There’s so much going on in Devon throughout the year, but in the summer months the whole county seems to shine bright as the sun with events for all ages. Soak up the laid-back vibes of big events with live music, street food and entertainment, join in the shenanigans and immersive fun by the coast or in the countryside. Happy days!
From classical music and Morris dancing to county shows and regattas, Devon plays host to some of the most exciting events and festivals every summer. Take your pic from what’s going on throughout the county, go and have your best time at family friendly events, dance your socks (or your sandals) off, experience the weird and the wonderful, watch aerobatics and extravaganza firework displays. Whether you’re a Devon resident or you’re down this way on your UK holidays, there’s something for everyone.
We’ve picked out 10 of the most popular events to share with you. See what appeals and get planning; most are free, some are ticketed, so be organised and don’t miss out on your chosen Devon delight!
Photo credit: https://sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk/
Sidmouth Folk Festival
Sidmouth Folk Festival started back in 1955 and has grown over the years to become a week long celebration of all that’s fabulous in the folk world, in the otherwise quiet Regency town of Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast. This year it runs from 1-8 August, and promises to be just as diverse as always with heaps going on all over town. There are concerts, ceilidhs, dance processions, storytelling, Children’s and Youth festivals, workshops and talks, plus impromptu music sessions popping up in bars, on the beach, and who knows where else? It’s an all-inclusive music event that’s big, colourful and enormous fun. Watch Appalachian, Clog and Rapper dancing, party on to the likes of Steve Knightley & Friends, the Seth Lakeman Band, the Peatbog Faeries and Flook.
Dartmouth Royal Regatta
23-30 August 2025 marks the 180th Dartmouth Royal Regatta in the port town of Dartmouth on the South Devon coast. After Cowes, this is the biggest sailing and rowing event in the UK. The main events are from the 28th to the 30th, while the Family Fun Weekend runs from 23rd to 25th. The backdrop is the beautiful South Hams, the setting is the picturesque River Dart where where rowers and sailors compete for much sought-after annual trophies.
Highlights are the Saturday afternoon river parade, the Kon-Tiki Raft Race (think homemade rafts, fancy dress) and the firework display on Saturday night. There are also flyboarding displays, the much-loved International Trolley Grand Prix, Silent Discos and many smaller events going on in and around the town. If you’re into boats and sailing, this is for you.
Photo credit: Amelia Wright Photography
Ilfracombe Birdman Competition, Ilfracombe
Possibly one of the wackiest summer events in Devon, Ilfracombe Birdman is a free all-day festival held in, yup, the charming town of Ilfracombe on the coast of North Devon. The air is full of happiness, with people enjoying the live bands, tucking into street food, supping pints of craft ales and pottering about the trade villages. The main event is, it’s fair to say, somewhat eccentric, with would-be aviators jumping off the pier in their homemade flying machines. They inevitably end up in the water, but prizes are awarded for the best overall jump, the best distance under 50m and for managing to fly over 50m. The event raises a lot of money for charities that support local causes; this year’s; date is August 10th. Don’t forget it.
Photo credit: https://honitonshow.co.uk/
Honiton Show
Thursday 7th August 2025 is Honiton Show Day, one of the largest one-day agricultural shows in the entire country. Come and see all that’s rural, on a 140 acre site in the heart of the glorious East Devon countryside. The emphasis is on farming, produce, crafts, food and local skills, highlights are Bolddog Lings, the UK’s no 1 motorcycle display team, HOH Equestrian performing astounding horse and ride feats, and the West of England Hound Show with packs from all over the UK. This is the 134th Honiton Show, packed as always, with shopping, food and drink, chef demonstrations, children’s entertainment, vintage tractors and classic cars, and over 400 trade stands.
Photo credit: https://beerregatta.co.uk/
Beer Regatta
The little fishing village of Beer on the East Devon coast comes alive with fun and high jinks every summer for the Beer Regatta, a traditional that goes back 100 years. 2025 dates are 9-15 August, when the whole village comes out to play in the bunting-strung streets. What’s unique about this regatta are the boats that are raced in Lyme Bay – these are no ordinary boats, these are Beer Luggers, traditional Clinker boats made using overlapping planks on the hull, historically used for fishing in this neck of the woods.
The boats might be the main focus, but there’s so much more going on, with standard annual activities being a tug of war, a parade of homemade rafts, silly races, zing-zong, spoofing, and barrel rolling through the streets. Plenty of things for kids to participate in, and a firework display for everyone.
Altitude Festival
Altitude Festival brings music from around the world to the Blackdown Hills from 24th to 26th July 2025. This is a smaller festival with a 2,500 capacity, but the lineup is impressive - Molotov Jukebox, Tankus and Ozric Tentacles are heading up a long list of bands and DJs. There’ll be street food and craft beers, and ciders, or you can take a picnic. This year’s theme is Peace & Love, so dig out your psychedelia and dig that vibe. Because it’s a smaller festival it’s good for families, and you don’t need to camp over because day tickets are available.
North Devon Show
Lap up the rural vibe of North Devon Show, set on a 50 acre site near Umberleigh. For just one day, you can get a good taste of country life here – a great idea if you’re contemplating making a permanent move this way. Watch the grand parade of livestock and tractors, an impressive display of carriage driving, terrier racing and a donkey parade. Wander among the vintage cars and bikes, see skilled crafts people at work, take the kids to the animal area. Enjoy live music, and food and drink from 3 food courts. Got to love these agricultural shows, they’re so laid back. The date for your diary is 6th August 2025,
Sidmouth Regatta & Air Show
Another regatta, but it’s to be expected with two spectacular coastlines to Devon’s name. This time it’s back to Sidmouth, where the Regatta & Air Show is a highlight of the town over the August Bank Holiday weekend. There’s sailing and gig racing in the waters of Lyme Bay, and amazing aerobatic displays from none other than the Red Arrows in the skies above. The fancy dress raft race always raises a few giggles, there’s a whole lot of heaving in the tug of war, and some nifty footwork when the live bands start playing. There’s a food court and bars, so you won’t go without, on the Saturday night, it’s eyes up again for the fireworks. Mark your diary for 22nd to 24th August for this one.