Devon has a strong tradition of free festivals — events open to everyone, rooted in their towns and funded through community support, sponsorship and a lot of local goodwill. Some of the county's best-loved festivals cost nothing to turn up to.
Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels
The Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels is one of the most extraordinary free events in the country. Every 5th of November, locals carry barrels of flaming tar through the packed streets of Ottery St Mary — a centuries-old tradition found nowhere else, and free to witness.
Flavour Fest
Flavour Fest is the South West's biggest free food and drink festival, filling Plymouth city centre with regional producers, street food and chef demos across a summer weekend. Free to enter and a highlight of the Devon food calendar.
Brixham Pirate Festival
The Brixham Pirate Festival turns the harbour town into a sea of costumes for a bank holiday weekend, with music, markets and thousands of pirates of all ages. One of Devon's most joyful free days out.
Salcombe Crabfest
Salcombe Crabfest celebrates the town's fishing heritage with cookery demos, live music and the freshest local shellfish along the estuary. Free to attend and a firm favourite on the South Hams coast.
Dart Music Festival
Dart Music Festival fills Dartmouth with free live music across pubs, stages and the waterfront for a May weekend — dozens of acts, all free, in one of Devon's prettiest towns.
Exeter Respect Festival
Exeter Respect Festival is a free celebration of the city's diversity, with world music, food and community stalls in Belmont Park. One of Exeter's longest-running and most-loved free events.
Plymouth Art Weekender
The Plymouth Art Weekender opens up galleries, studios and public spaces across the city for a free weekend of exhibitions, performances and installations — a brilliant way to see Plymouth's creative scene up close.
Seafest Plymouth
Seafest Plymouth celebrates the city's fishing port with seafood stalls, cookery and family activities on the historic Barbican. Free, and a proper taste of Plymouth's maritime life.
About free festivals in Devon
Not every festival in Devon is free, and some otherwise-free events have ticketed areas or performances. Always check the individual listing for the most accurate information.