Upcoming Events in Devon 2023 Guide

Devon is a beautiful county located in the southwest of England, known for its stunning coastlines, rolling hills, and historic landmarks. But Devon is also a hub for events and festivals, offering something for everyone to enjoy throughout the year. From music and food festivals to sporting events and cultural celebrations, there is never a dull moment in Devon. We’re a local team at Sweetcombe Cottages and have picked some of our favourite Devon events for you to visit whilst on holiday. Let’s take a look at what’s on in Devon in 2023 that you won’t want to miss.

What’s On in Devon

Easter Egg hunt, Heron Farm: 1^st-16^th April

Heron Farm’s Easter trail is back with a twist in 2023. It now has younger and older children clues, and there’s one rather special golden egg to find each day for an egg-stra special prize.

Devon Big Weekend, Escot Park: 12^th -14^th May

3 days of festival fun for everyone, Devon’s Big Weekend is suitable for all ages. Chart Topping DJ’s get the party started on Friday, with a fantastic line up of Artists taking over Escot Park on Saturday & Sunday. As well as great music, there is an outdoor cinema, classic car show, fun fair and more entertainment for all the family.

Devon County Show, Westpoint: 18^th– 20^th May

Love animals, tractors, horses, food, music, dog shows, scurry racing, funfairs, crafts, gardens, shopping as well as anything and everything associated with country life in Devon?  Then you will not want to miss the Devon County show.

Sidmouth Sea Fest: 19^th– 20^th May

A coastal community celebration, promoting environmental awareness and actions that value our marine and coastal environment. Tickets for the Friday night fundraiser are available to support the Saturday free events.

Sidmouth Jazz Festival: 25^th-29^th May

We’re proud to be sponsoring the Sidmouth Jazz Festival for its second year. A boutique festival by design, presenting the very best in Jazz, Blues, Roots, Soul, Latin, Funk and much more! There are ticket events for headlines such as Curtis Stigers and The Brand New Heavies, along with brilliant acts on the free community stage.

Foodies Festival, Escot Park, Exeter: 16^th -18^th June

Enjoy a celebration of top chefs, fantastic food & drinks, and live music. Watch MasterChef Champions, Michelin-starred and top local chefs cooking their signature recipes, learn how to make cakes in the Cake & Bake theatre, Kids learn to cook and find their taste buds in the Kids Cookery Theatre, and tuck into delicious street food from around the world.

There’s also live music with headliners Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Fleur East, Scouting for Girls and Blue.

Budleigh Music Festival: 30^th June – 8^th July

A spectacular feast of music from many genres given by musicians from diverse backgrounds. There are lunch time and evening concerts at venues St Peters and Temple Methodist Churches, The Public hall and The Green along with Church on the Green.

Exmouth Music Festival: 28^th– 31^st July

A free festival showcasing the arts to fuel your imagination from film to music, through literature, performance and craft.

Sidmouth Folk Festival: 4^th-11^th August

Championing traditional music, dance and song since 1955, The Sidmouth Folk Festival continues to build on its many years of success in creating an inclusive music community that embraces variety.

Beer Regatta: 12^th -18^th August

Get ready to enjoy Barrel Rolling, Bingo & Spoofing, Rafts & dinghy racing. Finishing with a spectacular fireworks display over the bay.

Beautiful Days, Escot Park: 18^th -20^th  August

It’s the 20th anniversary of Beautiful Days, the Levellers’ family music festival. Enjoy music, theatre and experience the healing village, craft stalls and a selection of great food & real ale.

Sidmouth Air Show & Regatta: 25^th– 26^th  August

Enjoy sailing races, raft races and fancy dress, along with live music and the fantastic Air show displaying the RAF Red Arrows on the Friday evening from 5pm . The fantastic firework display closes the evening on the Saturday.

Taste East Devon: 9^th-24^th September

A 16 day food & drink festival showing East Devon’s renowned producers, chefs, restaurants and venues. From brewery’s, seafood tasting, BBQ’s and farm feasts- some events will be ticketed and some freely open for everyone.

Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival: 20^th – 24^th September

A 5 day festival celebrating books by the sea, featuring writers & thinkers across a range of genres.

Dartmouth Food Festival: 20^th – 22^nd October

Having grown from humble beginnings in 2004 into a first-class feast of entertainment featuring workshops, seminars, tastings, competitions, demonstrations and over 100 hand-picked exhibitors.

Ottery Tarr Barrels, Ottery St Mary: 5^th November

Ottery St. Mary is internationally renowned for its Tar Barrels, an old custom said to have originated in the 17th century, and is held each year. In the weeks prior to the day of the event, the barrels are soaked with tar and on the day, locals run the streets with the flaming barrels.

Exeter Christmas Market: approx. 17^th November- 17^th December

You’ll discover something for everyone, with over a hundred twinkling festive chalets, local gifts and produce, themed bars, global street food, seasonal entertainment and free entry into the awesome Exeter Cathedral.

Christmas at Connaught, Sidmouth: first two weeks of December, dates tbc.

A creative illuminated trail through the gardens high on the clifftops, filled with joy, wonder and a few surprises too! There is also a brilliant craft tent, perfect for Christmas shopping and delicious refreshments.

Why Stay with Sweetcombe

These are just a few of the many events taking place in Devon in 2023. Whether you’re a music lover, foodie, or history buff, there is always something to see and do in this beautiful county. Make sure to mark these events in your diary and book your stay with Sweetcombe Cottages to experience the best of Devon. We have a wide range of accommodation from town centre properties to countryside retreats, our local friendly team are on hand to share our knowledge of the area and help find the most suitable property for you.