Maritime Festival, Clovelly
19 July
One of North Devon's most characterful annual events, the Clovelly Maritime Festival fills the village's famous cobbled streets and ancient harbour with live music, arts and crafts stalls, face painting and the dramatic spectacle of the Clovelly Cup yacht race setting off across the bay.
Killerton House, Cullompton
18 July – 6 September
This summer's programme at National Trust Killerton is bigger than ever, with seven play areas spread across the historic parkland estate and a brand new Pokémon zone running from 18 July to 6 September. The Summer of Play also features a lively performance stage, frisbee golf, a coconut shy and a peaceful nature area, with mid-week led activities — from circus skills to nature walks with the rangers — running daily between 27 July and 3 September.
Budleigh Music Festival, Budleigh
3 July
This year's Budleigh Music Festival marks 50 years of Aardman with a special evening concert, Aardman in Concert, performed by Carrot Productions at St Peter's Church. The show blends iconic characters, unforgettable music and classic humour across five decades of British animation, culminating in a live orchestral performance of The Wrong Trousers. Watch the video here
Goren Festival, Honiton
3–5 July
Set across 70 acres of wildflower meadows on a working farm near Honiton, the Goren Festival is now in its ninth year and remains one of East Devon's most distinctive summer events. This family-friendly, nature-focused festival runs from Friday evening through to Sunday, with live music across pop-up stages, forest school sessions, circus skills, bug hunting, moth trapping and star gazing, alongside artisan food stalls and a relaxed camping field.
Exmouth Festival, Exmouth
9–12 July
Free to attend and spread across several venues in the town, the 2026 Exmouth Festival runs from Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 July with a programme inspired by the theme Wild Things, celebrating Devon's natural landscape and the creativity it inspires. Expect live music ranging from soul and folk to reggae and global sounds, plus theatre, poetry, dance, circus, wellbeing workshops and the return of the popular Friday night Silent Disco in Manor Gardens.
Paddington Meet and Greet, South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh
11–12 July
Paddington™ himself is coming to Buckfastleigh this summer, making appearances on the platform at South Devon Railway across the weekend of Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July between 10am and 4pm. Combine the encounter with a 14-mile steam train ride along the Dart Valley, a trip on a vintage London bus and, for children, an activity pack and a biscuit. One of the more magical ways to spend a summer Saturday in Devon.
Stithians Show, Truro
13 July
Cornwall's largest one-day agricultural show returns to the Stithians Showground on Monday 13 July, offering a full day of livestock competitions, vintage vehicles, show jumping, displays and demonstrations alongside a Taste of Cornwall food area showcasing the county's finest producers. Live music runs throughout the day across the Main Stage, Band Stand and the Buskers' Square Pop-Up Festival, and there's a Sunflower Trail of hands-on activities for younger visitors.
Rock Oyster Festival, Rock
23–26 July
Returning to its beautiful site near Rock for four days from 23–26 July, the Rock Oyster Festival delivers over 50 live music performances, world-class chef demonstrations and more than 60 activities in a genuinely stunning Cornish setting. This year's headliners are Groove Armada (DJ Set), Scissor Sisters and Kool & the Gang, with food highlights including appearances from Nathan Outlaw and Matt Tebbutt — a brilliant combination of culinary discovery and musical mischief.
Newquay Food Festival, Newquay
9–12 July
Running over four days from 9–12 July at the Killacourt in the heart of Newquay, this cliff-top food festival celebrates Cornwall's independent producers, chefs and food community against a backdrop of Atlantic views. Expect open fire cooking, chef demonstrations, long table dining, an independent produce market, Cornish craft beer, coastal cocktails and live music into the evening — a genuinely proudly Cornish event.
Quantum Theatre presents: The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny, Trelissick, Truro
18 July
Quantum Theatre brings Beatrix Potter's best-loved tales to the beautiful gardens at National Trust Trelissick on Saturday 18 July, with a single afternoon performance at 4.30pm. Michael Whitmore's charming adaptation follows Peter and his cousin Benjamin through their hair-raising adventures in Mr McGregor's garden — grab a blanket, a picnic and the children and settle in for a magical hour and a half of outdoor theatre. Booking is essential.
Dragon Boat Race, Falmouth
25–26 July
The annual Dragon Boat Race returns to Falmouth's Carrick Roads on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July, with teams of up to 20 competing in brightly coloured vessels watched from The Greenbank Hotel's private quay. Free to spectate, the weekend also sees The Working Boat serving food throughout the day, with 10% of all food and drink proceeds going to the RNLI — making it one of the most enjoyable and community-spirited events on the Cornish summer calendar.
7–11 July
Penzance Literary Festival, Penzance
7–11 July
Now in its 15th year, the Penzance Literary Festival runs from Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 July with a line-up that includes Dawn French in conversation about her new novel, festival patron Patrick Gale, Guardian TV critic Lucy Mangan and a rich programme of non-fiction, writing workshops and literary walks across the town. Over 50 events in total, with tickets from £6 — one of the most characterful and accessible book festivals in the South West.
FAQs: July In Devon & Cornwall
What are the biggest festivals in Devon and Cornwall in July?
Highlights include the Rock Oyster Festival, Exmouth Festival, Penzance Literary Festival, Goren Festival and Newquay Food Festival, alongside much-loved local celebrations such as the Clovelly Maritime Festival and Stithians Show.
Are there family-friendly events in Devon and Cornwall this July?
Yes. Killerton's Summer of Play, Paddington at South Devon Railway and Quantum Theatre's performance of The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny at Trelissick are all excellent choices for families with children.
Which July events are free to attend?
Exmouth Festival is free, as are the Dragon Boat Race in Falmouth and many of the activities at Clovelly Maritime Festival, although admission to the village may apply. Several food festivals also offer free entry, with visitors paying only for food, drink or optional activities.
Are tickets required?
Some events, including theatre performances, concerts and major festivals such as Rock Oyster, should be booked in advance. Others, including agricultural shows and community festivals, offer tickets on the gate, though advance booking is often cheaper.
What should I pack for a July event in Devon or Cornwall?
Layers are always advisable, even in midsummer, together with comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a waterproof jacket. If you're heading to an outdoor performance or festival, a picnic blanket or camping chair is often worth bringing too.
Is July a good time to visit Devon and Cornwall?
Absolutely. The counties are at their most vibrant, with long daylight hours, warm weather and a packed programme of festivals, food events, outdoor theatre and family activities. It's also one of the busiest months, so booking accommodation and tickets well in advance is recommended.
