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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:
30 Aug 2026

GoGps Cowes-Torquay-Cowes

Address

Vaughan Parade, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JG

Telephone
+44 (0)1983 290558

lauralevi535@gmail.com

Torquay

Dates

From:
30 Aug 2026

The GoGps Cowes-Torquay-Cowes powerboat race will be roaring into Torbay on Sunday 30th August – the Bank Holiday weekend. The prestigious race, the most famous powerboat race in the world, is the highlight of the 3-day Isle of Wight based GoGPS…

Type

Type:

Sports

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Web Site
Dates

From:

3 Sept 2026to5 Sept 2026

Burn It Down Festival

Address

Various venues, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 1ED

info@boneyardpromo.co.uk

Price
Price £15.00 to £25.00 Per Ticket

Torquay

Dates

From:

3 Sept 2026to5 Sept 2026

Burn It Down Festival returns to Torquay from 3-5 September 2026.
Now firmly established as the South West's largest indoor alternative music festival, Burn It Down has grown since its launch in 2018 into a key fixture on the UK alt-music calendar…

Type

Type:

Music

Price
Price £15.00 to £25.00 Per Ticket

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:
9 Aug 2026

South West Sardine Festival

Address

Rockfish, The Quay, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8AW

Brixham

Dates

From:
9 Aug 2026

After a fantastic debut last year, the South West Sardine Festival is back for 2026, bigger, better, and just as gloriously fishy.
Join us quayside in beautiful Brixham as we fire up the BBQs, line the harbour with long communal tables, and raise…

Type

Type:

Food Festival

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Web Site
Dates

From:

14 Aug 2026to20 Aug 2026

RS200 National Championship

Address

Royal Torbay Yacht Club, Beacon Terrace, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2BH

admin@royaltorbayyc.org.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

14 Aug 2026to20 Aug 2026

RS200 National Championship
We are waiting for details of this event.

Type

Type:

Maritime

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Web Site
Dates

From:
22 Aug 2026

Generation Rock - Classic Rock Across All the Ages

Address

Brixham Theatre, New Road, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8TA

Telephone
01803 415987

Brixham

Dates

From:
22 Aug 2026

Generation Rock bring you classic rock bangers and anthems from the 70s to the present day. Our 6 piece live band features 4 vocalists, including the marvellous girl team of "Purple Haze" and "Lady Deee" backed by a group of top notch musicians who…

Type

Type:

Rock & Pop

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Web Site
Dates

From:
5 Sept 2026

Bottled Blondie - The Ultimate Live, Five Piece Tribute

Address

Brixham Theatre, New Road, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8TA

Brixham

Dates

From:
5 Sept 2026

Bottled Blondie Tribute Band is a highly acclaimed musical group dedicated to honouring and paying tribute to the iconic American rock band Blondie. Known for their energetic live performances and authentic renditions of Blondie's greatest hits, the…

Type

Type:

Performance

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Web Site
Dates

From:
21 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30

The Hairy Hands of Dartmoor: A Farfetched Folktale

Address

Paignton Library and Information Centre - Visitor Information Point, Great Western Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 5AG

Telephone
01803 714460

paignton.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk

Price
Price £4.00 Per Ticket

Paignton

Dates

From:
21 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30

Join Emma and Mich of The Story Store for a playful spin on a local legend
Have you heard the rumours? Have you seen the news?
Were they really purple and powered by potatoes?!
Perhaps we can't trust everything we read…
Co-created with young…

Type

Type:

Theatre

Price
Price £4.00 Per Ticket

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

25 June 2026to24 Sept 2026Various Opening Times

Brixham Town Band - Brixham Quayside Concerts

Address

The Quay, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8AW

Telephone
01803 882708

brixhamtownband@aol.co.uk

Brixham

Dates

From:

25 June 2026to24 Sept 2026Various Opening Times

Summer Season of Quayside Concerts
Thursday’s at 8pm – June to September
Weather permitting, plenty of seating, super local hostelries and
one of the best harbour views in the South West
Come and join us for an evenings entertainment

Type

Type:

Concert

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Web Site
Dates

From:
13 Sept 2026

What Agatha Did in the Great War

Address

Torquay Assembly Hall, Lymington Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3DT

Torquay

Dates

From:
13 Sept 2026

This special event offers a rare opportunity to step inside the historic Assembly Rooms at Torquay Town Hall, where Agatha Christie served as a nurse in the Voluntary Aid Detachment for the British Red Cross during the First World War.
The…

Type

Type:

Festival

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Web Site

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This Official Tourism Website is managed by the English Riviera BID Company Ltd.

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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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