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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

, currently showing 19 to 27.

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Dates

From:

8 Aug 2026to9 Aug 2026

From:

29 Aug 2026to30 Aug 2026

Torquay Banjo Market

Address

Princess Gardens, Torbay Road, TORQUAY, Devon, TQ2 5EZ

Telephone
07770 030616

info@greentopmarkets.com

TORQUAY

Dates

From:

8 Aug 2026to9 Aug 2026

From:

29 Aug 2026to30 Aug 2026

The market features 35 stalls offering a wide range of handmade goods, international street food and artisan products, transforming the waterfront into a bustling hub of colour and activity.
Visitors can sample an extensive selection of sweet and…

Type

Type:

Market

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to30 Oct 2026

Coasteering Geopark 5* Grand Tour

Address

Maidencombe, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 4SU

Telephone
07723 088292

p.austin@mail.com

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to30 Oct 2026

Our adventures are all about pushing boundaries, daring each other to go further and yes the banter is top shelf. You will scale cliffs, fall into the water, dodge seals, leap from high ledges, balance on ancient plateaus, swim through caves and…

Type

Type:

Coasteering

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

17 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026

K1 National Championship

Address

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

Torquay

Dates

From:

17 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026

K1 National Championship
The ultimate keeled hiking dinghy for single-handed sailing – an extremely modern class providing excellent racing throughout the UK. The K1 has proven to be competitive in large mixed fleet sailing such as the “Sailjuice”…

Type

Type:

Maritime

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:
1 Aug 2026

Torquay Brick Festival

Address

Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5LZ

Telephone
01803 299992

Torquay

Dates

From:
1 Aug 2026

Torquay Brick Festival is back with their second event here at the RIC on Sunday 2nd August 2026!
This will be a great day for families, collectors, adult builders and every other kind of LEGO fan. With lots to see and do including speed building…

Type

Type:

Festival

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:
29 July 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
Joey the Lips Live in Concert

Address

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

Telephone
+441647253916

theatre@sheldonretreat.com

Doddiscombsleigh, Exeter

Dates

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

During an amazing 32 years on the road, the band has played throughout the UK and Europe across a huge variety of venues. From TV chat shows to headlining to a 10,000+ audience at music festivals, Joey the Lips remains a firm Sheldon favourite. The…

Type

Type:

Local Gig
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
More Details

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Web Site
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

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

3 May 2026to30 Aug 2026Various Opening Times

Paignton Harbour Market

Address

Paignton Harbour, PAIGNTON, Devon, TQ4 5DU

PAIGNTON

Dates

From:

3 May 2026to30 Aug 2026Various Opening Times

Stalls will vary but normally include local produce, arts and crafts, pottery, jewellery etc.
Paignton Harbour nestles on the western shores of Tor Bay, situated midway between Torquay and Brixham harbours. Its understated beauty and authentic…

Type

Type:

Market

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:
22 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 22:30

Generation Rock

Address

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

Telephone
01803 415987

info@brixhamtheatre.uk

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket

Brixham

Dates

From:
22 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 22:30

Coming to the Brixham Theatre as part of their current UK tour, Generation Rock bring you classic rock bangers and anthems from the 70s to the present day to the Brixham Theatre on Saturday 22 August. Join our 6 piece high octane live band for the…

Type

Type:

Rock & Pop

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:
3 Aug 2026
From:
13 Aug 2026
From:
21 Aug 2026
Circus Skills and Shows at Greenway

Address

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

Telephone
+441803843235

enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk

Galmpton, Brixham

Dates

From:
3 Aug 2026
From:
13 Aug 2026
From:
21 Aug 2026

Step right up, the circus has come to Greenway! Join Circus Berzercus and their performers for a mesmerising show and have a go at circus skills and tricks in this whizz popping workshops.
Circus Bezercus will be at Greenway on:
Mon 3 August - Ben…

Type

Type:

Circus
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site
More Details

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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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