Devon may not have the UK’s biggest stadiums or best infrastructure but it manages to attract some world-class performers and host some incredible events that live long in the memory of all who attend.

Many of the highlights on the annual calendar come from the county’s rich history, folklore, geography and wildlife. Only here can you experience the world-famous Ottery Tar Barrels on Bonfire Night; one of the world’s largest gatherings of pirates, beside the Golden Hind replica, at Brixham Pirate Festival; Salcombe’s Crabfest, inspired by the renowned and flavoursome brown crab caught off the South Devon coast; and Woolacombe’s Wavelength Spring Classic festival which celebrates live music, food, surfing, skate and van culture.

There truly is something for everyone in Devon, no matter what their age or interests, from music to comedy, and cookery to literature. Here, we’ve rounded up the most notable events that residents will want to put in their 2023 diary.

Read more: The 60 best beaches in Devon

It’s a list that visitors will want to check out in order to discover what’s going on. And it’s a list that will be regularly updated as the year progresses, as more events are announced and more details are revealed, so make sure you bookmark this page and check back every so often. Events are listed in chronological order. To let us know about an upcoming event, email caroline.abbott@reachplc.com

JANUARY

Martin Kemp is coming to Devon in January and July 2023

December 16 - January 14 Sleeping Beauty, Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Website here .

January 15 Gareth Gates in The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Northcott Theatre, Exeter. Website here .

16 - 21 The Rocky Horror Show, Princess Theatre, Torquay. Website here .

17 - 21 Six the Musical, Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Website here .

18 - 21 Frankenstein, Northcott Theatre, Exeter. Website here .

23 - 28 The Commitments, Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Website here .

25 - 29 Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates pantomime, Pavilions Teignmouth. Website here .

26 Come What May – The Ultimate Tribute to Moulin Rouge, Princess Theatre, Torquay. Website here .

27 Martin Kemp, Exeter Phoenix. Website here . Sold out.

29 Nerubashenko Ballet presents Swan Lake, Princess Theatre, Torquay. Website here .

30 Kula Shaker, Exeter Phoenix. Website here . Sold out.

30 - February 1 Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle, Northcott Theatre, Exeter. From the original cast of the smash hit The Play That Goes Wrong. Website here .

30 - February 4 Strictly Ballroom, Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Website here .

FEBRUARY

Lewis Capaldi is coming to Exeter's Westpoint Arena in 2023
Lewis Capaldi is coming to Exeter's Westpoint Arena in 2023

1 - 27 Gaia by Luke Jerram, Exeter Cathedral. A new experience of planet Earth, following the successful moon art installation last year. Read more here .

1 You Me At Six, Plymouth Pavilions. Website here .

1 Kris Barras Band, Exeter Phoenix. Website here.

2 Lewis Capaldi, Westpoint Arena, Exeter. Read more here .

4 - 5 The International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella UK Quarterfinal, Northcott Theatre, Exeter. If you loved Pitch Perfect, this is the show for you. Website here .

6 Mark Beaumont – Faster, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter. Mark is one of the most respected ultra-endurance athletes on the planet. Website here .

9 Troy Hawke: Sigmund Troy’d! Northcott Theatre, Exeter. Website here .

11 Rich Hall – Shot From Cannons, Tiverton Community Arts Theatre. Website here . Sold out.

15 Belinda Carlisle, The Great Hall, Exeter. Tickets here .

16 - 18 Little Women – The Musical, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter. Website here .

17 Jason Fox – Life at the Limit, The Great Hall, Exeter. Website here .

17 Lloyd Griffith – One Tonne Of Fun, Northcott Theatre, Exeter. Website here .

23 Jon Richardson – The Knitwit, Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple. Website here .

24 The Big Country Music Show, Exmouth Pavilion. Website here.

24 - 25 Jon Richardson, Princess Theatre, Torquay. Website here .

26 Jon Richardson, The Great Hall, Exeter. Website here .

MARCH

TV presenter and DJ Gok Wan will be appearing at The Foundry in Torquay on Friday February 25
TV presenter and DJ Gok Wan

1 - 2 Stewart Lee – Basic Lee, Northcott Theatre, Exeter. Website here .

3 - 4 Stewart Lee – Basic Lee, Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Website here .

4 Gok Wan, The Foundry, Torquay. Website here .

11 Chase and Status, The Foundry, Torquay. Website here .

11 - 12 Devon Comic Con and Gaming Festival, Westpoint, Exeter. Website here .

11 - 12 Spring Flower Show, RHS Rosemoor. Website here.

12 Babatunde Aléshé – Babahood, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter. Website here .

13 The Levellers, Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple. Website here .

16 Come What May, Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple. Website here .

17 Rhys James: Spilt Milk, Northcott Theatre, Exeter. Website here .

17 - 18 Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival. Website here .

17 Vincent Simone – Tango Passions, Palace Theatre, Paignton. The Strictly Come Dancing star returns to the stage. Website here .

18 Billy Ocean, Princess Theatre, Torquay. Website here .

18 Come What May, Northcott Theatre, Exeter. Website here .

18 Hal Cruttenden: It's Best You Hear It From Me, The Watermark, Ivybridge. Website here.

18 - 19 Jurassic Live, Riviera International Centre, Torquay. Read more here .

19 Vincent Simone – Tango Passions, Exmouth Pavilion. Website here .

20 - 25 The Mousetrap, Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Website here .

21 I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue, Princess Theatre, Torquay. Join Jack Dee, Rory Bremner, Pippa Evans, Milton Jones, and Marcus Brigstocke for an unmissable evening of inspired nonsense. Website here .

22 Ellen Kent's La Bohème, Princess Theatre, Torquay. Website here .

23 - 24 Russell Howard, Plymouth Pavilions. Website here .

23 Russell Kane Live – The Essex Variant, Princess Theatre, Torquay. Website here .

24 Russell Kane Live – The Essex Variant, The Great Hall, Exeter. Website here .

25 Dave Gorman – Powerpoint to the People, Princess Theatre, Torquay. Website here .

25 Frankie Boyle, The Great Hall, Exeter. Website here .

28 Frankie Boyle, Plymouth Pavilions. Website here .

29 Paul McKenna: Instant Confidence, Exeter Corn Exchange. Website here.

30 - 31 Russell Howard, Princess Theatre, Torquay. Website here .

APRIL

Craig Charles has previously played DJ sets at Glastonbury Festival
Craig Charles has previously played DJ sets at Glastonbury Festival

3 Dinosaur Adventure Live, Queen’s Theatre Barnstaple. Website here .

3 - 8 The Sound of Music, Northcott Theatre, Exeter. Website here .

4 - 8 Fisherman’s Friends – The Musical, Princess Theatre, Torquay. Website here .

4 - 8 Heathers the Musical, Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Website here .

4 Tom Meighan, Exeter Phoenix. The former Kasabian frontman will play a mix of new music alongside some classics. Website here .

6 DMA’s, The Great Hall, Exeter. Tickets here .

9 - 11 Dinosaur World Live, Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Website here .

12 Jayde Adams – Men I Can Save You, Exeter Phoenix. Website here .

13 Jim Davidson, Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple. Website here .

14 Forbidden Nights, Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple. Website here .

14 RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Series 4 Tour, Plymouth Pavilions. Website here .

16 Fisherman’s Friends, Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple. Website here .

18 - 22 Shrek the Musical, Exmouth Pavilion. Website here .

18 - 22 The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Website here .

21 Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club, Exeter Phoenix. Website here .

21 Giovanni Pernice – Made In Italy, Princess Theatre, Torquay. The Strictly Come Dancing 2021 champion is joined by an ensemble of dancers and singers. Website here .

22 Danny Baker – At Last… The Sausage Sandwich Tour, Northcott Theatre, Exeter. Website here .

22 JMO Day of Dance, Exeter city centre. Around 60 Morris sides from around the country are expected to attend. Website here.

24 - 25 Giovanni Pernice – Made In Italy, Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple. Website here .

25 Midge Ure – The Voice and Visions Tour, Princess Theatre, Torquay. Website here .

28 Paul Young – Behind the Lens, Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple. Website here .

28 - 29 Toby’s Garden Festival, Powderham Castle, Kenton near Exeter. Website here .

29 - May 1 Brixham Pirate Festival. Read more here .

30 Chris McCausland – Speaky Blinder, Axminster Guildhall. Website here .

30 Salcombe Crabfest, Salcombe. Celebrating Salcombe's Fishing and Tourism. Read more about it here.

MAY

Exeter Pride 2022
Exeter Pride 2022

1 Meet and beat The Beast, Northcott Theatre, Exeter. An evening of fun and challenging interaction with Mark ‘The Beast’ Labbett from TV show The Chase. Website here .

5 Angela Barnes – Hot Mess, Tiverton Community Arts Theatre. Website here .

9 - 13 Steel Magnolias, Northcott Theatre, Exeter. Website here .

10 The Psychology of Serial Killers with Jennifer Rees, Princess Theatre, Torquay. A talk from an expert forensics lecturer. Website here .

11 The Psychology of Serial Killers with Jennifer Rees, Princess Theatre, Torquay. Website here .

12 - 14 Devon Big Weekend Festival, Escot Park, Ottery St Mary. Following some changes to the line-up, performers now include Katy B, Tom Zanetti, Toploader, The Hoosiers, Chesney Hawkes, Artful Dodger, Phats and Small, Tinchy Stryder and Nathan Dawe. Read more here .

13 Boyzlife, Plymouth Pavilions. Website here.

13 Daniel O’Donnell, Princess Theatre, Torquay. Website here .

13 Exeter Pride, Exeter. One of the South West’s biggest celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community. Read more here. UPDATE: This event has been cancelled.

14 Ben Fogle – Wild, Princess Theatre, Torquay. Website here .

14 Mike and the Mechanics, Plymouth Pavilions. Website here .

18 - 21 Demon Dentist, Northcott Theatre, Exeter. Based on the best-selling book by David Walliams. Website here .

18 - 20 Devon County Show, Westpoint Showground, Exeter. Website here .

19 - 21 Dart Music Festival, Dartmouth. Website here .

24 - 24 Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals, Plymouth Pavilions. Website here .

25 - 29 Sidmouth International Jazz and Blues Festival. Website here .

26 - 28 Weekender 2023, Totnes. A Totnes town takeover of music, art, conversation and culture. Website here.

26 - 29 The English Riviera Food and Music Festival, Torbay. UB40 are set to headline on May 27. Read more here . UPDATE: This event has been cancelled.

27 Muse, Home Park, Plymouth. Read more here .

27 Judge Jules, The Foundry, Torquay. Website here.

27 Ventriloquest – A Day in the Life of Arthur Lager (starring Steve Hewlett), Axminster Guildhall. You might have seen him in the Britain’s Got Talent finals. Website here .

31 Marti Pellow – Pellow Talk, The Landmark, Ilfracombe. A night of stories and songs with the Wet Wet Wet singer. Website here .

JUNE

The Red Arrows during the airshow
The Red Arrows are expected to appear at the English Riviera Airshow

1 Hijacked dance music festival, Double Locks, Exeter. Read more here.

1 Marti Pellow – Pellow Talk, Palace Theatre, Paignton. Website here .

1 - 4 Wavelength Spring Classic 2023, Woolacombe Bay. A surf, music and ride culture festival. Website here .

3 KISS – End of the Road, Home Park, Plymouth. Read more here .

3 - 4 English Riviera Airshow, Paignton. Read more here.

6 - 10 The Vicar of Dibley, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter. Website here .

7 - 18 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Website here .

7 - 10 Footloose the Musical, Exmouth Pavilion. Website here .

10 - 11 Exeter Respect Festival, Belmont Park, Exeter. Website here .

11 Rhod Gilbert – The Book of John, Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple. Website here .

15 G4 Live, Exmouth Pavilion. Website here .

16 - 18 Exeter Foodies Festival, Escort Park, Ottery St Mary. Toploader and Sophie Ellis-Bextor are on the line-up. Website here .

16 - 18 Oceanfest, Croyde Bay. Read more about it here.

16 - 18 Woofstock, Powderham Castle. A festival for all things dog. Website here .

17 Oas-is, Exeter Phoenix. The hugely popular Oasis tribute band. Website here .

17 - 18 Party on the Pitch, Sandy Park, Exeter. The first of two weekends of live music. Ronan Keating, Blue and East 17 are performing on June 17. Read more here.

20 - 24 Abigail’s Party, Northcott Theatre, Exeter. Website here .

20 - 24 School of Rock – The Musical, Exmouth Pavilion. Website here .

23 Hal Cruttenden: It's Best You Hear It From Me, Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay. Website here.

24 Rod Stewart, Boy George and Culture Club, Home Park, Plymouth. Read more here.

24 - 25 Party on the Pitch, Sandy Park, Exeter. The second of two weekends of live music. Will Young, Natalie Imbruglia and Corinne Bailey Rae are performing on June 24. Read more here.

26 - July 1 The Bodyguard, Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Website here .

JULY

Mid Devon Show 2022

1 Let’s Rock Exeter, Powderham Castle. Line-up includes Soft Cell, Bananarama, Tony Hadley, Midge Ure and many more. Read more here .

1 Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, Northcott Theatre, Exeter. Website here .

1 Teignmouth Airshow, Teignmouth. Read more here.

2 Bastille – Bad Blood X, Powderham Castle. Read more here .

5 - 8 Demon Dentist, Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Website here .

8 Historic vehicle gathering, Powderham Castle. Website here .

15 - 16 Electric Bay, Torre Abbey Meadows, Torquay. Read more here and here.

20 - 22 South Devon CAMRA Sunshine beer and cider festival, Teignmouth Rugby Club. Up to 60 beers, music and family entertainment in aid of RNLI lifeboats. Website here.

21 - 22 Chagstock, Chagford. Website here .

21 - 29 Shrek the Musical, Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Website here .

21 - 22 Tunes on the Sands, Blackpool Sands near Dartmouth. Line-up includes Martin Kemp, Toploader, Dodgy, Sister Sledge and Stereo MCs. Read more here .

22 Mid Devon Show, Knightshayes, Tiverton. Website here .

29 Ventriloquest – A Life in the Day of Arthur Lager (starring Steve Hewlett), Palace Theatre, Paignton. Website here .

30 Totnes and District Show, Great Court Farm, Berry Pomeroy. Website here .

AUGUST

Beautiful Days 2022

4 - 11 The Sidmouth Folk Festival. Website here .

4 Ventriloquest – A Life in the Day of Arthur Lager (starring Steve Hewlett), The Landmark, Ilfracombe. Website here .

5 Showaddywaddy – 50th anniversary concert tour, Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay. Website here .

5 West Country Music Festival, Muddifords Court Estate, Willand. Website here .

14 - 19 Annie, Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Starring Craig Revel Horwood. Website here .

18 - 20 Beautiful Days, Escot Park, Ottery St Mary. Read more here .

24 - 27 Bear Grylls’ Gone Wild Festival, Powderham Castle. Music acts confirmed so far include Feeder, Dick and Dom DJ set, Oh My God! It’s The Church, Ministry of Sound Disco and Thrill Collins. Read more here .

25 Sidmouth Regatta Air Show, Sidmouth. Read more here .

28 Olly Murs, Plymouth Pavilions. Website here.

28 Pete Tong Ibiza Classics, Powderham Castle, near Exeter. Read more here.

SEPTEMBER

Anton Du Beke is on his way to Torquay and Strictly fans can't wait
Anton Du Beke is on his way to Torquay and Strictly fans can't wait

2 Torbay Pride, Torre Abbey Meadows, Torquay. Read more here. Website here.

7 - 10 Dawn French is a Huge T***, Northcott Theatre, Exeter. Read more here .

8 - 10 Teign Maritime and Shanty Festival, Teignmouth and Shaldon. Website here.

9 - 24 Taste East Devon food festival, various. Read more here.

11 - 16 The Mousetrap, Princess Theatre, Torquay. Website here .

15 - 24 Appledore Book Festival. Website here.

16 Alfie Boe, Plymouth Pavilions. Website here .

26 An Evening With Anton Du Beke and Friends, Princess Theatre, Torquay. Read more here .

29 - 30 Tim Vine – Breeeep! Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay. Website here .

OCTOBER

Singer Gabrielle at A Perfect Day in Exeter
Singer Gabrielle at A Perfect Day in Exeter 2022

4 Simon Reeve – To the Ends of the Earth, Great Hall, Exeter. Tickets here.

5 Paul Young – Behind the Lens, Axminster Guildhall. Website here .

7 Gabrielle – 30 Years of Dreaming, Plymouth Pavilions. Read more here .

7 Powderham Food Festival, Powderham Castle. Website here .

14 Simon Brodkin – Screwed Up, Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay. Website here .

20 Miriam Margolyes – Oh Miriam! Live, Plymouth Pavilions. Website here .

21 Lulu – For the Record, Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple. Website here .

29 Steve Backshall – Ocean: Bringing marine dreams to life, The Great Hall, Exeter. Website here .

NOVEMBER

Action from the Ottery tar barrels on November 5, 2021
Action from the Ottery tar barrels on November 5, 2021

5 Extra Time with Sue, Matt and Phil, Plymouth Pavilions. A brand new live sports quiz show bringing Sue Barker, Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell back together on stage with legendary sporting guests. Website here .

5 Ottery Tar Barrels, Ottery St Mary. Website here .

10 - 11 Sarah Millican – Late Bloomer, Princess Theatre, Torquay. Website here .

16 The Makings of a Murderer, Northcott Theatre, Exeter. Join ‘The Scottish Detective’, David Swindle, for a chilling and thrilling talk. Website here .

17 Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Plymouth Pavilions. Website here .

17-Dec 2 GloWild at Paignton Zoo Paignton Zoo will be ending their centenary year in style with their biggest ever seasonal event. See the zoo as you’ve never seen it before in this after-dark immersive light experience featuring a stunning array of giant illuminated animals, light tunnels, a silent disco, and much more. The journey will begin with a giant storybook inviting you to step into another magical world…from there you will adventure around the zoo and be amazed by a variety of bright, colourful and interactive lighting.

GloWild will run on selected dates from 17 November to 2 January, with entry starting at 5pm. Booking is essential, so get your tickets before they sell out! www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

28 The Good, The Bad and The Rugby – The World Cup After Party, Great Hall, Exeter. England Rugby stars James Haskell and Mike Tindall and their podcast co-host former Sky Sports rugby presenter Alex Payne will share tales from on and off the pitch. Tickets here from March 3.

DECEMBER

Forbidden Nights have previously appeared on Britain's Got Talent

1 Sarah Millian – Late Bloomer, Plymouth Pavilions. Website here .

10 The Makings of a Murderer, Plymouth Pavilions. Website here .

13 - 31 Sleeping Beauty, Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple. Website here .

15 Forbidden Nights, Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay. Website here .

15 - January 13 Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Website here .

22 - January 1 Beauty and the Beast pantomime, Exmouth Pavilion. Website here .

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