Autumn in Devon is Foodie Heaven

If you consider yourself a foodie, then South Devon during autumn is your kind of place to be. Not only does South Devon have some of the best restaurants, pubs and cafes in Devon, it has a wealth of specialist producers who love to showcase at local food and drink festivals. Autumn plays host to the top food festivals and events in South Devon, so whether you want to be wowed by a celebrity chef, or taste for yourself, – here are our top events that will enable you to see the best of Devon produce.   

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Top Autumn Food Festivals in South Devon

FISHSTOCK BRIXHAM 10^th SEPTEMBER

Held at the New Fish Quay in Brixham, Fishstock is a premier seafood and music festival raising money for the Fishermans Mission. You can enjoy live music from local artists and bands, fresh seafood landed by local people and cooked by local chefs in front of your very eyes - and feast upon a selection of different local specialities provided by the food stalls. Tickets are £6 for adults, and under 16’s are Free with a full paying adult. Dogs are also welcome.

ABBFEST BEER AND FOOD FESTIVAL 16^th – 18^th SEPTEMBER

3 days of local music, food, drink, demonstrations and fun! Abbfest raises money for local charities and community groups, and is held at Fermoys Garden Centre, Newton Abbot. On offer this year are more than 150 Devon beers and ciders as well as a Pimms and Prosecco Bar. There are over 30 food and craft stalls on offer, as well as cookery demos, craft workshops, children’s activities and live music. Tickets are £7 or a weekend pass is £12. Free entry for children under 16 but must be accompanied by a paying adult. Dogs are welcome in the field too.

TASTE OF THE TEIGN 19^th – 25^th SEPTEMBER

Taste of the Teign and Teignmouth Harbour Festival celebrates the provenance of the fine foods found along the banks of the River Teign. There is a huge diary of events throughout the week taking place across Teignmouth, including master classes, food films, cookery demo’s and even a chef’s challenge. Local producers will also be opening their doors for tours and special events.

SPIRIT OF THE EXE – MUSSEL FESTIVAL 24^th SEPTEMBER

Love Mussels? Then this is the event for you. Held on Exmouth beach there are cooking demonstrations and tasters, local bands playing, hilarious walk-about acts, seashore foraging, willowcraft activities, a sand sculpture competition and the odd little surprise popping up! Local wines and ales will be on offer to wash down the salty goods of the sea while you bask in the sun and listen to the hearty sounds from the music stage. Discover the range of delectable seafood that our local fishermen bring to our shores… and don’t be afraid to try something new!

PLYMOUTH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL 24^th – 25^th SEPTEMBER

The Barbican and Sutton Harbour come alive during this weekend with Plymouths 5^th Seafood festival, celebrating its award for commitment to sourcing sustainable fish. The highlight of the weekend is the chef stage, bringing in regional and celebrity chefs. There will also be local food and craft stands, and foot stomping Shanty bands that will be performing throughout the weekend.

POWDERHAM FOOD FESTIVAL 1^st – 2^nd OCTOBER

Powderham Food Festival attracts some of the finest food and drink producers in the South West and is a fun packed day for all the family, set in the backdrop of the magnificent castle. There are cookery demonstrations, local food and craft stalls, children’s entertainment and more. There is even a children’s cookery tent providing hands-on experience to create their own culinary creations, which they can take home and eat, and includes a food education zone, introducing children to local produce. There is free parking on site and tickets are £5.50 per day per adult.

OKTOBERFEST 14^th – 15^th OCTOBER

Bringing Bavarian culture to Exeter Castle! No need to go to Germany. Over the 2 days there will be beer, food and music that will have you dancing in your lederhosen. Oktoberfest Exeter two pint steins will be available to buy and there will also be plenty of lederhosen and German food on site. Tickets are £12 or for £20 you can book a table with your very own waitress.

DARTMOUTH FOOD FESTIVAL 21^st – 23^rd OCTOBER

 “One of the Top Ten food festivals in the UK” – The Guardian.

Set in the beautiful town of Dartmouth the 3-day event is a foodie’s heaven, celebrating the very best food, drink and culinary skills. The festival has something for the whole family, with cookery demonstrations, drinks seminars and tastings. Meet celebrity chefs and local cookery heroes and some of the UK's top food writers. For children there's the Children's Festival - a whole day of events and activities and lots of fun events throughout the festival. And even your dog can be a gourmand for the day and savour try the latest doggy flavoured ice cream from Dartmouth Ice Cream Company. And the good news? Most of the Festival is free, you'll only need to pay for certain events.