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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:

17 July 2026to23 July 2026

From:

2 Aug 2026to16 Aug 2026

Anderton and Rowlands Fun Fair

Address

Paignton Green, PAIGNTON, Devon, TQ4 6ED

andertonandrowlandfunfair@gmail.com

PAIGNTON

Dates

From:

17 July 2026to23 July 2026

From:

2 Aug 2026to16 Aug 2026

Super Excited for this one 😎✈️🇬🇧✈️🇬🇧✈️

Type

Type:

Fete/Fair

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:
5 Sept 2026

Queen of the Night - A Tribute to Whitney Houston

Address

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

Telephone
0844 871 7615

Torquay

Dates

From:
5 Sept 2026

Whitney’s one true legacy was her music which touched most of us at some time in our lives. Share her life and get ready for the greatest love of all in Queen of the Night!
Direct from the West End, Whitney – Queen Of The Night is back for 2023…

Type

Type:

Performance

More Details

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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

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

11 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026

Heritage Open Days

Address

Various Locations across, the English Riviera, TQ2 5JG

Telephone
020 7553 9290

info@heritageopendays.org.uk

Dates

From:

11 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026

Heritage Open Days is England's largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history.…

Type

Type:

Participatory Event

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:
16 Sept 2026

A Century of Agatha Christie on Screen: Unseen!

Address

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

info@iacf-uk.org

Torquay

Dates

From:
16 Sept 2026

The always-popular Dr Mark Aldridge returns to the Festival this year with another fascinating talk for us. This time he is focusing on Agatha Christie on Screen, so be prepared for some exciting and very special insights!
Trace the story of Agatha…

Type

Type:

Talk or Lecture

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

12 Sept 2026to13 Sept 2026

Offshore Model Powerboat Racing

Address

Torbay Harbour, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JG

Torquay

Dates

From:

12 Sept 2026to13 Sept 2026

Open sea model race with radio control model boats. Models individually timed being followed by Rib chase boats.

Type

Type:

Power Boating

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

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

EMILIO SANTORO as ELVIS

Address

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

Telephone
01803328385

info@babbacombe-theatre.com

Price
Price £26.50 to £29.00 Per Ticket

Torquay

Dates

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

Crowned '2024 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist World Champion' by Elvis Presley Enterprises at Graceland, Emilio Santoro brings his award-winning ELVIS PRESLEY show to the UK.
Performing with his authentic 50's live band, The Creoles, Emilio…

Type

Type:

Music

Price
Price £26.50 to £29.00 Per Ticket

More Details

Visit Website

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
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

More Details

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Web Site

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The official tourism website for the English Riviera

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

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Registered address 5 Vaughan Parade, Torquay, Devon, England, TQ2 5JG.

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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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