Big Devon Events

There are fantastic Devon events going on across the county every day of the year - but some stand out as our biggest crowd-pleasers, drawing people in their thousands. Whether you're into music, food, sport, culture or spectacular displays of fireworks and planes you'll find a big event to tempt you down to Devon (you can find accommodation here). Take a look at our rundown of some of Devon's biggest events - then follow the links below to find many more.

Devon - a county of two halves

While Devon is a wonderfully tranquil place, full of calming coastal resorts and quiet countryside, it is also a cultural hub full of things to see and do from huge festivals to farmers' markets. When it comes to hosting events, we don't do anything by halves - we are the county for big memorable events! 

Big fireworks

Every year in August Plymouth's waterfront is the scene of the jaw-dropping British Fireworks Championships. This spectacular two day programme of displays start at dusk, but from early evening there's also music, entertainment, stalls and a funfair at Plymouth Hoe.

Big music

Throughout the year there's lots going on for music fans across Devon - see our full rundown of music events here. But those that draw the biggest crowds include: Goldcoast Oceanfest (June) - three days of waterfront music and beachsports in Croyde; MTV Crashes Plymouth (July/August) - two days of live chart-topping music and entertainment on Plymouth Hoe; Beautiful Days (August) - a 16,500 capacity family-friendly weekend festival at Escort Park, managed by the Levellers; and watch out for international artists performing at Exeter's Westpoint venue throughout the year.

Big food festivals

Devon's a huge draw for foodies, so it's unsurprising that some of the UK's biggest and best annual food festivals happen here. Look out for the Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink around Easter, Plymouth's Flavourfest in June, and the Dartmouth Food Festival and North Devon Foodfest, both in October. See here for more Devon food events

Big, flaming tar barrels

For reasons lost in antiquity, every year on November 5 huge flaming tar barrels are carried through the streets of Ottery St Mary – and thousands turn out to see this quite uniquely Devon spectacle.

Big sports

Devon has a huge array of sports events througout the year. Some of the biggest include regattas such as the Royal Dartmouth and Royal Torbay, national and international rugby fixtures at Sandy Park, home of Exeter Chiefs, and the Tour of Britain cycle race which draws huge crowds when it passes through Devon.

Big county show

The Devon County Show is of course a highlight of the calendar - it's three days of farming, food and fun in May.

Big book festivals

Look out for the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival and Appledore Book Festival, both of which welcome celebrated authors and personalities during September/October.

Want to keep in budget? Find free events across Devon