Now in its 30th year, Exmouth Festival is one of East Devon’s most beloved free community celebrations, and the 2026 edition looks like its best yet.
This year’s theme is Wild Things, an exploration of our relationship with the natural world played out across music, dance, theatre, poetry, circus, literature and visual arts. Spread across several outdoor locations in Exmouth including Manor Gardens, The Strand and Imperial Hotel Gardens, the whole festival is free to attend and welcoming to all ages.
At Manor Gardens, expect circus shows and workshops, creative activities for children, walkabout characters, eco-inspired activities and a wide range of food and drink. The popular Friday night Silent Disco returns here too.
Live music spans soul, folk, blues, reggae and global sounds, with spoken word performances curated by Forward Poetry woven throughout the programme.
New for 2026, Imperial Hotel Gardens hosts dance, theatre, participatory workshops, sound art inspired by nature and wellbeing sessions including Qi Gong and Laughter Yoga, all with sea views thrown in for good measure.
Over at The Strand, local choirs, musical theatre groups, morris dancing, folk music, storytelling, art activities and a craft market bring the community heart of the festival to life.
Dog friendly, free and for everyone, Exmouth Festival is the kind of event that reminds you exactly what summer in East Devon is all about.