Family-friendly festivals in Devon 2026
Looking for the best festivals in Devon for families? Here’s a round up of what’s on in 2026 including free events, festivals with packed music programmes and some of the more unique things to do in Devon.
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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 – 15 to 17 May 2026
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 – 23 May 2026
This marine environment, seaside, waterways and well-being festival is now in its fifth year and returns with a day full of free fun and entertainment. This year’s theme is Keeping Dawlish Cool.
What’s on for families?
This volunteer-run festival in Dawlish usually includes family-friendly theatre and workshops, stry-telling and street entertainment.
Can you camp at this festival?
No.
Find out more on the Turn the Tide Festival website.
Exmouth Festival – 10 to 12 July 2026
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 2026.
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 – 31 July to 7 August 2026
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 – 2 to 4 May 2026
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.
Seaweed Festival at Clovelly – 24 May 2026
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 more about what’s on at Clovelly near Hartland.
Craft Festival Bovey Tracey – 12 to 14 June 2026
Craft Festival Bovey Tracey returns for its annual event featuring 200 designer makers, plus more live craft demonstrations and activities than ever before.
What’s on for families?
There will also be free, drop-in children’s activities on the Saturday and Sunday.
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. Buy tickets in advance for £10 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 – 19 July 2026
Enjoy workshops, kids face-fainting and browse a variety of stalls offering delicious food and unique event-themed arts and crafts.
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.
The Goblin and Fairy Festival at Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport – 20 to 21 June 2026
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.
Dartmoor Folk Festival – 7 to 9 August 2026
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.
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 – 16 May 2026
Billed as Devon’s most family-friendly festival Pigstock takes place in and around The Big Sheep theme park in North Devon.
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 loos and a water tap only.
Find out more on the The Big Sheep website.
Sidmouth International Jazz and Blues Festival – 22 to 25 May 2026
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.
Tawland Music Festival – 20 June 2026
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.
Teignmouth Folk Festival, Teignmouth – 19 to 21 June 2026
This lively folk festival takes place across several venues in Teignmouth.
What’s on for families?
Throughout the festival there’s a heady mix of music performances and Morris dancing at venues around the town.
Can you camp at Teignmouth Folk Festival?
Tickets are available for camping and night time concerts.
Check the festival’s website for announcements about acts and what’s on about town.
Goren Festival – 3 to 5 July 2026
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.
Altitude Night Festival, Blackborough – 23 to 25 July 2026
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 2026 on the festival website.
FamFest Live at various Devon venues – 9 to 30 August 2026
FamFest is a touring festival where you’ll find a non-stop celebration of family, music, and good vibes in the great outdoors.
The festival is taking place in Torbay, Plymouth and Plymstock.
Well behaved dogs are welcome on a lead and under 10s go free.
What’s on for families?
The festival has immersive kid zones and hands-on experiences as well as performances from chart-topping artists and family-friendly music acts across all genres.
Can you camp at FamFest Live?
No.
For more information and tickets visit the FamFest website.
Beautiful Days, Escot Park – 21 to 23 August 2026
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 – 18 to 20 September 2026
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:
Flavour Fest in Plymouth – 29 to 31 May 2026
The South West’s largest free food and drink festival returns to the city centre Piazza 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.
Got 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.
Check out my guides to days out in Devon with kids
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