Festivals and events
There’s always something happening in East Devon, with a packed calendar of events taking place throughout the year. From food festivals, live music and family days out to local celebrations, there are plenty of reasons to plan your visit around what’s coming up.
20 events
Devon Open Studios Exhibition at Thelma Hulbert Gallery
When 12th September – 24th October 2026
Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) is an award-winning public art gallery in Honiton, hosting an acclaimed programme of contemporary art and craft exhibitions alongside a permanent…
Yasmin David: The Nature of Light at Thelma Hulbert Gallery
When 12 September - 31 October
Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) is an award-winning public art gallery in Honiton, hosting an acclaimed programme of contemporary art and craft exhibitions alongside a permanent…
Four of Swords Present: Orpheus
When 8 to 24 October 2026 (Thursday to Saturday) Shows at 6.30pm and 8.30pm
This October, Four of Swords leads you back into the belly of the earth, illuminated by candlelight, to witness an ancient tale of love, loss…
Sidmouth Science Festival
When 9th-18th October 2026
Now an established part of the East Devon calendar. The Sidmouth Science Festival returns for ten days, celebrating science and its relevance to everyday life.…
Ottery St Mary Carnival
When 17th October 2026
Ottery St Mary Carnival takes place on Saturday 17 October 2026, bringing an evening of illuminated floats, costumed entries and processions through the heart of…
Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels
When 5th November 2026
Join the excitement and community spirit of one of East Devon's most extraordinary traditions, the Ottery St Mary Carnival Tar Barrels. Flaming barrels are carried…
Present Makers 2026 at Thelma Hulbert Gallery
When 7th November – 24th December 2
Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) is an award-winning public art gallery in Honiton, hosting an acclaimed programme of contemporary art and craft exhibitions alongside a permanent…
Exmouth Film Festival 2026
When Wednesday 18 November to Sunday 22 November
Exmouth Film Festival is back for its third year, bringing five days of independent cinema, documentaries, shorts and special events to venues across the town…
Bonfire Night 2026: Fireworks Displays Across East Devon
When 2026 – dates TBC
As evening falls, East Devon’s skies come alive. From village cricket clubs to manor house grounds, community groups across the area are putting on firework…
Sidmouth Sea Fest
When 21–22 May 2027
Sidmouth Sea Fest is a free community festival celebrating the town's connection to the sea, now held at its new home overlooking the coast at…
Sidmouth International Jazz and Blues Festival
When 27 May - 31 May 2027
Sidmouth Jazz and Blues Festival has firmly established itself as one of the UK's leading boutique music festivals, and one of the highlights of the…
Budleigh Music Festival
When 25 June – 3 July 2027
A week-long celebration of the very best in music, Budleigh Music Festival brings some of the finest musicians in the world to the seaside town…
The Celebration of Speed
When 7th July 2027
Now in its fifth year, The Celebration of Speed returns to the grounds of Lympstone Manor on 7th July 2027 bigger and better than ever.…
Exmouth Festival
When 10th-11th July 2027
Exmouth Festival brings music, theatre, circus, dance, art and craft to sites across the seaside town, and best of all, it's completely free to attend.…
Sidmouth Folk Festival
When 30 July – 6 August 2027
Since 1955, Sidmouth Folk Festival has brought folk music, dance and song to the East Devon coast, and it's still going strong. It's a week-long,…
Beautiful Days – Escot Park
When 20th - 22nd August 2027
Beautiful Days is the Levellers' own family music festival, held at Escot Park near Ottery St Mary every summer since 2003. It's completely independent, with…
Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival
When 22–26 September 2027
Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival has been a highlight of the East Devon events calendar for 16 years. Running for five days each September, with a…
East Devon Soul Festival
When 2027 – dates TBC
Seaton has always been the quiet one between Lyme Regis and Sidmouth, but it's home to some brilliant underused spaces just waiting for a new…
Goren Festival
When 2027 – dates TBC
Goren Festival returns to the wildflower meadows of Goren Farm for a weekend of live music, wildlife and wide-open space. Set in 70 acres of…
Sidmouth Summer Play Festival
When 2027 – dates TBC
The Sidmouth Summer Play Festival is a beloved annual tradition at Manor Pavilion Theatre, offering a remarkable 12 plays across 12 consecutive weeks, running from…