Festivals, Fetes & Fairs

South Devon is packed with year round festivals, with music festivals, food festivals, walking festivals, beer festivals, art, history, film and literary festivals –even a pirate festival!

Music Festivals in South Devon  

Every year South Devon hosts a variety of music festivals, from small scale indie gatherings or large concerts, to jazz or folk music.  Dartmouth Music Festival in May is a 3 day gathering with over 100 events throughout the town – the atmosphere is electric! Also taking place in May is Sidmouth Jazz and Blues Festival which includes a vast selection on ticketed concerts presenting the best local and regional bands and musicians.

Teignmouth Folk Festival in June attracts some of the top folk artists in the country, as does the Sidmouth Folk Festival held in August – the oldest Folk Festival in the UK.

Lemonfest in June and Chagstock in July are perfect festivals for those who like to rock, while Glas-Denbury in July is one of the best family friendly festivals in South Devon. Budleigh Salterton Music Festival in July offers classical music on the Jurassic Coast and hosts lunchtime and evening concerts.

Summer is a busy time for festivals in South Devon with LauFest also taking place, held in Wembury and raising money for the charity, CoppaFeel!. 

In July and August, the Dartington International Summer School and Festival is a month long programme of daily concerts, bringing together celebrated international performers and enthusiastic amateurs for an eclectic programme of music. 

In October, Beer R&B Festival is billed as the best little festival in the UK; whist the Two Moors Festival held across Devon is one of the leading classical festivals.  

Food and Drink Festivals in South Devon 

What better way to try South Devon produce than at a local food and drink festival. Browse stalls, visit cooking demonstrations, and taste everything on offer – food festivals are a culinary sensation!

In April the food season is kicked off with the Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink, a weekend event that draws thousands of people to the city. If you love seafood, Salcombe Crabfest in April is a must – with demonstrations and workshops on offer.  If Gin is your tipple of choice, in April 2017 we welcome the Gin Festival Torquay, where you can try over 100 gins.

The summer months are filled with beer festivals – as well as many town and district shows such as Kingsbridge Food and Music Festival which enjoys a wonderful mix of local food and music.

In the autumn, food festivals are in full swing, with the infamous Dartmouth Food Festival – one of the top food festivals in the UK. Smaller but equally delicious festivals include Abbfest, Taste of the Teign and Powderham Food Festival.

Arts, Crafts and Literary Festival in South Devon

South Devon artists are inspired by the stunning landscape, and love to showcase their talents.

In March, Teignmouth Poetry Festival kicks off with 4 day event packed with workshops and readings.  The Contemporary Craft Festival in June is a highlight, bringing together over 200 craft makers and great events for all the family.

The Ways with Words Festival in July is a unique event as is the region’s biggest literary festival.

In September there are multiple festivals to choose from. Devon Open Studios sees hundreds of artists across Devon throw open their homes for exhibitions. The Agatha Christie Festival celebrates the work of this local author. Finally the Budliegh Salterton Literary Festival features talks, readings by critically acclaimed authors.  

Check out all South Devon Festivals below: