Devon's festival calendar runs from early spring through to the heart of winter, with events spanning food and drink, live music, literature, arts, maritime heritage and ancient local tradition. Whether you're planning a summer weekend around a major music festival, a foodie break timed around one of the county's celebrated culinary events, or a cultural visit to one of Devon's literary gatherings, there's a festival to suit every interest and every season.
Browse the highlights below — and for specialist listings, explore our dedicated pages for food and drink festivals, music events and arts events in Devon.
Spring Festivals in Devon — March to May
Spring marks the start of Devon's festival season in style. In April, Exeter welcomes keen foodies to the award-winning Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink. Thousands gather in the beautiful setting of Exeter Castle and Northernhay Gardens for a long weekend of exceptional food, drink and live entertainment, including the popular After Dark evening events that bring a lively atmosphere to the city's historic heart.
May brings the Lord Mayor's Festival to Plymouth, welcoming the new Lord Mayor with a packed programme of events including a parade, street entertainment and community celebrations across the city. Also in May, the Devon County Show offers three days of farming, food, rural crafts, demonstrations and family-friendly entertainment — one of the highlights of the county calendar and a genuine celebration of Devon's agricultural heritage.
Summer Festivals in Devon — June to August
Summer is Devon's busiest festival season, with major events taking place right across the county. June sees Croyde play host to two of North Devon's most beloved summer festivals. Tunes on the Sand brings live music to the beach in an intimate, open-air setting that perfectly captures the relaxed spirit of the North Devon coast. At the same time, Altitude Festival offers a further celebration of live music and summer atmosphere in this stunning coastal setting. Together they make Croyde one of the most compelling festival destinations in the South West during the summer months.
The Contemporary Craft Festival in June is one of the finest of its kind in the UK, bringing together hundreds of leading makers and designers in a celebration of craft, design and creativity. Armed Forces Day also takes place in June, with Plymouth's historic waterfront providing a fitting backdrop for one of the country's most significant commemorative events.
August is festival season at its peak. The Beautiful Days Festival at Escot Park is a 16,500-capacity family-friendly weekend event managed by The Levellers, combining a diverse music programme with a warm, community-focused atmosphere that keeps visitors returning year after year. Also in August, the Sidmouth Folk Festival is one of the UK's most celebrated folk events, drawing musicians, dancers and audiences from around the world to the elegant Regency seafront of Sidmouth for a week of concerts, workshops and street performance. The Dartmouth Royal Regatta rounds off the summer in style — three days of sailing, entertainment and spectacular air displays in one of Devon's most beautiful harbour towns.
Autumn Festivals in Devon — September to November
As the season turns, Devon's festival calendar shows no sign of slowing down. September is the month for literature, with both the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival and the Appledore Literary Festival welcoming celebrated authors, poets and public figures for a programme of talks, readings and discussions. Also in September, the Agatha Christie Festival takes place in Torquay, honouring the town's most famous daughter with walks, workshops, vintage-themed events and gatherings that draw Christie enthusiasts from across the world.
Autumn also brings a rich programme of food festivals to the county. The Plymouth Seafood Festival, Powderham Food Festival, North Devon Foodfest and Dartmouth Food Festival all take place across September and October, celebrating Devon's outstanding local produce, seafood and culinary talent. For a full listing of food and drink events, visit our dedicated Food & Drink Festivals in Devon page.
November brings one of Devon's most dramatic and ancient spectacles. Every year on 5th November, huge flaming tar barrels are carried through the streets of Ottery St Mary in a tradition that dates back hundreds of years to the aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Thousands line the streets to watch residents carry the burning barrels on their shoulders — a breathtaking and unique Devon experience that must be seen to be believed.
Winter & Christmas Events in Devon
Devon's festival calendar doesn't stop when the clocks go back. Across November and December, towns and villages throughout the county host Christmas markets, light festivals, carol concerts and seasonal celebrations. Exeter hosts one of the most popular Christmas markets in the South West, set against the stunning backdrop of the cathedral, while festive events at National Trust properties, gardens and historic houses across Devon offer memorable seasonal days out for families and visitors alike.
Browse the full What's On in Devon calendar for the latest events across the county
