TIMES
• Festival dates (2026): Friday, June 19–Sunday, June 28, 2026. Official festival site.
• Key weekend dates (2026): Mazey Day Saturday, June 27, 2026; Quay Fair Day Sunday, June 28, 2026. Organizer dates.
• Event-by-event timings and updates are published in the official programme (PDF) and listings (released in May). Programme 2026.
LOCATION
• Penzance, Cornwall, England (events across town, including the town center and harbour/promenade area). Open in Google Maps.
• Quay Fair area (organizer): Battery Road, Penzance. Map. Essential Information.
• Visitor information (official tourism source): Visit Cornwall.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• The organizer states the majority of events are free (parades, street entertainment, exhibitions), while some music events are ticketed; see the programme for details. Organizer FAQ.
• Check each official listing for any ticketing/registration requirements and capacity notes. Programme 2026.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Road closures are in effect around the harbour/promenade area during the festival period; see the organizer’s published closure times. Essential Information.
• If driving, the organizer recommends parking at St Erth station and taking the train one stop to Penzance. Map. Organizer travel notes.
• Lost children guidance is published by the organizer (keep children close; contact a steward if needed). Lost children info.
• Organizer contact: info@golowanfestival.org · +44 1736 369686. Official contact.