Festivals in Devon

Festivals and events are part of West Country life - from small, intimate events to huge, carnival-style gatherings.

Here in Devon, we love nothing more than celebrating our heritage, music, arts and crafts, which is why you’ll always be able to find fun and interesting things to do and see during your visits! 

Great events all year around

In April, Exeter welcomes keen foodies to its award-winning Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink. Thousands gather in the lovely setting of Exeter Castle and Northernhay Gardens for a long weekend of fantastic food, drink and entertainment (there's great live music at the After Dark evening events too!).

May sees the Lord Mayor's Festival in Plymouth. The event welcomes the new Lord Mayor into their role and gives people the opportunity to celebrate this occasion with a packed programme of events including a parade and street entertainment. 

The Contemporary Craft Festival and Armed Forces Day are two of June's highlights, and July sees the Mid-Devon Show, where you'll witness a whole host of activities including farm demonstartions, rural crafts, food and drink and entertainment.

Even in the colder months, there’s something to celebrate, making family holidays in Devon perfect at any time of year.

Literature fans will enjoy the chance to meet and chat with high-profile authors at the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival and Appledore Book Festivals, both of which run in September.

In the autumn, there are also lots of food festivals to take in, including Plymouth Seafood Festival, Powderham Food Festival, North Devon Foodfest and Dartmouth Food Festival.

The Tar Barrel Rolling in Ottery St Mary in November is a real Devon experience! 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 jaw-dropping spectacle.

For more events, click here.