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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: 218

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Dates

From:

10 June 2026to23 Sept 2026Various Opening Times

Bay Brass

Address

Princess Gardens, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5EY

Telephone
01803 431499

Torquay

Dates

From:

10 June 2026to23 Sept 2026Various Opening Times

Join us this summer on Torquay seafront for an evening of live music, with something for everyone. Our programme brings together the rich sound of brass and a broad selection of music, all set against a fantastic coastal backdrop—perfect for summer…

Type

Type:

Performance

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Web Site
Dates

From:
22 July 2026

Dino-Tales: Jurassic Rescue

Address

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

Torquay

Dates

From:
22 July 2026

Calling all dinosaur rangers - Jurassic Rescue needs your help!
There's a baby Ankylosaurus that needs rescuing before The Doc gets his evil hands on it… Along the adventure you’ll meet Freya the dancing Raptor, Dylan the cheeky Dilophosaurus,…

Type

Type:

Performance

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:
5 Sept 2026Open 19:30 - 22:00

Whitney The Candlelight Concert

Address

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

Telephone
01803328385

info@babbacombe-theatre.com

Torquay

Dates

From:
5 Sept 2026Open 19:30 - 22:00

Prepare for an electrifying night as Xperience Live presents - Whitney - The Candlelight Concert - bringing you the unforgettable music of Whitney Houston in a tribute like no other! This breathtaking show will feature a world-class live band with…

Type

Type:

Music

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

11 Aug 2026to12 Aug 2026

Peppa Pig's Big Family Show

Address

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

Torquay

Dates

From:

11 Aug 2026to12 Aug 2026

Peppa Pig and friends are back in their brand new live stage show!
With a new arrival on the way the whole family are busy getting ready. With building and decorating work to be done, it’s an oinktastic makeover and Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig…

Type

Type:

Family

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:
17 Sept 2026

Martin Edwards: Agatha and the Detection Club

Address

The Spanish Barn, Torre Abbey, Kings Drive, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JE

info@iacf-uk.org

Kings Drive, Torquay

Dates

From:
17 Sept 2026

Continuing our celebration of 100 years since the publication of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd we are thrilled to welcome Martin Edwards, award-winning author and current President of the Detection Club - a post once held by Agatha Christie!
Agatha…

Type

Type:

Talk or Lecture

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

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

The American Highway - The ultimate road trip of American rock classics

Address

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

Telephone
01803 415987

Brixham

Dates

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

Beatle Mania is Back
The Upbeat Beatles bring the legendary music of the Fab Four to life in a spectacular show that’s fun for all ages. Our expert musicians share a deep passion for the iconic group, delivering performances that capture the spirit…

Type

Type:

Music

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

12 Sept 2026to13 Sept 2026

Heritage Open Days - Greenway House

Address

Greenway House, Galmpton Road, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 0ES

Telephone
01803 842382

Brixham

Dates

From:

12 Sept 2026to13 Sept 2026

Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over 2,500 organisations, 5,000 events and 40,000 volunteers.
Every year in September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their…

Type

Type:

Free

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:
8 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 18:00
Country Show

Address

Newton Abbot Racecourse & Conference Centre, Newton Road, Kingsteignton, NEWTON ABBOT, Devon, TQ12 3AF

Telephone
01626 353235

Price
Price Free to £8.00 Per Ticket

Kingsteignton, NEWTON ABBOT

Dates

From:
8 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 18:00

Experience a fantastic summer day out at the Newton Abbot Country Show on Saturday 9th August at Newton Abbot Racecourse. This family-friendly event brings together the very best of country life, entertainment, shopping, food and outdoor fun in the…

Type

Type:

Country Show
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
Price
Price Free to £8.00 Per Ticket

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

17 Feb 2026to15 Oct 2026Various Opening Times

Celebration

Address

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

Telephone
01803 328385

info@babbacombe-theatre.com

Price
Price £13.00 to £27.00 Per Ticket

Torquay

Dates

From:

17 Feb 2026to15 Oct 2026Various Opening Times

Audiences have come to expect a magical and memorable theatre experience at the Babbacombe Theatre, and as the venue marks a milestone year in 2026, the highly acclaimed shows continue. Colin Matthews once again produces and directs a thrilling new…

Type

Type:

Performance

Price
Price £13.00 to £27.00 Per Ticket

More Details

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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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