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Free Events

We know that holidays can be expensive and planning your days can be hard when trying to decide where to go, but you might be surprised to learn that there are some great days out in South Devon that won’t cost a penny. Besides having an array of beaches and places to explore during your stay, it is also worth having a look to see what free events are taking place whilst you are holidaying in the area.

Throughout the year many of the cities, towns and villages in South Devon host a wide range of events for everybody to enjoy. From music festivals and carnivals to regattas and food festivals, lots of the events are free to attend and are held within the towns themselves.

Lots of the towns and villages have weekly and monthly markets for you to browse all year round. Many regattas and carnivals take place during the summer months, which often include plenty of activities for children to get involved in as well as live music and entertainment for the adults.

If you're visiting around the festive season there is always a magical collection of carol services and parades taking place to help you get into the seasonal spirit. Early winter is also a wonderful time of the year to visit South Devon as there are plenty of Christmas Markets festivities, and light switch-on events going on in nearly all of the local areas.

During school holidays you will often find many locations such as Nature Reserves lay on extra activities for children including trails and wildlife spotting. Some galleries and museums in South Devon are free to enter too and hold different exhibitions and displays throughout the year.

Have a look through the below list of amazing events taking place in South Devon which are all free to attend.

Looking for extra things to keep the whole family entertained? Check out our great list of 50 free things to do.

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Number of results: 27

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Experiencing the Landscape Exhibition

Address

Elmfield House, Dowell St, Honiton, Devon, EX14 1LX

Telephone
0140445006

info@thelmahulbert.com

Honiton

This exhibition is the culmination of a year-long collaborative project between THG and East Devon AONB.
The project celebrates 25 years of the East Devon Way, the 40 mile footpath running from Exmouth to Lyme Regis.
The aim of the project has...

Dates

From:

8 Sept 2018to27 Oct 2018Various Opening Times

More Details
Plate Up

Address

The Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, Fore Street, Bovey Tracey, Devon, TQ13 9AF

Telephone
01626 832223

devonguild@crafts.org.uk

Fore Street, Bovey Tracey

Michelin-starred executive chef Michael Wignall has his own distinct way of serving dishes, using handmade tableware as part of the presentation. As co-curator of Plate Up he's selected a delicious array of contemporary craftwork (silverware,...

Venue

The Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Newton Abbot and Dartmoor

Dates

From:

15 Sept 2018to4 Nov 2018Open 10:00 - 17:30

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Fungal Foray

Address

Slapton Ley Field Centre, Kingbsbridge, Devon, TQ7

Telephone
07967497624

reserve.sl@field-studies-council.org

Kingbsbridge

Take a guided stroll through the autumn woodlands with our
Reserve Ranger • Free event • Booking Essential on 07967497624 • Meet in Slapton Ley Field Centre• Sensible outdoor
clothing and footwear recommended • Sorry, no dogs

Dates

From:
25 Oct 2018Open 10:30 - 12:30

More Details
Topsham Community Market

Address

Matthew's Hall, Topsham, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4QD

Telephone
01392 873616

Exeter

Topsham Community Market is held every Saturday indoors at Matthews Hall in Topsham near Exeter from 8:30am to 1pm.
A vibrant market with a range of food stalls as well as clothing, craft, antiques and plenty of other types of exciting stalls.

Dates

From:
27 Oct 2018
From:
3 Nov 2018
From:
10 Nov 2018
From:
17 Nov 2018
From:
24 Nov 2018
From:
1 Dec 2018
From:
8 Dec 2018
From:
15 Dec 2018
From:
22 Dec 2018
From:
29 Dec 2018

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Trust10 Trail Run at Coleton Fishacre

Address

Coleton Fishacre, Brownstone Road, Kingswear, Devon, TQ6 0EQ

Telephone
01803 842382

Kingswear

Trust10 trail run at Coleton Fishacre
Coleton Fishacre
The fourth Sunday of every month, 9-10.30am. Free entry, parking charges apply
A free monthly 10k trail run along the rugged South West Coast Path and through Coleton Fishacre...

Dates

From:
28 Oct 2018Open 08:30 -
From:
25 Nov 2018Open 08:30 -
From:
23 Dec 2018Open 08:30 -

More Details
Teignmouth and Shaldon Fireworks Display

Address

Teignmouth, Teignmouth, Devon, TQ14 8BE

Telephone
01626 775030

annawinston@teignmouth-devon.gov.uk

Teignmouth

Free Fireworks Display

Dates

From:
3 Nov 2018Open 18:00 - 19:30

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Car Boot Sales at Newton Abbot Racecourse

Address

Newton Abbot Racecourse, Newton Raod, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 3AF

Telephone
01626 353235

Newton Abbot

If you’re looking for an incredible bargain or some great vintage pieces or looking to sell your pre-loved items, Newton Abbot Racecourse car boot sales are not to be missed.
Held on various Sunday mornings throughout the year, car boot sales...

Dates

From:
4 Nov 2018
From:
18 Nov 2018
From:
9 Dec 2018

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Teignmouth Jazz Festival

Address

Various Locations, Teignmouth, Devon, TQ14 8BE

Teignmouth

Annual jazz festival in and around the seaside resort of Teignmouth on the South Devon coast.

Dates

From:

16 Nov 2018to18 Nov 2018

More Details
Exeter Christmas Lights Switch On 2018

Address

Exeter High Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4

Telephone
01392 424975

chloe@onevoicemedia.co.uk

Exeter

Christmas 2018 is set to be bigger, brighter and better than ever before!
The InExeter Christmas lights switch will be on Exeter's High Street at a new time of 5pm on Sunday 18th November.
Join us from 11am for a jam packed family friendly day...

Dates

From:
18 Nov 2018Open 11:00 - 17:00

More Details
Illuminate

Address

Royal William Yard, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 3RP

Telephone
08458621288

info@illuminate-festival.co.uk

Plymouth

The incredible light-based festival, Illuminate, returns to Plymouth's historic Royal William Yard from 22 to 25 November 2018.
The festival offers an immersive experience, with projections and light installations set out across the Yard, live...

Dates

From:

22 Nov 2018to25 Nov 2018Open 17:15 - 22:00

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Christmas Lights Switch On

Address

Clock Tower, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ122DT

Telephone
01626 201120

info@newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk

Newton Abbot

Christmas Lights switch on in Newton Abbot Town centre Day time street entertainment and procession from the Town Hall at 5pm. Light switch on at 5.30pm followed by firework finale from St Leonards Clock Tower.

Dates

From:
24 Nov 2018Open 10:00 - 18:00

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Christmas Fair in aid of Stoke Fleming School

Address

Dartmouth Road, Stoke Fleming, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 0QT

Telephone
01803 770730

tweed833@btinternet.com

Dartmouth

Stoke Fleming Charitable Ladies and the Friends of Stoke Fleming Primary School are joining forces this year to hold a Christmas School Fair to raise funds for Stoke Fleming School. Lots of stalls selling cakes, jewellery, decorations, cards and...

Dates

From:
24 Nov 2018Open 10:00 - 12:00

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Antique Fairs at Newton Abbot Racecourse

Address

Newton Abbot Racecourse, Newton Road, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 3AF

Telephone
01626 353235

Newton Abbot

On selected Saturdays throughout the year Newton Abbot Racecourse becomes an antiques lover paradise.
With a range of stalls for you to browse and wander amongst, both inside and outside, antiques fairs at the racecourse are the perfect place...

Dates

From:
24 Nov 2018

More Details
Advent Fair in aid of Children's Hospice South West

Address

The Old Market, Market Street, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 9QF

Telephone
01803 770730

tweed833@btinternet.com

Dartmouth

Advent Fair in aid of Children's Hospice South West in The Old Market from 10am to 3pm on Saturday 24th November. Lots of lovely stalls – cakes, jewellery, crafts, preserves, cards and much, much more! Ideal for Christmas presents! The proceeds...

Dates

From:
24 Nov 2018Open 10:00 - 15:00

More Details
Candlelit Dartmouth

Address

48 Clarence Hill, Dartmouth, Devon

Telephone
01803 832002

candlelitdartmouth@gmail.com

Dartmouth

Lantern Parade, Christmas Market, Grotto, childrens' craft workshop, craft market

Dates

From:

30 Nov 2018to1 Dec 2018Various Opening Times

More Details
Christmas Coffee Morning at The Blackmore

Address

The Blackmore Theatre, 10 Bicton Street, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 2RU

Telephone
07484509514

publicity@blackmoretheatre.co.uk

Exmouth

The Exmouth Players (CIO) are holding their Christmas coffee morning at The Blackmore Theatre.
Come and join us for tea, coffee and some very lovely home-made and seasonal cakes.
We have things such as:
German Apple Cake Lemon Drizzle Chocolate...

Dates

From:
8 Dec 2018Open 10:00 - 12:00

More Details
Gold, Frankincense and Mare

Address

Coombe Park, Littlehempston, Nr Totnes, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6LW

Telephone
01803 866615

jenny.bowden@mareandfoal.org

Nr Totnes, Totnes

Join us for our festive Christmas fayre with crafts, stalls and Santa

Dates

From:
9 Dec 2018Open 10:00 - 02:00

More Details
Lantern Parade and Christmas Street Fayre

Address

Newton Abbot Town Centre, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 2DT

Telephone
01626 201120

info@newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk

Newton Abbot

Lantern parade with participating local primary schools processing with their hand made lanterns.
Market stalls throughout the town and visiting stalls in (closed to traffic) Queen Street
Music and street entertainment

Dates

From:
12 Dec 2018

More Details
Christmas Prize Only Bingo at The Blackmore

Address

The Blackmore Theatre, 10 Bicton Street, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 2RU

Telephone
07484509514

publicity@blackmoretheatre.co.uk

Exmouth

The Exmouth Players (CIO) present a Christmas Prize Only game of Bingo.
Come along and join us. It's nothing serious, just a fun afternoon out.
There are prizes for a line and a full house.
Refreshments and cake is available.
There is also disabled...

Dates

From:
19 Dec 2018Open 14:00 - 16:15

More Details
Dart Music Festival

Address

Dartmouth Town Centre, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 9DY

Dartmouth

An annual 3 day music festival now in its 22nd year. Our 'Music for All' policy means over 100 performances spanning almost every musical genre throughout the town in a variety of lovely venues from pubs to churches - and it's all FREE!

Dates

From:

10 May 2019to12 May 2019

More Details
Band Concerts in Courtenay Park

Address

Courtenay Park, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ122HD

info@newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk

Newton Abbot

Band Concert in Courtenay Park in the bandstand,
Sunday 12th May Sunday 9th June - SW Comms Band Sunday 7th July Sunday 14th July - Carnival Praise Sunday 11th August Sunday 8th September

All events weather permitting, please check...

Dates

From:
12 May 2019
From:
9 June 2019
From:
7 July 2019
From:
14 July 2019
From:
11 Aug 2019
From:
8 Sept 2019

More Details

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