What’s Happening at Fistral Beach During Boardmasters 2025
Fistral Beach is where Boardmasters began, and in 2025, it’s once again the ultimate destination for surf, skate, and laid-back coastal culture. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or just passing through Newquay, here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening this summer at Fistral Beach—and why it’s the perfect place to stop by, soak it in, and dress the part.
1. Surf & Skate Take Centre Stage
Boardmasters was born at Fistral back in 1981, and today, it remains the spiritual home of surf culture in Cornwall. The Boardmasters Open surf competition is a huge draw for pros and rising stars alike, featuring world-class talent across pro, junior, and longboard divisions. Expect dramatic wave action and a beach crowd buzzing with surfboards, salty hair, and sun-soaked vibes.
Just steps from the shoreline, the legendary skate ramp is back and bigger than ever. This year promises thrilling skateboarding and BMX demos from some of the UK’s top riders—an unmissable throwback to Fistral’s deep board-sport roots. Whether you’re into flips or photography, it’s all action at the headland.
2. Fistral Village & Beach Bar: Summer Vibes All Day
The energy at Fistral doesn’t end with the waves. The Fistral Village area has expanded for 2025, with more street food stalls, local artisan shops, lifestyle pop-ups, and beachside cafés than ever before. From craft jewellery to handmade clothing, there’s no shortage of inspiration for festival fashion.
The Boardmasters Beach Bar has had a full refresh too—now with updated interiors and a vibe that makes it the go-to sunset hangout whether you’re sipping cocktails or grabbing a post-surf smoothie. Open to all, it’s the ideal chill spot from morning flat whites to evening beach parties.
3. No Ticket? No Problem
One of the best things about the Fistral Beach part of Boardmasters is that it’s completely free to enter. Unlike the music arena over at Watergate Bay, Fistral’s events and attractions are open to everyone—no wristband needed. So even if you don’t have festival tickets, you can still wander the beach, watch the competitions, shop the stalls, and soak up the atmosphere.
It’s also the perfect place to spot surf-chic outfits and coastal festival fashion in action. Think oversized knits, breezy throws, embroidered textures, and sunset-ready layering.
