9–12 July 2026 | Free Entry
This July, one of Devon’s most vibrant summer events returns to the coast as Exmouth Festival takes over the town for four unforgettable days of music, arts and family-friendly fun – all with free entry.
Running from 9–12 July 2026, Exmouth Festival is a joyful celebration of creativity and community, set against the stunning backdrop of East Devon’s coastline. This year’s theme, Wild Things, draws inspiration from the natural world – from native flora, fauna and fungi to the wild creativity that lives within us all.
A Festival Inspired by Nature
Rooted in its spectacular coastal setting near the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Exmouth Festival 2026 invites visitors to slow down, step outside and reconnect with nature through art, performance and shared experiences.
Across multiple open‑air venues, you’ll find a rich mix of live music, poetry, dance, theatre, circus, literature, visual arts and wellbeing activities, making it a perfect summer highlight for culture lovers, families and festival‑goers of all ages.
Live Music and Spoken Word Highlights
Music takes centre stage throughout the weekend, with a diverse line-up celebrating sounds from across the UK and beyond. From soul, folk and blues to reggae, funk and global rhythms, the programme offers something for every taste.
Poetry is also a major focus this year, with Forward Poetry bringing spoken word performances to the heart of the festival. Expect powerful, inspiring and thought-provoking performances from a range of contemporary poets woven throughout the programme.
Family-Friendly Fun in the Heart of Exmouth
Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Exmouth Festival is particularly popular with families. Manor Gardens once again becomes the lively festival hub, offering a packed programme of activities for children and adults alike.
Expect circus shows and workshops, creative hands-on activities, walkabout characters, soft play for younger children, an eco area showcasing sustainable skills, and plenty of food and drink stalls. The much‑loved Friday night Silent Disco also returns, bringing a playful party atmosphere to the gardens.
New for 2026: Performances with Sea Views
A brand-new festival location for 2026, Imperial Hotel Gardens adds an exciting new dimension to the event. Set on sweeping lawns with panoramic sea views, this space will host an inspiring programme of dance, theatre, writing workshops, sound art and wellbeing sessions.
Visitors can enjoy nature-inspired performances, participatory art projects, creative writing activities and gentle wellness experiences such as Qi Gong and Laughter Yoga, all designed to nurture creativity and connection in a relaxed coastal setting.
Celebrating Community on The Strand
Meanwhile, The Strand becomes a showcase for Exmouth’s vibrant community spirit, with local choirs, musical theatre groups, morris dancing, folk music, pirate tales, art activities and a lively craft market. Street food and drink stalls make it an ideal place to pause, browse and soak up the festival atmosphere.
Additional performances and events also take place in venues around the town, ensuring that creativity spills into every corner of Exmouth throughout the weekend.
Why Visit Exmouth Festival?
- Free entry, making it accessible for everyone
- A wide mix of professional artists and community performers
- A strong focus on family-friendly activities
- Multiple walkable locations in a beautiful seaside town
- Easy to combine with a Devon coastal break
Whether you’re planning a seaside day trip or a longer summer escape, Exmouth Festival 2026 offers a unique chance to experience Devon’s creative energy by the sea.
📅 Dates: 9–12 July 2026
📍 Location: Exmouth, East Devon
🎟️ Entry: Free
Wild, welcoming and bursting with creativity, Exmouth Festival is a must‑visit Devon event this summer.
Discover more about what’s on in Exmouth.