12 top events in South Devon this autumn
Beyond the height of summer and balmy days by the sea, there’s still plenty of reason to come and stay in Devon. Here’s some of the great events in South Devon this autumn, from foodie festivals to musical treats and celebrations of the region’s rich heritage.
What’s on in South Devon autumn 2019
Kingsbridge Agricultural Show – 7 September 2019
2019 is Kingsbridge Agricultural Show’s 137th anniversary. Visit for a great family day out with livestock and countryside competitions, donkey rides, vintage vehicles and live music. There’s also a packed programme of arena entertainment.
See all the show details, ticket prices and what’s on by visiting the website.
International Agatha Christie Festival – 12 to 15 September 2019
Agatha Christie fans will be converging on South Devon for this four day celebration of one of its most well-known residents and the best selling author of all time. There will be performances off her work and talks about her life, times and creative mind. Events take place at Torquay Museum, Agatha Christie’s holiday home overlooking the River Dart Greenway, Palace Theatre and Lucky Seven Club in Paignton.
Find out more on the festival website.
Heritage Open Days – 13 to 22 September 2019
Visit some of South Devon’s historic and cultural hotspots during the 25th anniversary Heritage Open Days. Famous National Trust sites like Greenway. Saltram and Coleton Fishacre will be open to visit for free as well as Torbay Museum, Torre Abbey and Exeter Cathedral.
Find out about all the sites taking part in this year’s Heritage Open Days.
England’s Seafood Fest – 20 September to 6 October 2019
Indulge your foodie side in and around Brixham, Paignton and Torquay as the English Riviera celebrates local seafood – some of the best in the world. The event takes place over two weeks at local eateries across the three towns.
Visitors will be able to take their pick from seafood set menus and platters, taster menus, crab cracking masterclasses and paella, guest chef events, and that’s just for starters. All of the events will feature seafood that is landed locally, so it’s as fresh as can be.
The programme can be found on the festival website.
Abbfest, Newton Abbot – 21 to 23 September 2019
Experience the best of Newton Abbot’s food, drink and craft traders alongside a weekend of music and cookery demonstrations in Ipplepen. This volunteer-run festival is now in its 14th year and raises money for charities and local organisations.
For the full festival line-up and ticket information visit the Abbfest website.
Classic Car Motor Show, Newton Abbot – 28 to 29 September 2019
If you’re looking for free events in South Devon this autumn and are a fan of vintage automobiles then Newton Abbot is the place to be at the end of September. Over two days the centre of town is pedestrianised and filled with classic vehicles.
Find out more about the Newton Abbot Classic Car Motor Show.
Apple and cider day at Saltram – 29 September 2019
For a truly autumnal event in South Devon, join the harvest at one of the area’s beautiful National Trust properties. Help to press apples from the Saltram orchard to make juice and cider, and taste last year’s cider and apple juice. There will also be craft demonstrations and entertainment during this traditional South Devon autumn event.
Find out more on the Saltram website.
Teign Shanty Festival – 29 to 30 September 2019
This free South Devon festival celebrates the ancient tradition of signing sea shanties with more than 120 hours of performances by groups from across the South West and beyond! Alongside shanties and songs of the sea will a range of maritime workshops, demonstrations and storytelling at various locations including local hostelries and outdoor ad hoc flash mobs.
Find out more on the festival website.
Powderham Food Festival – 5 to 6 October 2019
Head to Powderham Castle for a foodie event celebrating South West’s finest food and drink producers. The Food Festival is now in its eighth year and offers a packed weekend of family and culinary fun. Feast on local food and drink, and see demonstrations from a line-up of the region’s best chefs.
Find out more about Powderham Food Festival.
Two Moors Festival – 11 to 20 October 2019
Experience classic music in some extraordinary places around Dartmoor and Exmoor. The festival programme takes place in arts centres, village halls, churches, country houses and sometimes even railway stations and indoor markets across 1,200 square miles of Devon’s two national parks. There are also talks, exhibitions, schools workshops and masterclasses for music lovers.
Find out more and book event tickets on the festival website.
Dartmouth Food Festival – 18 to 20 October 2019
Visit the estuary town of Dartmouth for a three day delve into the heart of Devon’s food culture. There will be a tempting mix of delicious regional food and drink, chef demonstrations, workshops, lively food debates and fun for all the family. Entry to the festival is free with a charge for some events.
Find the full festival programme on the Dartmouth Food Festival website.
See more of our recommendations on things to do in Dartmouth and easy day trips from Dartmouth.
Teignmouth Jazz Festival – 18 to 20 October 2019
Enjoy some of South Devon’s best traditional, Latin, Blues, contemporary and New Orleans jazz music in the seaside resort of Teignmouth. Performances will take place across various venues and there will also be workshops for musicians wanting the perfect their craft.
Find out more on the Jazz Festival website.
Stay with us for events in South Devon this autumn
If what’s on in South Devon this autumn has whetted your appetite for a staycation, we can offer you some beautiful places to stay. Take a look at our luxury cottages in Devon including accommodation in Dartmouth, Kingswear and places to stay near Totnes. We can also help with dog-friendly holidays in South Devon.
Need help with your search? Call us on 01803 771127 or email us at enquiries@dartvalleycottages.co.uk.
