Festivals & Events
Devon is great place to visit if you like Festivals and Events. Each year there is an array of events which continue to grow in popularity plus a whole range of new and exciting events developing all the time. Here are some of our favourites.
Devon County Show – May
This Fair draws people from far and wide for primarily those with an interest in horticulture and agriculture. You will find livestock at this show with awards given to the ‘best’ animal in each category, as well as some great food and drink stalls.
Great for: Horticulturalists; Agriculturalists; Country dwellers
If you like country fairs then we recommend also taking a look at Marldon Apple Pie Fair.
Brixham Pirate Festival – May
This is as fun and frivolous as it sounds. Basically everyone dresses up as a pirate and gets together in Brixham. A treasure to behold indeed!
Great for: Fancy dress fans; History lovers
Occombe Beer Festival – June
A festival where you can try literally hundreds of beers, ales and even ciders whilst enjoying some of the areas best bands. Held over 2 days in mid June each year.
Great for: Music lovers; Beer connoisseurs
If you like beer festivals than we recommend also taking a look at Abbfest.
English Riviera Airshow – June
You will see the magnificent Red Arrows and many other fantastic planes flying over the beautiful bays of Torquay, Paignton & Brixham. A free event which is highly recommended.
Great for: All round family fun
If you like air shows then we also recommend taking a look at the boats at Dartmouth Regatta.
Ways With Words Festival – July
Ways With Words is a literature festival based at Dartington Hall where you will find a full programme of talks and workshops that will keep anyone with a literary interest busy for days.
Great for: Literature lovers; Writers
If you love festivals than celebrate independent talent then we also recommend taking a look at the Contemporary Craft Festival.
Riviera Classic Car Show – July
This event which takes place on Paignton Green each year draws vehicles of every era and make and is very interesting to see. Vehicle enthusiasts will love – as will those with no knowledge of cars.
Great for: Motor enthusiasts; Those of all ages
Fishstock – September
This food festival celebrates the local fishing industry in Brixham which has a reputation as one of the best in the country (appearing in the hit tv documentary ‘Fish Town’).
Great for: Those who enjoy seafood; Food festival fans
If you like fish festivals then we also recommend taking a look at Salcombe Crab Festival.
If you like general food festivals then we also highly recommend taking a look at Powderham Food Festival, Exeter Foodies Festival and Nourish Festival.
Exeter Christmas Market – November & December
An award winning Christmas market which is growing every year. We love that the community of Exeter pulled together to keep this Market going even after the devastating fire in the area in 2016 and think it will continue to go from strength to strength.
Great for: A taste of Christmas abroad; Food & drink; Getting in the festive spirit
If you like Christmas markets then we also recommend taking a look at Exeter Christmas Shopping Fayre and of course no Christmas would be complete without visiting House of Marbles’ very own Santa’s Grotto!
Theatre shows, music events and comedy
Princess Theatre Babbacombe Theatre Exeter Corn Exchange
More great festivals and events
Visit Devon Visit South Devon Visit Dartmoor English Riviera
Recognised Venue
We have been recognised by a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Awards in consecutive years from 2014 - 2019, and the new Traveller’s Choice Award in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023!
