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 Justine King / Events
Thanks to our lively local communities, there’s an impressive programme of annual events in South Devon. From quirky village festivals to major regattas, there is something for everyone. Here’s a quick guide to what’s on in South Devon in 2025, focusing on the region’s biggest events.
Looking for a specific event? Use the quick links below, or read on for our roundup of the top events in South Devon.
When: 4th May 2025
A fun-filled time for the whole family, Salcombe Crabfest is a jam-packed one-day event, sponsored by Coast & Country Cottages. Entirely free to attend, this unique food festival is all in aid of charity, raising over £40k since its inception. Taking place in central Salcombe, come along and browse the stands and stalls in the Creek Car Park, along Island Street, in Whitestrand and beyond!
You’ll find an incredible array of chef and crab picking demonstrations, live music, a buzzing street market and a wealth of local food and drink producers with sumptuous goodies to enjoy. For the little ones, be sure to visit the Coast & Country Cottages team on their stand in the Creek Car Park, where children can enjoy free activities.
Learn more on the Crabfest website.
When: 15th to 17th May 2025
One of the biggest events in the county calendar, Devon County Show is a premier agricultural show, packed with endless entertainment. From fascinating livestock competitions to an award-winning children’s farm, culinary demonstrations, a fun fair and fluffy animals to cuddle, there’s so much to see and do throughout the three days!
View the full show programme here.
When: 16th to 18th May 2025
Over 100 live acts perform in this family-friendly three-day event, for which an array of indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the town are repurposed as music venues. Free to attend, the Dart Music Festival features some of the best upcoming and established musical talent in the region.
View the Dart Music Festival website
When: 30th May to 1st June 2025
The Kingsbridge Food and Music Festival combines mouth-watering street food with a line up of live music on Squares Quay. The purpose of this free event is to throw a party for visitors and residents of Kingsbridge, a pretty market town in the South Hams. Come along, eat, drink and be merry!
View the festival line-up here
When: 29th June to 4th July 2025
Given Salcombe is a thriving centre for everything nautical, it’s no surprise that you’ll find many sailing themed events in the town throughout the year. Salcombe Yacht Club’s Merlin Rocket Week celebrates this class of sailing boat. During this action-packed regatta you can expect lots of live music, sailing races, BBQs and much more.
Check out the Salcombe Yacht Club website for more details.
When: 19th to 26th July 2025
Kingsbridge Fair Week is the oldest festival in the region, with roots going back to the early 13th Century. Events include a raft race, 10k run, carnival procession and lantern parade, along with the coronation of the Kingsbridge Fair Week Queen and her attendants. With live music, a fun fair, a teddy bears picnic and more, there are numerous family-friendly activities to enjoy, all centred around Kingsbridge’s pretty tidal estuary.
Find out more details on the Kingsbridge Fair Week website.
When: 27th July 2025
A traditional agricultural show with a 100-year-old history, this one-day show is one of the biggest in the county. Expect all the traditional animal displays, as well as live music, chef demonstrations, tractor pulling and trial bike shows!
There’s lots more information on the Totnes Show website.
TBC
Every summer, the Inn Theatre Company performs Shakespeare at a stunning spot by Dartmouth Open Air Castle. In the event of rain, performances are moved to the adjacent church, so there’s no need to let the weather put you off!
Visit the Inn Theatre Company Facebook page
When: 3rd to 8th August 2025
Salcombe Yacht Club Regatta comprises a week of entertaining races across a wide range of classes. For those interested in entering a race, the Yacht Club has put together a detailed FAQ here.
Click here to discover more events at Salcombe Yacht Club
When: 9th to 16th August 2025
Salcombe Town Regatta is the biggest annual event to take place in this popular holiday destination. Featuring street food, live music, races on and off the water, lots of activities for kids (from sand castle building to fancy dress competitions)… and a firework display to finish it all off!
The Salcombe Town Regatta website has more information on the event.
When: 13th & 14th August 2025
When looking at what’s on in South Devon, The British Firework Championships in Plymouth is a must. This spectacular two-night event showcases dazzling firework displays over Plymouth Sound, and is one of the biggest events on the South Devon calendar.
Featuring top pyrotechnic teams competing for the title, this annual celebration draws thousands of spectators to enjoy the vibrant lights, music, and festive atmosphere.
The British Firework Championships website will give you all the details on the teams competing this year.
When: August Bank Holiday Weekend
Look forward to a weekend of family-friendly fun on the beach in beautiful Hope Cove this August. Whether you fancy taking part in the kayak races or attempting the dog fancy dress competition with your pooch, there’s plenty of entertainment to be had. Perhaps you would just prefer to relax on the beach listening to live music – there’s arguably no better way to spend August Bank Holiday weekend. See pictures from last year’s Hope Cove weekend on the official Facebook page for information about what to expect.
Visit the Hope Cove Weekend website
When: 28th to 30th August 2025
One of the most anticipated annual events in the county, Dartmouth Royal Regatta serves up three days of rowing and sailing races, aerial displays, street food, artisan stalls, live music, activities for kids, a firework display, and more. Now in its 180th year, visitors can expect plenty of action both on and off the water. The Coast & Country Cottages team look forward to seeing you – pop along and visit the stand in Mayor’s Avenue.
Discover the Dartmouth Royal Regatta website
When: 6th September 2025
Another South Devon event that’s very much rooted in tradition, Kingsbridge Show goes back over 130 years. Go along for a full day of activities, attractions, competitions and live entertainment, celebrating the local countryside. Be sure to say ‘hello’ to the team on the Coast & Country Cottages stand.
View the Kingsbridge Show website for more details.
When: 24th to 26th October 2025
South Devon’s fertile fields and bountiful seas have shaped its thriving culinary culture, making it the ideal setting for the Dartmouth Food Festival. This annual event showcases award-winning restaurants and innovative local producers. There are even talks from celebrity chefs, cooking displays, and a whole host of food vendors serving up delicious bites to eat.
With a variety of exhibitors, tempting treats, and hands-on workshops, it’s a food lover’s paradise. Discover more on the Dartmouth Food Festival website.
Coast & Country Cottages is a proud sponsor of this event, running free children’s activities in the marquee on Mayor’s Avenue. With biscuit decorating and more, be sure to visit the team during the festival.
Date TBC
Candlelit Dartmouth is a festive celebration that lights up the town with charm and community spirit. Highlights include a glowing lantern parade, unique Christmas market stalls, and seasonal entertainment that brings the streets to life. This enchanting event captures the essence of Dartmouth’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-visit during the holidays.
Check the dates and find out more via the Candlelit Dartmouth website.
When: 6th December 2025
Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas is a festive extravaganza in the heart of South Devon. This lively event features a bustling market with local crafts, gifts, and delicious food. There’ll be live music, carol singing, and family-friendly entertainment. Its warm community vibe and plenty of seasonal cheer make it the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.
We hope you’ve found our guide to what’s on in South Devon in 2025 useful. If you’re looking for more activities to do during your South Devon holiday, then check out our blog on things to do in South Devon.
Coast and Country Cottages offer a wide range of self catering accommodation all over South Devon. From modern waterside apartments to cosy period cottages, you’re sure to find the right stay for you. We also have plenty of cottages that are dog friendly, so your waggy-tailed friends don’t miss out on any adventures!
by Justine King / Events
Hi, I'm Justine. Holidays and travelling have always been a favourite of mine from a young age. Having recently decided to travel...
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