Find a Devon festival or event from our extensive list to enjoy on your next holiday to Devon.
Get the most out of your South West holiday by experiencing one of these Devon festivals or events during your stay. Festivals in the South West seem to be a way of life for the locals!
From literary festivals and classical music events, to family-friendly festivals in fields.
What could be better than enjoying live music in Devon and letting your hair down with a cold beverage in hand?
Read on to discover all the best Devon festivals and events in Devon…
Use our quick links to jump to a different month of the year:
March
Dates: 11 – 12 March
Info: Definitely one for literary enthusiasts’ calendars. Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival 2022 will host talks from Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Justin Webb, Dr Rachel Clarke, and David Olusoga OBE to name a few.
Catch these inspiring talks, attend readings and conversations and even live music. There will be a Waterstones pop-up bookshop and book signings too.
Where: St Peter’s Church, Festival Marquee Station Road, Posh Nosh Café.
Accommodation: 31 Salterton Road in Exmouth is just a few miles from Budleigh Salterton and has availability for this March weekend.
April
Dates: 29 Apr – 1 May
Info: Making its debut in 2022 is this motorcycle festival in Devon. Set over two days, this is a family and bike-friendly event, welcoming motorcycle enthusiasts and spectators alike.
The local pubs and bars in Paignton are all getting involved too, putting on live music over the weekend. There will be stalls selling food, drinks, clothing, accessories and more.
A £5 donation per bike is required to park on the seafront, while there are no charges for pedestrians.
Where: Paignton Green, Paignton Seafront
Accommodation: Find cottages in Paignton and the surrounding area.
Dates: 29 Apr – 30 Apr
Info: A lifelong gardener and host of a weekly gardening show on BBC Radio Devon, Toby Buckland is the found of this lovely Devon festival. The event is held over the course of two days at the historic and imposing manor house, Powderham Castle, located just a few miles from Dawlish and Exmouth.
The festival plays host to expert gardening talks in the castle’s historic Dining Room, as well as a Country Gardener Talks Tent.
Attend practical workshops, browse the array of nurseries exhibiting here as well as arts and crafts stalls.
Where: Powderham Castle, near Dawlish, EX6 8JQ
Accommodation: Find Dawlish holiday cottages in and around Dawlish.
Dates: 30 Apr – 2 May
Info: Ever fancied dressing up as a pirate for the day? Well then this is the right festival in Devon for you! The Brixham Pirate Festival is exactly what you expect it to be.
Watch re-enactments with swords and guns of battling pirate ships, and even step aboard a real pirate ship! The Atyla is the only wooden ship of its kind that uses traditional sailing techniques with some engine assistance.
Where: Brixham, South Devon, TQ5 8DY
Accommodation: Find Brixham cottages in and around Brixham.
May
Dates: 6 – 8 May
Info: Set to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2022, the Dart Music Festival is one of Devon’s most popular events. With over 100 acts across 15 venues, their ethos is ‘Music for All’.
Enjoy live music in Devon in amazing venues like an ancient fort, ramparts of old castle walls, fisherman’s church, Victorian Bandstand and even open-air street performances.
Where: Dartmouth
Accommodation: 44 Dartmouth cottages in and around Dartmouth.
Dates: 27 – 29 May
Info: Attend this wonderful event in Devon and see atmospheric buildings around Totnes transform into venues for a host of events.
Watch live music in the Grade I listed St Mary’s Church, watch a film in the restored Totnes Cinema, or attend an art exhibit in the gold-ceilinged Barrel House Ballroom.
Where: Totnes, various venues.
Accommodation: Find cottages in Totnes and the surrounding area.
Dates: 27 – 29 May
Info: Arranged by local businesses and run by volunteers, this Devon festival is all about throwing a big party for the people and visitors of Kingsbridge. The festival is free and offers live music, entertainment, activity groups, craft sessions and lots of fun things for kids too.
Children can head to the Kids Zone and have fun with face painting, bouncy castle and free workshops.
Where: Town Square in Kingsbridge, TQ7 1PG.
Accommodation: Find cottages in Kingsbridge and the surrounding area.
Dates: TBC May
Info: Brixfest is a Devon event that is not to be missed! Hosted in the beautiful coastal town of Brixham, Brixfest is a family-friendly haven by the sea.
Watch the DragonBoat Challenge, visit the petting zoo, or take part in craft activities. Children will love the Children’s Day on Breakwater Beach, as well as face painting and street performers.
You can even build-a-boat, visit the vintage car rally, or take part in a crabbing competition.
Where: Brixham
Accommodation: Find cottages in Brixham and nearby.
June
Dates: 1 – 5 June
Info: Hopefully the first of many, the Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues Festival is the first one of its kind. This Devon festival host a range of musical genres, including jazz, blues, roots, soul, latin, funk and much more.
The organisers are hoping to attract around 8,000 to 10,000 event-goers to Sidmouth to enjoy concerts, musical workshops and masterclasses from the experts.
Where: Sidmouth Parish Church, Blackmore Gardens.
Accommodation: Find cottages in Sidmouth and the nearby area.
Dates: 2 – 4 June
Info: Possibly one of the biggest events in Devon’s calendar, 1 Big Summer is hugely popular festival in Devon hosted in Hoe Park in Plymouth.
The festival has attracted some big names to headline in 2022, including Basement Jaxx, Years & Years, The Libertines and Supergrass.
Where: Hoe Park, Plymouth
Accommodation: Our accommodation in and around Plymouth is very popular, but these two properties, Soundview and The Old Post Office, both have availability for the start of June.
Dates: 17 – 19 June
Info: This celebration of all things crafting is a real creative treat. Bovey Tracey’s Craft Festival entails workshops, demonstrations, and lots of family-friendly activities.
Meet the makers of unique and bespoke crafts and artwork, and enjoy the live music and food stalls too.
Where: Mill Marsh Park, Bovey Tracey
Accommodation: Find properties near Bovey Tracey.
Dates: 17 – 19 June
Info: Teignmouth will once again play host to a wonderful array of free entertainment across several venues. Attend concerts, workshops, dance acts and even ‘meet and greets’ with some of the artists.
There will be traditional Morris displays throughout the town as well, offering an authentic Devon festival experience.
Where: Teignmouth United Reform Church, Dawlish Street, Teignmouth
Accommodation: Find cottages in Teignmouth and nearby.
Dates: 22 – 25 June
Info: The Shaldon Festival is all about providing local people and visitors with access to world-class and professionally performed classical and contemporary music, at affordable prices. What’s not to like?
This small coastal village lies not far from Teignmouth, and will play host to acts including Jonathan Radford and Ashely Fripp, Apollo5, Mithras Trio and Budapest Café Orchestra.
Where: St Peter’s Church, Bridge Road, Shaldon, TQ14 0BD
Accommodation: Find cottages near Shaldon.
Dates: 25 June
Info: This brilliant weekend event in Devon offers a myriad of charities the chance to showcase the amazing work they have done throughout the year. It’s also a way to celebrate the veterans and those currently in the Armed Forces.
Catch the awesome parades, live music and host of activities taking place over the course of the weekend, as well as a free evening concert.
Where: Plymouth Hoe, Plymouth
Accommodation: Find cottages near Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo, not far from Plymouth.
July
Dates: 30 June – 2 July
Info: Devon’s largest agricultural show, the Devon County Show is a great 3-day outdoor event.
Exceptional livestock, stunning horses, and canine superstars will be in attendance, along with entertainment in all kinds of forms throughout the day.
There’s a huge Food and Drink Pavilion and top chef Michael Caines will be cooking up a storm in the cooking demo.
Where: Westpoint, Exeter
Accommodation: Find cottages in Topsham and nearby properties.
Dates: 3 July
Info: Another day event in Devon, the Maritime Festival in Clovelly is a really fun-filled day and raised money for an amazing cause, supporting 1.5 million crewmen and women. This event it perfect for families, as there is a wealth of entertainment and activities to little ones to enjoy.
Watch the exciting Clovelly Cup Yacht rally and hear a talk from Adam Reeve on the benefits of seaweed.
What’s more, there’s maritime themed fancy dress, street entertainment from Marvellous Eventures, and some yummy food stalls too.
Where: Clovelly
Accommodation: Find cottages in Clovelly and the surrounding area.
Dates: 8 – 10 July
Info: Festivals in Devon don’t get more picturesque that this one! Hosted on Blackpool Sands, a Blue Flag status beach one of the best beaches in the South West.
Lying just south of Dartmouth, Tunes on the Sands is a glorious weekend of live music, art installations and sun, sea and sand.
The lineup is yet to be confirmed, but you can look forward to sipping gins in Tarquin’s Gin Terrace and getting special treatment in the VIP area.
Where: Blackpool Sands, Devon
Accommodation: Check out Yew Tree Cottage, just a few miles from Blackpool Sands and still available for the start of July!
Dates: 15 – 17 July
Info: This Devon festival is as good as the name is punny! Glas-Denbury (we see what you did there guys!) is a locally run festival celebrating music, art, poetry and comedy.
Families will be happy knowing there’s a kids HQ, as well as live music and entertainment.
Where: Denbury
Accommodation: Old Armoury Barn and The Armourers Forge both have availability for mid-July and sit on the luscious edges of Dartmoor National Park.
Dates: 22 – 23 July
Info: Set in the stannary town of Chagford in Dartmoor, Chagstock has been a calendar staple for Dartmoor locals since 2003!
With previous years playing host to bands like Boomtown Rats, 2022 is set to welcome artists including Ferocious Dog, The Native and Tom McGuire.
Check out our blog on the myths and legends of Dartmoor for look into the mysterious history of Devon’s wildest landscape.
Where: Chagford, Dartmoor, Devon
Accommodation: Find cottages in Chagford and the surrounding area.
Dates: 23 July
Info: The Mid Devon Show is a celebration of all things rural Mid Devon. It combines a fantastic mix of entertainment, food, music, horticulture and farming.
Enjoy celebrating the beloved region at this Devon event.
Where: Knightshayes Court, Tiverton
Accommodation: Find cottages in and around Tiverton.
Dates: 23 July – 20 August
Info: Set over the course of 4 weeks, this amazing event in Devon sees Dartington come alive with music.
The programme of events, courses and classes encompasses something for all abilities, from novice to expert.
Book a course of concert pass which gives you access to the programme for your chosen week. Then you pick a total of 3 courses, with wellbeing activities and family-friendly courses included.
Where: 14th Century Great Hall, Dartington
Accommodation: Find cottages in Totnes and the surrounding area.
Dates: 29 – 30 July
Info: Altitude Festival plays host to an eclectic mix of DJs from across the UK, and strives to represent both emerging artists and well-established legends. All in a little field in Devon.
For those eager to enjoy as much of this Devon festival as possible, you can pay an extra £15 on top of the ticket cost to go a day early to Altitude Soundcheck.
Where: Blackborough, Devon, EX15 2HJ
Accommodation: Find cottages in and around Cullompton.
August
Dates: 3 August
Info: The North Devon Agricultural Society, a registered charity, run this special one-day event in Devon.
It’s a celebration of all things rural and is held on a 50-acre site at Umberleigh Barton Farm.
Catch live music, watch animal shows and browse the many amazing small business stalls.
Where: Umberleigh, North Devon
Accommodation: Find cottages in nearby Bideford and the surrounding area.
Dates: 4 August
Info: Held in the East Devon countryside, the Honiton Show has grown over the last 131 years to become one of the largest one-day agricultural shows in the country!
Each year the show hosts hundreds of trade stalls, animal events and competitions and is a celebration of rural Devon life in general.
Where: Honiton
Accommodation: Find cottages in Honiton and the surrounding area.
Dates: 11 August
Info: Taking place northern edge of Dartmoor National Park, this traditional agricultural show offers plenty to entertain.
Watch a wide range of prize winning animals, browse the hundreds of vendors and stalls, and tuck into delicious local food and drink.
There’s even children’s entertainment too!
Where: Stoney Park Showground, Okehampton, Dartmoor
Accommodation: Find cottages in Okehampton and the nearby area.
Dates: 12 – 13 August
Info: Another fantastic Devon festival held in Dartmoor! The Little Big Festival hosts a variety of music, circus performances, talks, comedy, poetry and literature, and even opera.
There’s dedicated children’s activities too, all with the backdrop of breath-taking views of Dartmoor and Torbay.
Where: Parker’s Farm, Ashburton, Devon
Accommodation: Find cottages in Ashburton and the surrounding area.
Dates: 13 August
Info: This one-day festival in Devon is dedicated to country music, hosted in the beautiful Muddifords Court Estate grounds in Cullompton.
The event will see country artists including Kezia Gill, Gasoline & Matches, and Sarah Jory take the stage. There will also be bars, stalls and workshops throughout the day.
Where: Muddifords Court Estate, Cullompton
Accommodation: Find cottages in and around Cullompton.
Dates: 18 August
Info: Another great event in Devon to enjoy in the heart of Dartmoor!
Chagford Show will see you watching or taking part in numerous competitions, browsing an amazing selection of stalls, and enjoying a fun-filled day out.
Where: Chagford Showground, Chagford, Dartmoor
Accommodation: Find cottages in Chagford and the nearby area.
Dates: 19 – 21 August
Info: This family music festival in Devon has several stages, a seated theatre tent and art installations.
There’s a children’s area so your little ones will have lots to enjoy too, whilst the adults can grab a real ale from the bar.
Where: Escot Park, Devon
Accommodation: Find cottages in and around Honiton nearby.
Dates: 25 – 28 August
Info: If Bear Grylls did festivals…wait, this is a Bear Grylls festival! Nature Valley have partnered up with the famous survivalist and wild man Bear Grylls to bring you Gone Wild.
Gone Wild is described on its website as ‘the ultimate family festival’. You can expect to enjoy amazing activities like stand-up paddle boarding, climbing, archery, survival skills, and even nerf combat!
Catch big music names too including The Script, Sophie Ellis Bexter and All Saints.
Where: Powderham Castle, Devon
Accommodation: Find cottages in Exmouth and nearby.
September
Dates: 10 – 17 September
Info: This celebration of the best-selling novelist of all time takes place in her birthplace, Torquay.
The full programme with be announced in Spring, but the festival will include high profile speakers, performances of her plays and poetry, as well as literary activities.
The main venue is Torre Abbey, with other events at Torquay Museum, Greenway (Agatha Christie’s home in Kingswear overlooking the River Dart), the Palace Theatre, and the Luck Seven Club in Paignton.
Torquay is a fantastic location for a holiday to Devon. Take a look at our article on things to do in Torquay to get some holiday inspo!
Where: venues in Torquay and Paignton.
Accommodation: Find cottages in Torquay and the surrounding area.
Dates: 13 September
Info: Raising money for incredible causes and providing a great day out for all ages, what’s not to like?
Widecombe Fair hosts a dog show, several animal competitions, a hilarious novelty race, and a fantastic range of traders.
Where: Widecombe, Dartmoor
Accommodation: Find cottages in Widecombe in the Moor and nearby.
Dates: 15 – 25 September
Info: More for the bookworms! Hosted in and around the gorgeous waterside town of Appledore in North Devon, this festival showcases some of the greatest names in literature, broadcasting and media.
Where: venues around Appledore.
Accommodation: Find cottages in Appledore and the surrounding area.
Dates: 16 – 18 September
Info: Abbfest is a food, beer and music festival, showcasing over 200 locally produced beers and ciders. It’s run completely by volunteers and the proceeds support a collection of local charities.
If you’re not a beer fiend, fear not! This Devon festival also caters for those who love a pimms, wine and there’s a prosecco bar too.
Where: Isaac’s Field, TQ12 5TN
Accommodation: Find Newton Abbot cottages and nearby properties.
October
Dates: 6 – 9 & 13 – 16 October
Info: This classical music festival in Devon will see around 6,000 people attend an exciting range of events across Exmoor and Dartmoor.
Two Moors Festival aims to bring high class, classical music to remarkable places.
Rural venues across Dartmoor and Exmoor will host recitals, concerts, operas, newly commissioned works, talks, exhibitions, school workshops and masterclasses.
Venues include village halls, churches, indoor markets, museums, auction rooms, and even Nissen huts!
Where: Dartmoor National Park & Exmoor National Park
Accommodation: Find Dartmoor holiday cottages and Exmoor holidays cottages.
Dates: 14 – 16 October
Info: Watch the Jurassic Coast come alive with music from the R’n’B scene. The Beer R&B Festival features critically acclaimed and award-winning bands and musicians from across the UK Blues scene.
three days of music along the Jurassic Coast, critically acclaimed award winning bands and musicians, UK Blues and R’n’B scene.
Where: Beer
Accommodation: Find Beer holiday cottages and nearby properties.
November
Dates: TBC
Info: Illuminate Light Festival is an immersive experience of light using projection mapping, playful light installations, and performances.
It’s a unique festival in Devon put together by artists, technologists, designers, architects and performers.
The event was held across 4 days in 2021 in Ocean Studios in Royal William Yard and Market Hall in Devonport, Plymouth.
Where: TBC
Accommodation: Find cottages near Newton Ferrers & Noss Mayo, near Plymouth.
We’ll keep updating this list with all the latest dates and info so keep your eyes peeled for those events with dates TBC.
For more festival content, read our post on the most iconic festival of all; Glastonbury Festival! We talk you through the facts and figures of Somerset’s pride and joy.
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