To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.

Follow Us...

You are here: What's On > Free Events

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.

I'm Searching for...

Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink
Shopping

Number of results:

Number of results: 71

, currently showing 1 to 21.

Sort By:

A Curious Turn - moving mechanical sculptue

Address

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

Telephone
0140445006

info@thelmahulbert.com

Honiton

A Crafts Council Touring Exhibition of extraordinary automata.
Automata are moving mechanical sculptures which are brought magically to life through a sequence of cogs, cams and levers. For centuries they have delighted and bewitched people....

Dates

From:

10 Mar 2018to19 May 2018Open 10:00 - 17:00

More Details
Dawlish Walking Festival 2018

Address

Dawlish and surrounding area, Dawlish, Devon, EX7

Telephone
07999218216

walkingfestival@dawlish.info

Dawlish

Friday 20th April to Sunday 29th April 2018
3rd Dawlish Walking Festival with over 30 walks in and around the Dawlish area.Sponsored by Scott Richards Solicitors and organised by Dawlish Transition.
Most of the walks are free – everything from...

Dates

From:

20 Apr 2018to29 Apr 2018Open 10:00 - 06:00

More Details
Carito y Marina Weekend

Address

The Barn Cinema, Dartington Hall Estate, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6EN

Telephone
01803 847070

boxoffice@dartington.org

Totnes

A series of events, public discussions and exhibitions on the Dartington Hall estate to celebrate the lives and explore the legacy of the Rodriguez sisters, Carito and Marina, who came to Britain as child refugees during the Spanish Civil War and...

Dates

From:

27 Apr 2018to29 Apr 2018Various Opening Times

More Details
Green Man Spring Festival

Address

Fore Street, Bovey Tracey, Devon, TQ13 9AE

Telephone
07809526944

juliearnold50@gmail.com

Bovey Tracey

Bovey Tracey celebrates everything spring-like and traditional with the Green Man festival. A full day of entertainment packed with gift and craft stands, street food, maypole dancing, live music on the stage in the square, mummers plays and no less...

Dates

From:
28 Apr 2018Open 09:00 - 18:00

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:
28 Apr 2018
From:
5 May 2018
From:
12 May 2018
From:
19 May 2018
From:
26 May 2018
From:
2 June 2018
From:
9 June 2018
From:
16 June 2018
From:
23 June 2018
From:
30 June 2018
From:
7 July 2018
From:
14 July 2018
From:
21 July 2018
From:
28 July 2018
From:
4 Aug 2018
From:
11 Aug 2018
From:
18 Aug 2018
From:
25 Aug 2018
From:
1 Sept 2018
From:
8 Sept 2018
From:
15 Sept 2018
From:
22 Sept 2018
From:
29 Sept 2018
From:
5 Oct 2018
From:
13 Oct 2018
From:
20 Oct 2018
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

More Details
FREE Spring Celebration Open Day

Address

Grammarcombe Woods, Ashcombe Estate, Ashcombe, Devon, EX7 0QE

Telephone
07929 613 284

info@atouchofthewild.co.uk

Ashcombe

Bring your whole family to Grammarcombe Woods on Saturday 28th April between 10am and 12 noon for our Spring Celebration event. Help us to welcome in the warmer weather with some leaf print crafting, marshmallow toasting over the fire, face painting...

Dates

From:
28 Apr 2018Open 10:00 - 12:00

More Details
Birds and dinosaurs talk

Address

Reed Base at Seaton Wetlands, Colyford Road, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2SP

Telephone
013955175571

etaylor@eastdevon.gov.uk

Seaton

Are birds really related to Dinosaurs? Talk as part of Dippy on tour.
A fascinating and knowledgeable talk by Donald Campbell, local naturalist and Ambassador to the Jurassic Coast.
Learn about how birds have evolved from Dinosaurs.
Bird and...

Dates

From:
28 Apr 2018Open 15:00 - 15:45
From:
28 Apr 2018Open 15:00 - 15:45

More Details
Dawn Chorus

Address

Slapton Ley Field Centre, Kingbsbridge, Devon, TQ7

Telephone
07967497624

reserve.sl@field-studies-council.org

Kingbsbridge

Listen to the sound of birds waking at dawn on a quiet morning stroll around Slapton Ley. Afterwards you have the option to enjoy a wholesome breakfast at the field centre. • Free event • Booking Essential on 07967497624 • Meet at Slapton Ley Field...

Dates

From:
28 Apr 2018Open 06:00 - 08:00

More Details
RNLI Coffee Morning & Sale

Address

TAAG Arts & Community Centre, Northumberland Place, Teignmouth, Devon, TQ14 8DD

Telephone
01626777799

teignfrnli@yahoo.co.uk

Teignmouth

Homemade cakes Collectables and Jewellery, Bric-a-brac, A wide selection of quality paperback books and plenty of gifts from the RNLI souvenir stall.

Dates

From:
28 Apr 2018Open 10:00 - 13:00
From:
26 May 2018Open 10:00 - 13:00
From:
30 June 2018Open 10:00 - 13:00
From:
28 July 2018Open 10:00 - 13:00

More Details
Dartington Hall Wedding Fair

Address

Dartington Hall Estate, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6EN

Telephone
01803 847147

bookings@dartingtonhall.com

Totnes

Meet over 20 of the South West's best suppliers and experts and let them inspire you. The fair will be packed with practical tips and ideas, and all the creativity, imagination and excitement you need to make your dream wedding a reality. The venue...

Dates

From:
29 Apr 2018Open 11:00 - 16:00

More Details
Teignmouth in Bloom Gardening Workshop

Address

The Triangle, Teignmouth, Devon, TQ14 8AT

Telephone
01626 775030

annawinston@teignmouth-devon.gov.uk

Teignmouth

A gardening workshop with a range of stalls, demonstrations including flower arranging and making preserves from the garden and craft workshop making paper flowers.

Dates

From:
5 May 2018Open 10:00 - 13:00

More Details
What's that bird?

Address

Tower hide at Seaton Wetlands, Colyford Road, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2SP

Telephone
013955175571

etaylor@eastdevon.gov.uk

Seaton

Whatever your experience come along and improve your bird identification skills
An informal drop-in session to improve your bird identification skills.
Whatever your level of knowledge come along and enjoy an afternoons birdwatching with the help...

Dates

From:
6 May 2018Open 14:00 - 16:00

More Details
Salcombe Crab Festival - Crabfest

Address

Island Street, Salcombe, Devon, TQ8 8DP

Telephone
01234 566789

salcombecrabfest@gmail.com

Salcombe

Inspired by the famously flavoursome brown crab caught off the South Devon coast, Salcombe Crab Festival – or Crabfest – is an annual celebration of the local fishing, food and tourism industries.
Crabfest takes place on Sunday 6th May 2018 and is...

Dates

From:
6 May 2018Open 10:00 - 17:00

More Details
Dart Music Festival

Address

Dartmouth Town Centre, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 9DY

Dartmouth

An annual 3 day music festival now in its 20th 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:

11 May 2018to13 May 2018

More Details
Spring flower walk in Cranbrook

Address

Meet at Younghayes Centre, Younghayes Road, Cranbrook, Devon, EX5 3BA

Telephone
013955175571

etaylor@eastdevon.gov.uk

Cranbrook

Look for signs of spring
Walk around the Cranbrook countryside with the Ranger looking for signs of spring!
Well behaved dogs on leads welcome.
Some off path walking. Contact the Countryside team to discuss access.
Book here: http://eastdevon.gov...

Dates

From:
12 May 2018Open 10:00 - 12:00

More Details
Birds of Slapton Ley

Address

Slapton Ley Field Centre, Kingbsbridge, Devon, TQ7

Telephone
07967497624

reserve.sl@field-studies-council.org

Kingbsbridge

Discover the birds of Slapton Ley on a guided walk along the nature trail, skirting the edge of Slapton Ley • Free event • Booking Essential on 07967497624 • Meet at Slapton Ley Field Centre • Sensible outdoor clothing and footwear essential •...

Dates

From:
12 May 2018Open 08:30 - 10:30

More Details
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:
12 May 2018
From:
23 June 2018
From:
18 Aug 2018
From:
6 Oct 2018
From:
24 Nov 2018

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 13th May - Brixham Town Band Sunday 10th June - Spectrum Music Concert Wind Band Sunday 8th July - Exeter Railway Band Sunday 15th July - Carnival Praise (2pm) Sunday 13th August -...

Dates

From:
13 May 2018
From:
10 June 2018
From:
8 July 2018
From:
15 July 2018
From:
12 Aug 2018
From:
9 Sept 2018

More Details
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:
13 May 2018
From:
27 May 2018
From:
10 June 2018
From:
17 June 2018
From:
12 Aug 2018
From:
19 Aug 2018
From:
23 Sept 2018
From:
7 Oct 2018
From:
21 Oct 2018
From:
4 Nov 2018
From:
18 Nov 2018
From:
9 Dec 2018

More Details
Prize Only Bingo at The Blackmore

Address

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

Telephone
07484509514

publicity@blackmoretheatre.co.uk

Exmouth

Every third Wednesday of the month The Exmouth Players (CIO) hold a 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...

Dates

From:
16 May 2018Open 14:00 - 16:15

More Details
Exeter Floral Trail - Chelsea Fringe Event

Address

Fore Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3AN

Telephone
07767 771590

academyoffloralart@gmail.com

Exeter

The RHS Chelsea Gold medal-winning florists of the Academy of Floral Art and their friends are set to bring a floral flavour of the world-famous flower show to the heart of Exeter in a special Chelsea Fringe event.
The first ever Exeter Floral...

Dates

From:

22 May 2018to24 May 2018Various Opening Times

More Details