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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:

20 July 2026to31 July 2026

Fireball World and National Championships

Address

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

Telephone
01858 880763

Torquay

Dates

From:

20 July 2026to31 July 2026

The Royal Torbay Yacht Club are pleased to announce that the Fireball World Championship will be held in Torquay in July 2026
Torquay offers a spectacular venue with racing taking place on some of the finest sailing waters in the world. Torbay is…

Type

Type:

Maritime

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Web Site
Dates

From:
6 Sept 2026Open 17:00 - 23:00

Robert Arkins: The Commitments

Address

Arena Torquay, 39-41 Torwood Street, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 1DZ

Telephone
01803 467039

info@arenatorquay.com

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket

Torquay

Dates

From:
6 Sept 2026Open 17:00 - 23:00

If so, join us at Arena, Torquay, on Sunday 6th September, from 5pm-8pm, for a family-friendly day celebrating 35 years of The Commitments - the Irish saviours of soul.
The event features Robert Arkins, who played band manager Jimmy Rabbitte in The…

Type

Type:

Music

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:
21 July 2026
From:
25 July 2026
From:
31 July 2026

Torquay United Home Fixtures 2026

Address

Torquay United, Plainmoor, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3PS

Telephone
01803 328666

reception@torquayunited.com

Plainmoor, Torquay

Dates

From:
21 July 2026
From:
25 July 2026
From:
31 July 2026

Torquay United was formed in 1899. Find all of the latest information on matches and fixtures here. Come on down to The English Riviera and follow your team against the 'Gulls.

Type

Type:

Football

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:
4 Sept 2026

Viva La Vida - The Greatest Hits of Coldplay

Address

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

Telephone
01803 665800

info@palacetheatrepaignton.co.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:
4 Sept 2026

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of one of the biggest bands in music history.
VIVA LA VIDA – The Greatest Hits of Coldplay is a stunning live concert tribute that brings to life the energy, emotion, and…

Type

Type:

Music

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Web Site
Dates

From:
25 July 2026Open 19:30 - 22:00

MoonAge - The Best of Bowie Tribute Band

Address

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

Telephone
01803 415987

info@brixhamtheatre.uk

Brixham

Dates

From:
25 July 2026Open 19:30 - 22:00

Space Oddity, Life on Mars, Ziggy Stardust, Starman, Jean Genie, Let’s Dance, China Girl, Ashes to Ashes, Heroes, Fame, Absolute Beginners…the list goes on and MoonAge will play them all… plus our signature song MoonAge Daydream.
MoonAge is a David…

Type

Type:

Music

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

14 Sept 2026to19 Sept 2026

The Mirror Crack'd

Address

Little Theatre, St Marks Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2EL

Telephone
01803 299330

Torquay

Dates

From:

14 Sept 2026to19 Sept 2026

THIS EVENT IS PART OF THE AGATHA CHRISTIE FRINGE FESTIVAL
MYSTERY/THRILLER
The inhabitants of St Mary Mead are thrown into a frenzy when a glamorous fi lm star buys the Manor House, but a vicious murder changes the mood rapidly. Jane Marple,…

Type

Type:

Murder Mystery

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:

15 Feb 2026to31 Oct 2026Various Opening Times

Cary Arms - The Agatha Christie Experience/Curated Stay

Address

The Cary Arms, Beach Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3LX

Telephone
01803 327110

enquiries@caryarms.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

15 Feb 2026to31 Oct 2026Various Opening Times

The Agatha Christie Experience
A coastal escape inspired by the Queen of Crime
Step into the pages of history and mystery with a two-night literary escape on the English Riviera.
Follow in the footsteps of Agatha Christie — from the elegant…

Type

Type:

Local Culture

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:
16 Sept 2026

John Mallowan: Agatha the Photographer

Address

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

info@iacf-uk.org

The Kings Drive, Torquay

Dates

From:
16 Sept 2026

To conclude the opening day of the Literary Festival, we are thrilled to be able to introduce a talk by John Mallowan on one of Agatha Christie’s many, but lesser known, talents: photography.
Agatha was an integral part of her husband Max’s…

Type

Type:

Talk or Lecture

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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