What’s on in Devon this weekend – 2 to 4 October 2026
Hooray for Friday! If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Devon you have come to the best place for events and special activities. Read on to find out what’s on in Devon this weekend!
If you’re got longer to explore, find out what’s on during the rest of October including pumpkin patches, half term and Halloween fun.
Please check event organisers’ websites and social media channels for up-to-date information about opening, particularly during adverse weather.
Know of an event I can add to future editions of this guide? Submit a listing!
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Things to do in Devon this weekend
Here’s all the things to do and places to visit this weekend:
Little Shop of Horrors at Exeter Northcott Theatre – 1 to 17 October 2026
Feed your appetite for one of the most popular, hilarious and delicious musicals ever written.
When mild-mannered florist Seymour stumbles upon a strange and exotic plant, his luck seems to finally be turning. But this new green arrival has a very particular taste… and as success blooms and true love beckons, our hero has an impossible choice to make.
Packed with iconic songs, larger-than-life characters and a carnivorous plant with a mind of its own, this Northcott Theatre production promises big laughs, big tunes and exquisite stagecraft.
This show is suitable for families with children aged 10 and up.
Find out more and get tickets from Exeter Northcott Theatre.
Stranger Folk trail at Lydford Gorge in West Devon – 1 October to 1 November 2026
Forget pumpkins and plastic fangs – this Halloween adventure crackles with old magic. Download the Stranger Folk app to start your folklore adventure at Lydford Gorge.
Your guide, the Crone will direct you to where the stranger folk are slipping through the cracks to stir up trouble.
This trail is included in your admission price and free for National Trust members.
Find out more on the National Trust website.
Hennock Barn Dance, near Bovey Tracey – 3 October 2026
Beechleigh Farm in Hennock near Bovey Tracey is hosting a family-friendly Barn Dance again this autumn.
Renowned ceilidh band Spinach for Norman will be bringing the tunes the cattle barn for an evening of authentic farm entertainment in aid of the village school. There will also be activities for children including colouring, football and badminton. Even better under 11s can attend for just £2.
There will be a bar to quench the dancers’ thirst, a grand draw with many local business donations, family games and a BBQ serving local meats plus veggie options.
For more information and discounted advance tickets visit the PTA’s web page.
Powderham Food Festival near Exeter – 3 to 4 October 2026
Set in the grounds of Powderham Castle, this award-winning food festival showcases more than 130 South West food and drink producers.
Explore the stunning grounds and sample a diverse range of food, from delicious locally farm-
reared beef burgers to sweet cookie sandwiches.
Throughout the day, there will be demonstrations from local suppliers, expert-led talks, and family entertainment. Tickets also include entry to the Castle, enabling you to enjoy the full Powderham experience.
Adult tickets cost £5.50 and kids under 16 go free, and dogs are welcome.
Find the full event programme and buy tickets on the Powderham Food Festival website.
Family fun weekend at South Devon Railway – 3 to 4 October 2026
As well as heritage steam trains you can add wildlife encounters to your journey throughout this weekend.
South Devon Railway runs between Buckfastlight and Totnes with Buckfast Butterflies & Dartmoor Otters and to Totnes Rare Breeds Farm at either end of the line. This weekend both are included in your train ticket for free.
To get the deal simply select a Return or Ranger ticket option between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside stations. Booking in advance is recommended.
Find out more on the South Devon Railway website.
Free Tree Treasure Trail in Newton Abbot town centre – 4 October 2026
The Tree Treasure Trail is a chance to get creative in amongst the trees of Newton Abbot. Collect your treasure map and activity booklet from Golden Lion Square and follow the self-guided trail along Courtney Street and on to Victory Gardens.
As well as fun creative prompts, you’ll find a series of stamps along the way. Collect them all and come back to Golden Lion Square to collect a small prize.
This is a free event but booking is required.
Find out more and book on the Wide Hearted Living website.
England’s Seafood Festival in the English Riviera – until 4 October 2026
A two-week celebration of Devon’s world-renowned seafood is returning to the towns of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay.
Throughout the celebration the English Riviera towns all showcase some of the best seafood in the world, right where it’s landed. Highlights include everything from fine dining to street food and seafood celebration suppers to guest chef events.
Find the full programme on the English Riviera website.
Earth Photo 2026 at Coleton Fishacre in Kingswear – daily until 21 October 2026
The National Trust gardens at Coleton Fishacre are hosting the touring photographic exhibition Earth Photo 2026. It brings together award-winning photographers and filmmakers from across the world, inviting them to create innovative and visual stories that encourage conservations about our world and the challenges it faces.
Coleton Fisacre is also celebrating its centenary and the team have delved into the archives to share photographs documenting the building of the house and landscaping of the garden from start to finish.
This and the Earth Photo 2026 exhibition are included in the normal admission price and free for National Trust members.
Find out more about visiting Coleton Fishacre.
Age of the Dinosaurs at Kents Cavern in Torquay – daily until 31 October 2026
Have you heard what’s arrived in Kents Cavern this week? They’re 66 million years late to the party, but dinosaurs have finally found their way into the dramatic caves, which were formed a mere 2.5 million years ago.
Age of the Dinosaurs is a new exhibition showcasing skeleton models of 18 species of pre-historic monsters. They range from the equally loved and feared T Rex to the super cute (according to my teen) 60cm long Aquilops Americanus.
Find out more about visiting the dinosaurs at Kents Cavern.
Pumpkin Festival at Pennywell Farm – daily until 1 November 2026
Pennywell – one of Devon’s top attractions – runs a fantastic pumpkin event each autumn.
Expect a pumpkin patch, trail, live music and plenty of seasonal fun and games alongside the usual farm fun.
Pennywell is one of those places that is perfect to get in the spirit of the season without any frights, making it ideal for little ones.
READER OFFER: want to visit more than once? Check out my Pennywell ticket offer.
Find out more on the Pennywell Farm website.
Pumpkins at Watermouth Castle in Ilfracombe – daily until 1 November 2026
See Watermouth Castle theme park decked for spooky season with pumpkin walkways through the grounds and into the Courtyard.
As well as all the usual attractions, there will be a trick or treat trail, photo opportunities and market stalls are stacked with pumpkins, squashes and gourds in every shape, size and colour.
There’ll be even more seasonal fun on selected dates, including marshmallow toasting at weekends and additional family entertainment during October Half Term.
Find out more about the different ticket options on the Watermouth Castle website.
‘Voices of the garden’ immersive audio trail at Greenway near Galmpton – daily until 1 November 2026
Step back in time on this exciting trail as HistoryScapes, an immersive audio app, brings Greenway’s garden to life.
Use your smartphone to unlock stories as you explore the riverside gardens of Agatha Christie’s South Devon holiday home.
This is a free activity. Normal National Trust admissions apply.
Find out more about what’s on at Greenway.
Cockington Court Sculpture Trail in Torbay – daily until 1 November 2026
Listen up art lovers, explorers and history enthusiasts! The Cockington Court sculpture trail has returned for 2026 and this year is inspired by movie magic This free trail features more than 30 different sculptures created by local artists and sculptors.
To take part collect a free map from inside the Manor House between 10.30am and 4.30pm daily.
Find out more about this free sculpture trail in Torbay.
Room on the Broom activity trail at Haldon Forest near Exeter – open daily from 27 January 2027
The newest children’s activity trail in the partnership between Forestry England and Magic Light Pictures opens this week. Help Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s character the Witch as she embarks on a magical journey around Haldon Forest.
From 1 October, there’s extra Halloween fun on the trail. Look out for magical cauldrons and solve the clues to complete a special Halloween crossword.
Find out mort about the Room on the Broom trail.
Insects Uncovered at Newton Abbot Museum – daily until 1 March 2027
See a collection of butterfly specimens and take part in The Great Butterfly & Moth Hunt to find
eight insects hiding around the museum and learn some amazing facts along the way.
When you’ve found them, go to the front desk to collect a special sticker for your Pastport and some wildflower seeds to plant at home.
Find out more about what’s on at Newton Abbot Museum.
Bayeux Around Britain at RAMM in Exeter – until 11 July 2027
Can’t get to London to admire the Bayeux Tapestry? Visiting RAMM in Exeter is the next best thing!
It’s part of a nation-wide programme to bring the the story of the tapestry alive with objects from RAMM’s collection, alongside digital assets from the British Museum and a trail about the history surrounding the Norman invasion.
See the Bayeux Around Britain exhibits and experiences at RAMM for free Tuesday to Sunday.
Find out more about visiting RAMM and Bayeux Around Britain.
What’s coming up in October half term
Get the full picture of Halloween events and October half term in my guide to family events and days out.
If you would like to see your event listed submit a listing! Submissions are open from September onwards.
What’s on at the theatre
Here’s where to find the latest listings and what’s on at Devon’s theatres:
- The Flaval, Dartmouth, South Devon
- Palace Theatre, Paignton, South Devon
- Princess Theatre, Torquay, South Devon
- The Pavilions, Teignmouth, South Devon
- Theatre Royal, Plymouth
- The Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport, Plymouth
- Babbacombe Theatre, Babbacombe, South Devon
- Exeter Northcott Theatre, Exeter
- Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
- Exeter Phoenix Arts Centre, Exeter
- Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter
- The Landmark Theatre Ilfracombe and Queens Theatre Barnstaple, North Devon
More things to do in Devon this weekend
Here’s some more guides with ideas for things to do and places to visit for the whole family:
- Ideas for rainy days in Devon
- Soft play centres in Devon
- Zoos and animal attractions
- Theme parks in Devon
- Farm shops in Devon
- Outdoor activities and attractions
- Dog-friendly family attractions in Devon
- Free things to do
- Adventure playgrounds in Devon
- Things to do with teens in Devon.
Why not visit one of Devon’s theme parks, indoor attractions or go on a walk on Dartmoor.
Devon what’s on guides
If you’re after more reading to inspire your future Devon weekends, check out these posts:
