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Summer Events on the English Riviera

Visitors flock to the English Riviera, Devon to enjoy the soft sand and gentle lapping waves at our glorious beaches. But when you want a break from the seaside, you’ll find lots of special events taking place across Torbay. From steam rallies to all the fun of the fair, there’s plenty to suit every taste and help you make some very special memories during your stay. Here’s our pick of some of the must-do events during the summer holidays.

Nautical summer holiday events

With the glorious blue sea stretching across the Bay it’s little wonder that boats of all shapes and sizes take centre stage during the summer months. Torbay’s famous Royal Regatta offers plenty for seadogs and landlubbers alike. Watch the high-energy rowing races from Torquay’s seafront or enjoy a water ski display. After a day viewing the sailing, it’s time to turn your gaze skywards for the spectacular firework display that lights up the summer night sky.

As well as sailing boats bobbing past on the summer’s breeze, Torquay also welcomes the high-octane thrills of offshore powerboat racing to its coast.

If you’re visiting Torbay at the end of August, a day trip to the Dartmouth Royal Regatta is a must. From crabbing competitions to picking up something special in the Shopping Village, there are lots of things going on to tempt all ages. You can climb aboard a naval ship moored in the river, take part in the fancy dress competitions, hook a duck at the funfair, relax with an ice cream listening to live music and enjoy the fabulous firework display on the Friday night.

Summer holiday fun at Children’s week in Paignton

Paignton has long been a family-favourite destination, and for a week in the middle of August you’ll find even more going on to keep the kids happy. Children’s Week takes place on The Green by Paignton’s seafront. It is a week of activities aimed at children of all ages, from storytelling to traditional fairground rides like the splendid carousel. Your little one can have their face painted, watch a performance, or have a go at a new craft. And to make things even better, many of the activities are completely free.

Musical maestros and perfect performances

Make the most of the balmy summer evenings in the English Riviera by enjoying some open-air theatre or a music concert. You’ll find live performances taking place during the summer months at Greenway and Coleton Fishacre as well as Cockington Court and Torre Abbey in Torquay.

If you’re looking for some musical entertainment, head inland a couple of miles to the splendid Dartington Hall. Every August, Dartington hosts a Summer School and Festival, with a packed programme of events from internationally acclaimed artists. From Mozart to the rhythms of Latin America, it offers four weeks of musical treats with performances held throughout the day and evening.

Steam up for a fun day out for the family

The first weekend in August sees literally hundreds of vintage lorries, tractors and cars motoring their way to the Torbay Steam Fair. This three-day event is one of the biggest on the calendar, and you’ll find lots to keep all the family entertained. As well as the steam traction engines, there’s a craft tent and stalls for some shopping and children’s activities to keep the little ones entertained. And of course you can expect plenty of delicious local food and drink on sale to enjoy too.

There’s so much going on during the summer holidays in Torbay, so make sure you take a look through all our listings. They’re regularly updated, so come back again to see what’s new.

International Agatha Christie Festival

Every September, the English Riviera in Devon becomes a crime scene worth some serious investigation, as we celebrate the birthday of our most famous literary daughter. Each year you can expect a series of events coinciding with her birthday on 15 September with more fun and literary events than you can shake a smoking gun at.

Full details of the Festival programme and fringe events are available by carrying out a search on our What's On diary here and the festival programme can be viewed here. Subscribe to Festival News on the Festival website, www.iacf-uk.org or follow the Festival on Twitter and Facebook (@AgathaFestival).

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Dates

From:
22 July 2026
From:
25 Aug 2026

Timbrell’s Trips & Events CIC

Address

7 Forest Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 4JP

Telephone
01803 315634

newtt315@gmail.com

Torquay

Dates

From:
22 July 2026
From:
25 Aug 2026

Timbrell's Trips and Events CIC

Type

Type:

Charity

More Details
Dates

From:
12 Sept 2026

Agatha's Mysterious Dartmoor... Revisited!

Address

The Moorland Hotel, Haytor, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ13 9XT

Newton Abbot

Dates

From:
12 Sept 2026

After the success of last year’s sold out event, we are returning to Agatha’s mysterious Dartmoor but are making the event an all day one. This gives everyone longer to enjoy and savour the stunning locations visited en route.
Over the course of…

Type

Type:

Historical

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Web Site
Dates

From:
16 Sept 2026

The Mysterious Mix and Mingle

Address

Imperial Hotel, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2DG

Telephone
01803 294301

info@theimperialtorquay.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:
16 Sept 2026

After the success of last year’s Mix and Mingle, we are delighted to bring back this popular, and free, social event which is the perfect chance to meet fellow festival-goers over a drink or two.
This year, the event will be held in the glamorous…

Type

Type:

Participatory Event

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Web Site
Dates

From:
12 July 2026

Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra

Address

Princess Theatre, Torbay Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5EZ

Telephone
0844 871 7615

Torquay

Dates

From:
12 July 2026

As the UK's most popular pianist and bandleader, Jools Holland OBE has performed and recorded with some of the most talented musicians and songwriters in the world, including Eric Clapton, the late George Harrison, and Luther Vandross, Sting, BB…

Type

Type:

Concert

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Web Site
Dates

From:
14 July 2026Open 18:40 - 23:00

SEED TALKS: The Science of Intergenerational Trauma

Address

Arena Torquay, 39-41 Torwood Street, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 1DZ

Telephone
01803 467039

info@arenatorquay.com

Torquay

Dates

From:
14 July 2026Open 18:40 - 23:00

Discover how trauma is passed down through generations and how early interventions can prevent harmful consequences. With Q&A.
Trauma does not always end with the person who experiences it. Recent cutting-edge studies show that extreme stress can…

Type

Type:

Talk or Lecture

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Web Site
Dates

From:

9 Jan 2026to30 June 2026

Twilight Spa and Dine at The Cary Arms

Address

The Cary Arms, Babbacombe, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3LX

Telephone
01803 327110

enquiries@caryarms.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

9 Jan 2026to30 June 2026

Experience an exclusive lunch or evening spa session at our luxurious South Devon spa with full access to our wellness suite. Take time to relax and refresh in our waterfall hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and exotic experience shower.
Enjoy…

Type

Type:

Event

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Web Site
Dates

From:
24 July 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
'Back To The 80s' with Riviera Dogs Live in Concert

Address

Sheldon Retreat, Sheldon Lane, Doddiscombsleigh, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7YT

Telephone
+441647253916

theatre@sheldonretreat.com

Doddiscombsleigh, Exeter

Dates

From:
24 July 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00

Performing for the first time at Sheldon - Riviera Dogs are a 5 piece 80s party band hailing from Torbay 'The English Riviera' No lycra, wigs or make up, just faithful and respectful renditions of songs from the best decade in music! They started as…

Type

Type:

Music
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
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Web Site
Dates

From:
26 July 2026Open 19:30 - 22:00

The Hounds Of Love – The Kate Bush Celebration

Address

Babbacombe Theatre, Babbacombe Downs, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3LU

Telephone
01803328385

info@babbacombe-theatre.com

Price
Price £28.00 Per Ticket

Torquay

Dates

From:
26 July 2026Open 19:30 - 22:00

Step into the ethereal world of Hounds Of Love - The Kate Bush Celebration, a tribute that faithfully recreates the artistry, passion, and magic of one of music's most iconic and enigmatic performers, Kate Bush.
This stunning production brings to…

Type

Type:

Music

Price
Price £28.00 Per Ticket

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Web Site
Dates

From:
19 July 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30

Kawangware Summer Concert

Address

Royal Lyceum Theatre, 27-29 Abbey Rd, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5NQ

Telephone
07795640458

admin@unleashedtheatrecompany.com

Price
Price £8.00 Per Ticket

Torquay

Dates

From:
19 July 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30

Martin Harris Music School presents a fundraising concert in aid of the Kawangware Humanitarian School Charity. Featuring the Unleashed Community Choir and students from across the Bay from: The Torquay Boys Grammar, Spires Academy and Churston…

Type

Type:

Concert

Price
Price £8.00 Per Ticket

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Web Site

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Summer Events on the English Riviera

Nautical summer holiday events

Summer holiday fun at Children’s week in Paignton

Musical maestros and perfect performances

Steam up for a fun day out for the family

International Agatha Christie Festival

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