Salcombe Crabfest 2025: All You Need to Know
Salcombe’s crab fishing industry is coming out of its shell on Sunday 4th May to celebrate Crabfest 2025, the...
by Maria Makepeace / Events
Situated on the picturesque banks of the River Dart, Dartmouth has a busy fun-filled social calendar that rivals those of much larger towns. Our guide is all you’ll need to find out what’s on in Dartmouth in 2025.
Dartmouth has numerous festivals and events throughout the year, as well as a fantastic range of attractions and family-friendly activities. There is always something happening within this vibrant harbour town!
Use the quick links below to find a specific event, or read on to find out what’s on in Dartmouth in 2025:
When: Every 2nd Saturday of each month
Where: Dartmouth’s Old Market Square
Hosted by The Coastal Kitchen, Dartmouth Farmers Market takes place on the second Saturday of every month. You can expect to see a wide range of local artisan products including sourdough bread, locally made honey, baked goods, and homegrown plants and flowers.
Visit the Coastal Kitchen website for more details.
When: 5th April 2025
Where: Totnes
The Head of the Dart SUP Challenge is an annual sell-out event that brings more than 250 paddle boarders together to complete a 14km course along the River Dart. It is the largest stand-up paddleboard event in the UK and is one of the ‘must-see’ events on the Dartmouth calendar.
Paddlers have the option to take part either in the race or leisure fleet. With prizes being awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place along with a raffle, it’s sure to be a family-friendly day out.
Visit The Head of the Dart website for more info.
When: 16th to 18th May 2025
Where: Various venues across Dartmouth
The Dart Music Festival is always an exceptionally popular event, with over 100 live acts performing across the three days. There will be an array of indoor and outdoor spaces throughout Dartmouth where you can listen to some of the best local upcoming and established musicians.
Visit the Dart Music Festival website for the line up and more info.
When: 10th May 2025
Where: The Riverside Café, Steamer Quay Totnes TQ9 5AL (Start point)
Are you looking for something a little different in Dartmouth this year? Then you’ll want to check out the fun-filled, fancy dress-themed food-orientated fun run along the banks of the River Dart. This 13-mile run goes from Totnes to the heart of Dartmouth and it is by no means a race.
Expect to sample culinary delights along the way with some sumptuous light refreshments at a variety of venues. Profits from the event help support the Dartmouth Food Festival.
Book your tickets for the Dart the Dart run here.
When: 8th June 2025
Where: Blackpool Sands, TQ6 0RG (start point)
The Dartmouth Triathlon starts with a glorious swim at Blackpool Sands. After that, it’s onto the bike for a stunning out-and-back ride via the world-famous Slapton Sands. You’ll finish off the race with an out-and-back run-up Blackpool Valley Road.
It’s a race that will test your skills, abilities, and stamina. So, if you’re up for the challenge, why not book yourself a place? Triathlon’s not your thing? Come and stand on the sidelines and cheer the participants on whilst enjoying some of Devon’s most beautiful beaches.
Check out the Sportiva Events website for more details.
When: 28th June 2025
Where: Dartmouth High Street
June is Pride Month across the UK and celebrates diversity, equality, and love. Dartmouth Pride is no different. Set against the stunning backdrop, Dartmouth Pride brings together locals and visitors alike to highlight the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusivity in the community.
You can expect the day to be filled with lively entertainment, colourful parades, and heartfelt speeches, all wrapped in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Visit the Dartmouth Pride Website to find out more.
When: 11th to 12th July 2025
Where: Blackpool Sands, TQ6 0RG
Tunes on the Sands is a unique beachside music festival held on the shores of Blackpool Sands. With a laid-back vibe and breathtaking coastal views, this festival combines live music, delicious food, and family-friendly entertainment.
Whether you’re dancing barefoot on the sand or soaking up the seaside atmosphere, Tunes on the Sands promises an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all ages.
Visit the Tunes on the Sands website for a full line up.
When: TBC
Where: Dartmouth Castle, TQ6 0JN
When looking at what’s on in Dartmouth in 2025, be sure to check out Dartmouth Shakespeare Week. It’s a cultural highlight in Dartmouth’s busy event calendar and it offers people of all ages a chance to enjoy Shakespeare.
Hosted by the Inn Theatre Company, each year they put on a performance of a Shakespearean play in the open air at Dartmouth Castle – a spectacle not to be missed!
When: 23rd to 30th August 2025
Where: Dartmouth
The first ever recorded Dartmouth Regatta took place in 1822. Over 30 years later, the event gained its ‘Royal’ title when bad weather forced Queen Victoria’s flotilla into the safety of Dartmouth Harbour. Luck had it that the Regatta was taking place during the monarch’s unplanned visit.
Dartmouth Royal Regatta is the biggest and most anticipated annual event in our What’s on in Dartmouth 2025 guide. The event will be jam-packed with rowing and sailing events, raft races, the Mayflower River Parade, and activities for the kids.
Check out the Dartmouth Regatta website for more info.
When: 30th & 31st August 2025
Where: Blackpool Sands, TQ6 0RG
Looking for an adrenaline-fueled weekend? Why not check out the Tribal Clash, a team fitness competition? Think world’s strongest but this time it’s in teams. Known for its challenging workouts, this event brings entrants from around the world to test their strength, endurance, and teamwork.
Watch as groups of 6 athletes (3 men and 3 women) compete and test themselves to the limits. Expect to see a wide range of sports and activities, with previous events having included shifting, climbing, running, swimming, hauling, pulling, carrying and throwing.
Whether you want to compete or spectate, check out the Tribal Clash website for more details.
When: 24th to 26th October 2025
Where: Dartmouth
South Devon is the perfect setting for a food festival that focuses on local, high-quality produce. The area has fertile fields and bountiful seas which have helped the region develop its thriving culinary culture.
Across the region, you’ll find award-winning restaurants such as The Seahorse as well as innovative producers like South Devon Chilli Farm, Sharpham Wine & Cheese, and Riverford leading the way.
During the Dartmouth Food Festival expect to see top chefs from South Devon as well as some celebrity ones too, demonstrating their skills. You’ll also see a huge range of exhibitors tempting you with their wares, as well as opportunities to get hands-on learning from the masters.
There is also a Children’s Activities Marquee located in Mayors Avenue throughout the weekend. Sponsored by Coast & Country Cottages, kids can decorate biscuits for free, whilst parents sample some of the delicious food on offer.
Find out more via the Dartmouth Food Festival website.
When: TBC
Where: Dartmouth
Candlelit Dartmouth is a magical annual event that gets you in the festive spirit. The town is transformed into a winter wonderland and includes a lantern parade where participants show off beautifully crafted handmade lanterns along the streets of Dartmouth. Highlights include live carol singing and a bustling Christmas market.
Although dates for 2025 are yet to be confirmed you can find out more about this magical event on their official website.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to what’s on in Dartmouth in 2025. With such a packed programme Dartmouth is certainly one of the busiest towns in South Devon. Whenever you decide to visit, make a holiday of it and stay in one of over 500 holiday homes in South Devon.
Fancy staying close to the action? Choose from a range of luxury holiday homes, dog-friendly cottages, and country escapes in and around Dartmouth. For even more inspiration on events happening throughout the region, check out this article on things to do in South Devon, or perhaps you’ll find some more interesting guides via our blog.
by Maria Makepeace / Events
I love the South West and ensuring visitors to the region have the best experience possible. That's why I love sharing local tips ...
Read More About Author
Sign up to receive exclusive offers, competitions and the latest news to your inbox, and you'll be entered into our monthly prize-draw 3 times!
Salcombe’s crab fishing industry is coming out of its shell on Sunday 4th May to celebrate Crabfest 2025, the...
With its warm sunshine, blooming daffodils and wildlife in abundance, spring starts early in South Devon. The calendar of...
Thanks to our lively local communities, there’s an impressive programme of annual events in South Devon. From quirky village...
