Looking for the best festivals in Devon for families? Here’s a round up of what’s on in 2024 including free events, festivals with packed music programmes and some of the more unique things to do in Devon.
You might also like to check out my posts about other events happening in Devon in 2024, firework displays, and Christmas events.
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Free festivals in Devon
Going to a family-friendly festival need not be an expensive experience. There are plenty of free festivals in Devon. Here’s some of the best:
Dart Music Festival – 17 to 19 May 2024
This is one of our favourite free events in Devon. Dartmouth has a rhythm of its own for this three day music festival with indoor and outdoor venues across the town.
See more than 100 performances across the weekend, ranging from rock to opera and jazz.
What’s on for families?
There’s a family-friendly vibe to this festival around the town with things happening during the day including children’s entertainment at the band stand.
Can you camp at Dart Music Festival?
No, there’s no dedicated camping at this Devon festival. You can however find self catering and B&B accommodation in town*.
Find out more on the festival website.
Turn the Tide Festival in Teignbridge – 7 to 9 June 2024
This marine environment, seaside, waterways and well-being festival is now in its third year and returns with three days of free activities.
What’s on for families?
The volunteer-run festival in Dawlish kicks off on the Friday with a family-friendly theatre production from Troubadour Theatre on Children under 12 go free.
On Saturday there’s circus skills and an 18m long whale from circus rum baba, Bristol, as well as storytelling on the lawn. The family-friendly fun concludes on Sunday with circus skills, craft stalls, stilt walkers.
Can you camp at this festival?
No.
Find out more on the Turn the Tide Festival website.
Exmouth Festival – 19 to 21 July 2024
Exmouth Festival is a family-focused event where you’ll find live music, theatre, circus and art, alongside the very best food and drink Devon has to offer. Activities are being planned across multiple locations across Exmouth in 2024.
What’s on for families?
Keep an eye on the festival website to see what’s planned.
There’s lots of family-friendly things to do in Exmouth while also enjoying the festivities.
Can you camp at Exmouth Festival?
No, but there’s plenty of places to stay in Exmouth. Expect accommodation to be busy because of the school holidays. Book early!
Find out more about Exmouth Festival.
Sidmouth Folk Festival, Sidmouth – 2 to 9 August 2024
Sidmouth Folk Festival offers a packed programme of music, dance and workshops across eight days at venues around the town. A lot of the festival is free to attend but there are some ticketed events.
What’s on for families?
The dedicated children’s folk festival is staged across three workshop venues with crafts, family-friendly shows and story times.
Can you camp at Sidmouth Folk Festival?
There’s no dedicated camping for this festival but there’s plenty of campsites and accommodation around Sidmouth* in East Devon.
Find out more about the festival programme and children’s festival activities on the website.
Unique Devon festivals
If you are looking for unique things to do in Devon then there are festivals that you won’t experience anywhere else in the UK. They include music, family fun and something else a bit special.
Here’s the dates to put in your diary:
The Brixham Pirate Festival – 30 April to 2 May 2024
There be pirates in Brixham! Expect skirmishes, historic reenactments and live music over the May Day bank holiday weekend.
What’s on for families?
This festival is one of the largest gatherings of modern day pirates – what more could kids want?!
Can you camp at Brixham Pirate Festival?
There’s no camping at this festival but you might find yourself a bunk to sleep in if you speak nicely to a pirate! Alternatively, there’s accommodation in Brixham*.
Find out more about Brixham Pirate Festival on the website.
The Goblin and Fairy Festival at Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport – 18 to 19 May 2024
What’s on for families?
Dress up as magical creatures and enjoy storytelling, theatre, arts and crafts at the Goblin and Fairy Festival.
This family event is based in and around The Soapbox Children’s Theatre in the beautiful Devonport Park, Plymouth. The majority of activities take place under cover, either in the theatre or in one of the many tents dotted around the site. So, come rain or shine we’ll make sure you have a brilliant time.
Can you camp at this festival?
No, but there’s plenty of places to stay in Plymouth if you’d like to make a weekend of it.
Find out more and buy your tickets on the Soapbox Children’s Theatre website.
Seaweed Festival at Clovelly – 26 May 2024
Each year Devon’s car free village in North Devon holds a Seaweed Festival to promote this marine marvel’s immense health and nutritional benefits.
What’s on for families?
Enjoy live music, street entertainment and seaweed workshops during your visit.
Ususal admission prices apply.
Can you camp at Clovelly?
No, but accommodation is available in Clovelly and around Hartland*.
Find out or about what’s on at Clovelly near Hartland.
Craft Festival Bovey Tracey – 7 to 9 June 2024
Craft Festival Bovey Tracey returns for its 20th annual event featuring 200 designer makers, plus more live craft demonstrations and activities than ever before.
New talks and wellbeing workshops include the ‘Out of the Woods’ Tent, the event’s popular woodworking showcase.
What’s on for families?
There will also be free, drop-in children’s activities on the Saturday and Sunday. Lead by Jim Parkyn, Make South West, Stover School, Devon Weavers, Brick Ideas and Pom Stitch Tassel, take part in workshops exploring the theme of Sea, Land and Sky.
Also expect film screenings, live music and delicious, artisan street food by local specialists all set in gorgeous parkland.
The festival takes place in Mill Marsh Park, Bovey Tracey. Tickets cost from £10 in advance or £12 on the door. Accompanied children are free.
Can you camp at the festival?
No.
For more information and to buy tickets visit the Craft Festival website.
Clovelly Maritime Festival, Clovelly – 21 July 2024
See the village’s Clovelly Cup Race as well as other waterborne competitions.
What’s on for families?
Back on land there will be lots of family entertainment and activities.
Under 16s wearing maritime fancy dress get free entry.
Can you camp at this festival?
No.
See what else is happening during the maritime festival on the the Clovelly website.
Dartmoor Folk Festival – 9 to 11 August 2024
This family-friendly festival in the Dartmoor village of South Zeal includes music concerts and Ceilidhs.
What’s on for families?
Events on the recreation ground including morris dancing, the duck race and ferret racing are by donation on the gate so it’s a brilliant cheap family day out!
Can you camp at this festival?
No.
Check out further information and programme details at the Dartmoor Folk Festival website.
Gone Wild Festival – 22 to 25 August 2024
Gone Wild is a four-day family-friendly festival in Devon packed full of adventure for adults and children aged six to 18.
It’s been co-founded by Bear Grylls with outdoor activities, inspiring speakers and popular bands on stage to finish up each day.
Read our review of Gone Wild Festival 2022 with tips for your visit.
What’s on for families?
The schedule has been designed by Bear to challenge families over an action-packed weekend. It includes kayaking, axe throwing, archery and battle archery, while Be Military Fit will lead group workouts.
For something a little more, choose from sunrise yoga, paddle boarding, talks and workshops, as well as learning bushcraft with Bear Grylls Survival Academy.
Can you camp at Gone Wild Festival?
Yes, weekend camping tickets are available and we’d strongly advise making a mini-holiday of it to make the most of the all the adventurous activities on offer.
Find out more about tickets and camping on the festival website.
Tiny Gatherings Festival – 16 to 18 August 2024
This boutique festival nestled in rural Devon on the outskirts of Dartmoor is a family and dog-friendly event for outdoor-loving people.
Tiny Gatherings offers a small scale festival experience with a community feel. It’s especially for family who love to camp, hike, camp, camper van, or caravan and what to meet others who do too.
The event takes place near Okehampton over the bank holiday weekend.
What’s on for families?
There will be stories around the campfire, fun and child music as well as an open mic night, yoga and workshops to inspire you to lead an even more outdoorsy life.
Can you camp at Tiny Gatherings Festival?
Yes, bring your own tent, camper or caravan or check availability at the glamping site next to the festival.
Find out more and book tickets on the Tiny Gatherings Festival website.
Music festivals in Devon
Devon has some brilliant family-friendly music festivals. Oragnisers understand that happy kids make for happy parents.
Here’s the festivals that get the balance right with awesome headline acts and plenty of entertainment for children:
Pigstock, Bideford – 18 May 2024
Billed as Devon’s most family-friendly festival Pigstock takes place in and around The Big Sheep theme park in North Devon.
In 2024 REEF are headlining the music stage
What’s on for families?
As well as music there’s a food village, free entertainment ands access to the Big Sheep theme park from 11am until 4pm.
Can you camp at Pigstock?
Yes! The camping field will be available at 10am on the day of the event and you must check out by 10am the next day. The facilities available for campers are Portaloos and a water tap only.
Caping costs £10 per person.
Find out more on the The Big Sheep website.
Sidmouth International Jazz and Blues Festival – 23 to 27 May 2024
Sidmouth jazz Festival offers a diverse and dynamic range of music genres from the absolute best in Jazz (Contemporary, Modern, Swing, New Orleans) Blues, to Roots, RnB, Soul, Funk, Latin, Cuban and Gospel.
During the event there will be ticketed and free gigs.
What’s on for families?
Imagine the colour, vibrancy and fun of New Orleans in the beautiful coastal town of Sidmouth – what an explosion of the senses for any music-loving family. See free street music performances as well as free music taking place at pubs, wine bars and hotels within Sidmouth.
Can you camp at Sidmouth Jazz Festival?
No, there’s no camping at this festival but you’ll find plenty of campsites and accommodation nearby. Book early!
Find out more about what’s on by looking at the festival website.
The Devonshire Balloon and Music Festival – 25 to 26 May 2024
Expect a weekend of hot air balloon launches, live much and family fun at Exeter Racecourse this May half term. Entertainment will be provided by UK tribute bands in the big top circus tent and a Saturday evening glow balloon show.
What’s on for families?
As well as music and those incredible balloons, the Devonshire Balloon and Music Festival will feature stunt displays and visits from dinosaurs.
Can you camp at Devonshire Balloon and Music Festival?
No. But there’s plenty of places to stay in and around Exeter.
Find out more and buy tickets via Ticket Source.
Teignmouth Folk Festival, Teignmouth – 21 to 23 June 2024
This lively folk festival takes place across several venues in Teignmouth.
Throughout the festival there’s a heady mix of music performances and Morris dancing at venues around the town.
Tickets are available for camping and night time concerts.
Check the festival’s Facebook group for announcements about acts and what’s on about town.
Kids Fest at The Big Sheep – 23 June 2024
The family-first Devon festival designed for five to 13-year-olds is a packed ay out with live music, stunt shows, animal encounters, assault courses, dancing and even a foam party. All this and more takes place alongside access to the Big Sheep theme park.
What’s on for families?
Quite frankly, what isn’t on?
Can you camp at Kids Fest?
Not at this event.
Find out more and get tickets for Kids Fest.
Goren Festival – 5 July to 7 July 2024
Get set for some long sunny evenings in the wildflower meadows filled with the sounds of music, laughing and playing.
What’s on for families?
This is a nature oriented family festival with a heavy bias for young children between five and 15. The area is quite safe to let your children explore the meadows, hedgerows and streams.
There’s music planned from Friday evening through to Sunday afternoon. Keep an eye on the Goren Festival website to find out the bands playing.
Can you camp at Goren Festival?
There’s camping available for two nights.
For tickets and more information see the Goren Festival website.
Tunes on the Sands – 12 to 14 July 2024
This seaside music festival takes place right on the beach at Blackpool Sands in the South Hams.
What’s on for families?
This small festival in the beach gives families the chance to enjoy great music and delicious eats from local food vendors while enjoying this picturesque cove.
Be aware that the festival site is sectioned off on one part of the beach. The rest of the beach remains open to the general public. If you come for the day there will be an allocated car park for festival ticket holders.
Can you camp at Tunes on the Sands?
Yes, there are three camping fields 10 minutes walk from the beach. You can bring a tent, camper van or motorhome. Vehicles will be parked in a separate field and there is a shuttle bus to the festival site.
Find out more and buy tickets to Tunes on the Sands.
Tawland Music Festival – 13 July 2024
This community music festival at North Tawton Rugby Club in West Devon has something for all ages.
Whats on for families?
As well as local bands, duos and solo artists there will be a bouncy castle, crafting tables, storytelling and face fainting.
For adults you can speak to a medium and enjoy local ales, ciders and an assortment of food.
Entry is free for children aged 12 and under.
Can you camp at this festival?
No.
Find out more about Tawland Music Festival.
Altitude Night Festival, Blackborough – back in 2025!
Altitude is taking a year off in 2024 but expect it to return next year! Put 25 to 27 July 2025 in your diary now.
This family-friendly festival brings you an eclectic mix of live music and DJ’s from across the country including independent, established and emerging artists.
What’s on for families?
There’s usually crafts and games for kids.
Can you camp at Altitude Nights Festival?
Yes! Day and camping tickets are available.
Find out more and buy tickets for 2025 on the festival website.
The Big Tribute Festival in Plymouth – 9 to 11 August 2024
See the UK’s best tribute acts to Dua Lipe, the Spice Girls and Elvis among others at this family-friendly festival in Central Park.
What’s on for families?
While the festival takes place over the whole weekend Friday is the most family-friendly day with fairground rides, face-painting and bouncy castles alongside the music.
Can you camp at this festival?
No.
Find out more and buy tickets on the Big Tribute Festival website.
Beautiful Days, Escot Park – 16 to 18 August 2024
Beautiful Days is an family music festival organised by The Levellers. There are several stages, art installations, a wild spa, walkabout theatre and folk sessions as well as food and craft stalls.
What’s on for families?
The festival has a huge children’s play area, family camping and campsite play zones.
Can you camp at Beautiful Days?
Yes. Camping tickets are available.
Find out more and how to get tickets on the festival website.
Abbfest, Newton Abbot – 19 to 22 September, 2024
Music meets Devon food, drink and crafts at this family-friendly festival in South Devon.
What’s on for families?
Saturday is the best day to attend with kids as this is when there’s usually lots of children’s activities planned.
Can you camp at Abbfest?
It’s not possible to camp at Abbfest but there are campsites and B&B accommodation in Newton Abbot*.
For more information visit the Abbfest website.
Food Festivals in Devon
Festivals and food go hand in hand in Devon. But there are some that are fully dedicated to the finest West Country produce.
Here’s what’s on:
Plymouth Street Food Festival – 3 to 6 May 2024
Plymouth Street Food Festival is returning to Central Park in May.
Top street food traders from across the South West and the rest of the UK will all be ready and waiting to serve you the best range of cuisines from all over the world.
Book your free tickets online to jump the queue on the day.
Find out more and book free tickets.
Flavour Fest in Plymouth – 31 May to 2 June 2024
The South West’s largest free food and drink festival returns to the city centre Piazza for its 20th anniversary in 2024 with plenty of activities to get your taste buds tingling.
See celebrity chef demos and sample some of the regions finest produce from more than 80 stalls.
Find out more about what’s on at Flavour Fest this year.
Exeter Street Food Festival – 14 to 16 June 2024
More than 25 unique street food traders will be setting up shop in Northernhay Gardens to bring tastes from around the globe to Exeter.
No two stalls will be selling the same cuisine so you can quite literally eat your way around the globe with dishes inspired by Vietnam, Thailand, Morocco and Afghanistan to serve up a few.
Alongside the delicious grab and go food will be bars, live entertainment and fun for all the family.
Tickets can be booked online. Under 18s go free!
Find out more on the Street Food Warehouse website.
Get a while to stay? Check out my full guide to family holidays in Devon.
Are you a festival organiser or do you know of any events not listed? Get in touch so I can add you to this list.
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