Food Festivals

Food and drink are an important part of life on the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay. With fresh fish, meat and vegetables in plentiful supply, we like to celebrate our gastronomic delights with a variety of food and drink festivals throughout the year.

Food for thought

Food and drink events in Torquay showcase the very best in local produce. The bustling Torquay Food and Arts Festivals take place through the town centre, and combine flavours from the South West with live demonstrations from chefs in the Cookery Theatre and an array of unique Devon arts and crafts. Food and drink producers from across the region invite you taste, try and buy their delicious produce. Torquay also hosts a number of continental street markets when you can enjoy the flavours of France.

Fishy business

In September, Brixham celebrates its fishing heritage with Fishstock; a vibrant seafood and music festival with live kitchens where the region’s best chefs prepare and serve some of the UK’s finest fish. 
If you prefer something a little more out of the ordinary, Paignton Zoo holds a mini food festival in February, featuring local foods that are ethical, Fairtrade or palm-oil free.
Or head across the Dart on the passenger ferry from Kingswear to sample the freshest, sweetest south Devon crab at Crabfest.

Babbacombe Festival

Babbacombe has earned a reputation for keeping foodies happy with a choice of delis, restaurants, bistros, and excellent fish and chip restaurants. At the Babbacombe Rotary Fayre you’ll find traditional Westcountry food and more along with entertainment for a buzzing atmosphere.  

Find South Devon’s finest food in one place

Drive a few miles inland to the pretty village of Dartington. Here you’ll find the two-day Dartington Food Festival, which welcomes local chefs and producers to showcase their wares. Enjoy cookery demonstrations, try some tasters, and stock up your cupboards with the best Devon-made goods. You’ll also find the monthly Good Food Market held a couple of miles down the road in Totnes. Taking place on the third Sunday of every month, this is the place to buy everything from world-inspired street food for lunch on the go to prized venison and local cheeses to take home.

Beer festival

If you like to try award-winning beers, you can’t beat the annual Occombe Festival in June. Sample the goods from Paignton-based Bays Brewery as well as local cider and Pimms, and enjoy live music. 
The Kingsbeer Festival is another popular event, organised by the Dartmouth Steam Railway  and River Boat Company. Enjoy local ales and ciders with a beautiful view of the river and the town of Dartmouth as the backdrop. There’s also a popular BBQ for when you get the munchies and musical entertainment to keep everyone in the mood for partying. 

From freshly baked pies to our award-winning local ales, discover foodie delights from across the region at one of the many food and drink festivals in Torbay. Check out our calendar to see what’s on throughout the year.