Devon’s summer calendar is bursting with fun—coast to countryside, music to markets, culture to craft. Whether you're chasing adrenaline at an air display, exploring rural heritage, or just chasing ice cream on the beach, there’s something for everyone.

Festivals & Live Music

  • Sidmouth Folk Festival (1–8 August): Over 700 performances of music, dance, crafts & workshops. An iconic family‑friendly folk bonanza on the Esplanade
  • Beautiful Days Festival (15–17 August, Escot Park): Independent, sponsor-free festival mixing headline Acts, comedy, sustainable eats & kids’ zones.
  • Paignton Festival (20–28 July) – A full week of live music, parades, fireworks and fairground rides by the beach. Pure seaside summer energy.
  • Big Sheep Summer Music Festival (24–26 August) – Bank Holiday weekend tunes, craft beer, and family fun on the farm. Yes, sheep may be involved.

Rural & County Shows

  • Mid Devon Show (26 July, Tiverton): Livestock, arts, rural craft, vintage buses, biking stunts—plus royal patronage from The Princess Royal
  • North Devon Show (6 August): Largest event in the area with carriage drives, gun dog demos, classic tractors & a big‑top music stage

Theatre & Family Fun

  • Open-Air Shakespeare: Keep an eye out for touring productions like Twelfth Night, popping up in Dartmoor spots or beachfront venues.
  • The Great Woodland Adventure (19 July–31 Aug, RHS Rosemoor): A nature-packed adventure trail with crafts and play zones.
  • Steam into Summer (17 July–31 Aug, Devon Railway Centre): Historic loco rides, trainee guard experiences—and nostalgia galore.
  • Buckfast Abbey Summer Fair (27 July) – Family fun in serene surroundings. Artisan stalls, garden tours, and a very civilised cream tea or two.

Seaside Celebrations

  • Sidmouth Regatta & Air Show (Friday 22–Sunday 24 August) Sidmouth seafront - Kickstart the August Bank Holiday weekend with one of Devon’s most spectacular events. The Regatta & Air Show returns with RAF Red Arrows, jaw‑dropping aerobatics, lifeboat demos, sailing gigs, and more for 25,000 spectators Pro tip: Book early and consider a Stuart Line Cruises boat trip for front‑row seats on the water—from 15:00 to 20:15, £25 per adult.
  • Riviera Classic Car Show (11 August, Paignton Green) – Over 400 vintage motors line the seafront. Live music, food stalls, and gleaming classics galore.
  • Clovelly Gig Regatta (2 August) – Traditional rowing races in one of Devon’s most picturesque harbours. Expect sea shanties and salty snacks.

Check out our full calendar of events here!