While St Ives is best known for its golden beaches and thriving art scene, the town also has a buzzing entertainment calendar that caters to both locals and visitors. From film nights to live music, there’s always something happening to keep evenings lively after a day by the sea.
St Ives Theatre - Kidz R Us
The St Ives Theatre, home to the award-winning Kidz R Us Theatre Group, is a vibrant hub of performance in the town.
Based in a newly refurbished Wesleyan chapel just a short stroll from the harbour, the group is renowned for its high-energy productions, from family-friendly musicals to classic plays, all staged with professional flair.
Loved by locals and visitors alike, Kidz R Us has become a cornerstone of St Ives’ cultural scene, offering year-round entertainment that showcases the incredible talent of young performers in Cornwall.
LOCATION MAP: Lower Stennack, St Ives TR26 1QG
The Cinema
The main cinema in St Ives ain't posh. It is a small place tucked away in a fairly tatty building opposite the Kidz R Us Theatre on The Stennack in St Ives.
It may be small but it shows all the latest releases for REALLY good prices. They also have childrens sessions on a weekend called Mini Merlins.
LOCATION MAP: Royal Square, St Ives TR26 2ND
The Guildhall
I've included the Guildhall on this list. It is currently closed for re furbishment but it will reopen next year. Once reopened there will be lots of entertainment!
LOCATION MAP: Street-An-Pol, St Ives, St Ives TR26 2DS
Amusement Arcade
The Arcade in St Ives is a proper good old fashioned type of arcade, with 2p machines, a shooting gallery and loads of arcade game. It is a firm favourite with our children.
Drop them in there for an hour or so with a load of 2ps and sit with a coffee on one of the benches outside. A great way to spend the afternoon.
LOCATION MAP: Wharf Rd, St Ives TR26 1LF
Pool & Billiards Club
The Harbour Pool & Billiards club is on Wharf Road and has a good selection of full sized snooker and pool tables to play on. They also have darts and other games, plus sky sports. You can buy temporary membership for £5 a week, or yearly membership for £25 a year.
LOCATION MAP: Wharf Rd, St Ives TR26 1LF
Harbour Pool & Billiards Club website >>
Escape Time
Escape Time St Ives is a thrilling escape room venue where teams of 2–6 players get 60 minutes to crack themed puzzles and safely escape the room.
Choose between the eerie horror challenge "The St Ives Slayer", or embark on a swashbuckling quest in "The Lost Treasure of Pirate Kernow", both brought to life with immersive set design, sound effects, and props.
It's a top-rated spot for families, friends, rainy-day fun, birthdays, or corporate team building.
LOCATION MAP: First Floor, Cornerstone House, Park Ave, St Ives TR26 2DN
Ghost Tours With Shanty Baba
Shanty Baba is a celebrated professional storyteller who has brought Cornwall’s spooky folklore, pirate legends, and town tales to life for over two decades in St Ives.
In 2025, he’s offering his Lantern Ghost Storywalk, a captivating evening tour by lantern light filled with eerie legends and haunted histories.
Live Music
Live music is a big part of the atmosphere in St Ives, with plenty of venues offering everything from acoustic sets to lively bands.
The Western Hotel’s Kettle ’n’ Wink is a firm favourite for regular gigs and open mic nights, while pubs like The Castle Inn and The Sloop often host local musicians.
In summer, the streets and harbourside fill with talented buskers, and bigger events like the St Ives September Festival bring a wide mix of live performances across venues including the Guildhall and St Ives Arts Club.
Another great form of live music that happens in St Ives and Cornwall are Shanty Shouts. This is where groups of singers go round the pubs performing.
For more information about the St Ives Shanty Shout click here >>
Quiz Nights
Quiz nights are a much-loved part of St Ives’ social scene, perfect for testing your knowledge over a drink with friends.
Local pubs like The Castle Inn and The Golden Lion host regular quizzes with plenty of good-natured competition.
A real highlight is Liz’s Quizzes, a hugely popular pub quiz that tours venues around St Ives, bringing laughter, tricky questions, and a great community vibe.
Whether you’re a serious quizzer or just in it for the fun, St Ives has plenty of evenings to keep your brain buzzing.
Liz's Quizzes Facebook Page >>
The Minack Theatre
The Minack Theatre is one of Cornwall’s most iconic attractions. It is a spectacular open-air theatre carved into the granite cliffs above Porthcurno.
With the Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop, it stages everything from Shakespeare and musicals to children’s theatre and concerts, creating an unforgettable experience where the drama on stage is matched by the crashing waves below.
Even when no performances are on, visitors can explore the terraces and gardens, soaking up the incredible views and history of this unique venue.
LOCATION MAP: Porthcurno, Penzance TR19 6JU
Rogue Otherworld Theatre
Rogue Otherworld is an award-winning immersive theatre company based in Cornwall. It is renowned for transforming woodlands into enchanting realms of storytelling, music, and dance.
Their productions, such as Wild Moon Forest Days and Firebird, invite audiences into the heart of Tehidy Woods for performances that blend mythology, folklore, and nature.
These experiences are designed for all ages, offering a unique fusion of theatre, live music, and immersive adventure in a magical woodland setting.
LOCATION MAP: Tehidy, Portreath, Woods TR14 0HA
The Acorn Theatre
The Acorn Theatre in Penzance is a lively arts venue housed in a charming former chapel, offering an intimate setting for a wide range of performances.
From theatre and live music to dance, film, and cabaret, the theatre hosts both local and touring artists, making it a cultural hub for the community.
Its welcoming atmosphere and diverse programming ensure there’s always something exciting to enjoy for visitors of all ages.
LOCATION MAP: Parade St, Penzance TR18 4BU
Newlyn Filmhouse
Newlyn Filmhouse is an award-winning, two-screen independent cinema in Newlyn.
Housed in a beautifully converted 1876 granite fish cellar, the venue offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern comfort.
The cinema showcases a diverse range of films, including world cinema, documentaries, and live-streamed events such as theatre, opera, and ballet.
The stylish interiors feature plush seating and state-of-the-art digital projection, ensuring a premium viewing experience.
Complementing the cinematic offerings is the Eathouse Cafe Bar, which serves a seasonal menu crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
The venue's commitment to quality and community has made it a beloved cultural hub for both locals and visitors alike.
LOCATION MAP: 23-31 The Coombe, Newlyn, Penzance TR18 5HS
Penlee Open Air Theatre
Penlee Park Open Air Theatre, nestled within the serene Penlee Park in Penzance, offers a unique outdoor cultural experience.
Established in 1948 with a Shakespeare festival, it now hosts a diverse range of performances from July to September, including productions by renowned companies like Miracle Theatre and Illyria Theatre.
The venue accommodates approximately 300 attendees, providing a charming setting amidst lush gardens and mature trees.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of shows, from classic plays to contemporary pieces, all within this picturesque open-air setting.
LOCATION MAP: Morrab Rd, Penzance TR18 4HE
Penlee Park Theatre website >>
Hall For Cornwall
Hall for Cornwall, located in the heart of Truro, is Cornwall's premier arts venue, offering a diverse range of performances including theatre, music, dance, opera, and comedy.
Originally opened in 1846 as Truro City Hall, the venue underwent a significant transformation, reopening in 2021 as the Cornwall Playhouse with a seating capacity of 1,352.
The venue hosts major productions from the West End, National Theatre, and the Royal Shakespeare Company, as well as local and international artists.
LOCATION MAP: Back Quay, Truro TR1 2LL
