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Devon is one of those places that never stands still. As a local team based here in East Devon, I see first-hand just how much goes on throughout the year, from coastal festivals and major food events to long-standing local traditions you simply will not find anywhere else. At Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays, we help guests plan memorable stays all year round, and one of the questions I am asked most often is, “What’s on while we’re visiting?”
To help you plan ahead, I have pulled together some of my favourite and most popular East Devon and wider Devon events for 2026. Many of these festivals run annually and are firm fixtures in the calendar, making them ideal anchor points when choosing your holiday dates.
Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival – Spring Weekend
13th-14th March
A wonderful early-season treat for book lovers, the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival Spring Weekend offers talks, interviews and signings from high-profile writers and broadcasters. It is a smaller taster ahead of the main September festival and works brilliantly alongside a peaceful spring short break by the coast.
Canonteign Falls Easter Fun
Opens 11th March
Easter at Canonteign Falls is always a hit with families. I recommend this to guests staying with us during the school holidays, as it combines outdoor adventure with seasonal activities. Expect Easter trails, nature discoveries, adventure play areas and their popular alpaca experiences, all set within beautiful woodland and waterfall scenery.
Devon County Show, Westpoint
21st, 22nd, 23rd May
The Devon County Show is one of the biggest events in the county and a real celebration of rural Devon life. From livestock displays and horse events to food, drink, shopping and live entertainment, it is a full day out and well worth building into your stay if you enjoy country traditions and local produce.
Sidmouth Sea Fest
15th & 16th May
Sidmouth Sea Fest is a brilliant community-led festival celebrating our coastline, marine life and sustainability. Held in Connaught Gardens, it features live music, food, talks and activities, with much of the programme free to attend. It is ideal if you are staying in or around Sidmouth with Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays.
Sidmouth Jazz & Blues Festival
22nd– 25th May
This is one of my personal favourites and an event we are proud to be involved with locally. The festival brings world-class jazz, blues, soul and roots music to Sidmouth, the main stage area is ticketed, so make sure to buy these before they sell out! There are also free events around town and a free stage just outside Blackmore Gardens. It creates a fantastic atmosphere across the town and nearby venues.
Salcombe Regis Country Fair
28th May
The Salcombe Regis Country Fair is a traditional rural event that offers a real taste of village life in East Devon. Perfect for guests who enjoy country pursuits, local produce and relaxed community events. Expect classic fair attractions, stalls, food and drink, and family-friendly entertainment, all set within the beautiful countryside surrounding Salcombe Regis. It makes a lovely addition to a late spring holiday in Devon.
14th June
Held on 14th June, the Exmouth Wellness Festival is a fantastic addition to the early summer calendar and one for guests looking for a more relaxed, wellbeing-focused break in Devon. The festival brings together yoga, fitness, mindfulness, nutrition and holistic therapies, alongside talks, workshops and demonstrations. Set in Exmouth’s beautiful coastal setting, it is a great opportunity to slow down, recharge and combine a wellness event with a seaside stay when booking with Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays.
Late June to Late September
12 plays across 12 weeks, Presented by Paul Taylor Mills at the iconic Manor Pavilion Theatre, Sidmouth. Get ready for a summer of suspense, slapstick, and sensational storytelling!
Budleigh Music Festival
26th June- 4th July
A varied and high-quality programme of classical and contemporary music, Budleigh Music Festival takes place across several venues in the town. It works perfectly for guests looking for culture alongside coastal walks and relaxed seaside days.
Exmouth Festival
9th-12th July
This free festival transforms Exmouth into a creative hub, showcasing live music, performance, film and arts. It is a great option for guests wanting a lively summer break without the need for ticketed events.
Sidmouth Folk Festival
31st July – 7th August
One of the most well-known folk festivals in the UK, Sidmouth Folk Festival fills the town with music, dance and colour for a full week. Even if you are not attending ticketed events, the atmosphere alone makes it an unforgettable time to visit.
Beer Regatta
8th-14th August
A traditional coastal regatta with a fun twist, Beer Regatta includes quirky events such as barrel rolling and raft races, finishing with a spectacular fireworks display over the bay. It is a classic Devon summer experience.
Southleigh Country Fayre
12th August
The Southleigh Country Fayre brings a classic Devon village celebration to life at Lees Farm near Colyton. Great for guests who enjoy traditional countryside fun, as the fayre features everything from sheep racing, tug-of-war and welly wanging to falconry displays, vintage tractors, Morris dancers and children’s games. Around the ring, you will find local stalls, crafts, teas and refreshments in a relaxed community atmosphere that perfectly complements a summer break in East Devon. It’s a lovely way to experience local culture and support community causes during your stay.
Beautiful Days Festival, Escot Park
21st– 23rd August
Set within the beautiful grounds of Escot Park, Beautiful Days is a long-running family-friendly music festival created by the Levellers. Expect live music, theatre, healing areas, craft stalls and fantastic food and drink.
Sidmouth Regatta and Air Display
28th-30th August
Sidmouth Regatta brings together sailing races, raft challenges, live entertainment and fireworks. The air show, usually featuring the Red Arrows, is on the Friday late afternoon/evenin and is a highlight of the late summer calendar.
from 4th September
Sidbury Village Fair Week is a much-loved local celebration and a lovely way to experience village life in East Devon. It offers a mix of traditional fair activities, community events, entertainment and family-friendly fun throughout the week such as stalls, teas, plants, dog show, games and entertainment. Set in the picturesque village of Sidbury, it is perfect for those looking to enjoy a more relaxed, authentic Devon experience alongside countryside walks and easy access to the coast.
12th September
Each September, Sidmouth transforms into a paradise for classic car lovers with the Sidmouth Classic Car Show. I always recommend this to guests staying with Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays who appreciate vintage vehicles, unique automotive craftsmanship and scenic seaside cruising. The event brings together a stunning range of cars from different eras, with owners proudly showing off restored classics along the seafront and throughout the town. Whether you’re a dedicated enthusiast or simply enjoy a stroll among beautifully maintained vehicles, the Classic Car Show adds a vibrant and nostalgic highlight to late-summer stays in East Devon.
Sidmouth Walking Festival
12th-18th September
The Sidmouth Walking Festival is a highlight of the spring calendar and one I often recommend to guests who love the outdoors. With guided walks ranging from gentle coastal strolls to more challenging countryside routes, it is a wonderful way to explore the Jurassic Coast and East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Taste East Devon
Dates tbc, usually Mid September
Taste East Devon is a must for food lovers. This festival celebrates the region’s outstanding producers, chefs and venues, with events ranging from seafood tastings and farm feasts to brewery tours and pop-up dining experiences.
Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival
Dates tbc, Mid to late September
The main Budleigh Literary Festival is a five-day celebration of books by the sea, attracting authors and thinkers from across the UK. It pairs beautifully with an autumn coastal break, when the crowds thin and the scenery is at its best.
Sidmouth Science Festival
9th-18th October
Sidmouth Science Festival brings science, technology and discovery to the town through talks, exhibitions and interactive events. It is a fascinating festival for curious minds of all ages and works particularly well with a short break in Sidmouth or the surrounding villages.
Dartmouth Food Festival
23rd-25th October
Although just outside East Devon, Dartmouth Food Festival is worth the short drive. It offers demonstrations, tastings and over 100 exhibitors, showcasing some of the very best food and drink from Devon and beyond.
Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels
5th November
This historic event is one of Devon’s most dramatic traditions. Each year on Bonfire Night, locals carry flaming tar barrels through the streets of Ottery St Mary. It is a unique spectacle and one I always recommend to guests visiting in early November.
Exeter Christmas Market
Mid November to late December
Exeter Christmas Market brings festive cheer to the heart of the city, with wooden chalets, seasonal food and drink, local gifts and entertainment, all set against the stunning backdrop of Exeter Cathedral. It is the perfect addition to a winter short break in Devon.
These are just some of the many events taking place across East Devon and the wider county in 2026. Whether you are planning a summer holiday, an out-of-season short break, or a festival-focused stay, I always recommend booking early to secure the best choice of accommodation.
At Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays, we offer a carefully selected collection of holiday cottages across East Devon, from seaside apartments and town centre homes to peaceful countryside retreats. As a local, friendly team, we are always happy to share our knowledge, recommend events, and help you find the perfect base for your Devon holiday.
If you are planning a trip for 2026, take a look at our latest availability and let us help you experience the very best of Devon.
