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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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Number of results: 231

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Dates

From:
5 July 2026Open 07:00 - 11:00

English Riviera Swim

Address

Torre Abbey Sands Torquay, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 6NE

Telephone
07866 567 894

enquiries@sportivaevents.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:
5 July 2026Open 07:00 - 11:00

Join us for the thrilling English Riviera Swim at beautiful Torre Abbey Sands. This exciting event is part of the renowned English Riviera Triathlon and offers participants three fantastic race distances: a challenging 3000m swim, a competitive…

Type

Type:

Swimming

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Web Site
Dates

From:
11 July 2026

A Night at The Oscars Murder Mystery Dinner

Address

The Grand Hotel, Torbay Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 6NT

Telephone
01803 296677

events.grand@richardsonhotels.co.uk

Price
Price £45.00 Per Ticket

Torquay

Dates

From:
11 July 2026

A Night at The Oscars Murder Mystery Dinner
Saturday 11 July 2026
7PM
An Oscars inspired murder mystery dinner with live actors, three courses, and welcome drink.
Price: £45 per person
Menu available shortly.
The story
Step into a world of red…

Type

Type:

Murder Mystery

Price
Price £45.00 Per Ticket

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Web Site
Dates

From:
4 July 2026

Armed Forces Day

Address

Fore Street, St Marychurch, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3EA

Telephone
07917 762120

events.tafvbc@gmail.com

St Marychurch, Torquay

Dates

From:
4 July 2026

Torquay Armed Forces Day 2026 will take place on Saturday, 4th July 2026. It will be held in St Marychurch, Torquay.
The event will be held for any serving members of the armed forces, as well as military Veterans of the Torquay area, and any local…

Type

Type:

Community

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Web Site
Dates

From:

3 Apr 2026to30 Oct 2026Various Opening Times
Enchanting Illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village

Address

Hampton Avenue, Babbacombe, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3LA

Telephone
+44 01803 315315

mail@model-village.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

3 Apr 2026to30 Oct 2026Various Opening Times

Thousands of miniature lights, along with special fire and lighting effects, create an enchanting atmosphere during our evening illuminations!
BEST OF BOTH - It's a day & night experience! - Some of the details in our models & scenes and also the…

Type

Type:

Model/Miniature Village
Establishment Features

Dogs-Accepted
Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted - Pre-booking advisable.
More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Feb 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

Fawlty Tours walking experience

Address

English Riviera Visitor Information Centre, 5 Vaughan Parade, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JG

Telephone
07414 777606

guide@englishrivierawalkingtours.co.uk

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Feb 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

The Greatest British Sitcom of All Time Was Set in Torquay!
Celebrate the story of Fawlty Towers, its characters and the actors, whilst remembering the funniest moments from this timeless British comedy classic. This tour is one of the best things…

Type

Type:

Walking

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

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Web Site
Dates

From:
11 July 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
From:
11 July 2026Open 19:30 - 22:00

Gilbert & Sullivan: Treasure Island The G&S Musical!

Address

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

Telephone
07795640458

admin@unleashedtheatrecompany.com

Price
Price £12.00 Per Ticket

Torquay

Dates

From:
11 July 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
From:
11 July 2026Open 19:30 - 22:00

An exciting and innovative production loosely based on Robert Louis Stevenson's famous classic book. Many of the most well-known and stirring songs from all of the Gilbert & Sullivan operas tell the story, together with an amusing narration and…

Type

Type:

Performance

Price
Price £12.00 Per Ticket

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:
2 Aug 2026

Brixham Breakwater Race

Address

Brixham Breakwater, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8BA

Brixham

Dates

From:
2 Aug 2026

Celebrate the 2nd year of the Breakwater Swim returning to the Torbay Swim Calendar! In 2026 we will be swimming a slightly different route, and have the option of 2 and 4km swims. Enjoy an exhilarating swim in crystal-clear waters with spectacular…

Type

Type:

Swimming

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:
28 Aug 2026Open 19:30 - 22:00

Spice Girls - The Theatre Show

Address

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

Telephone
01803 328385

info@babbacombe-theatre.com

Price
Price £28.50 Per Ticket

Torquay

Dates

From:
28 Aug 2026Open 19:30 - 22:00

The girls have put together a very special theatre show with a fun party vibe. They'll be performing all your favourite Spice Girls hits with their superb backing band, impressive vocals, dance routines, and stunning authentic costumes.
Geri…

Type

Type:

Music

Price
Price £28.50 Per Ticket

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

10 Aug 2026to15 Aug 2026

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Torbay Literary Festival

Address

Palace Theatre, Palace Avenue, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 3HF

ben@torbayliteraryfestival.co.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:

10 Aug 2026to15 Aug 2026

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The Torbay Literary Festival is being held at The Palace Theatre, Paignton between 10th-15th August, and a whole raft of famous writers will be appearing including: Georgia Toffolo, Anne Widdecombe, Oscar Wilde’s grandson Merlin Holland; superstar…

Type

Type:

Literature

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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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