Summer and early autumn are brilliant times to explore Devon, and if you’re planning a family break, there’s even more reason to get excited. From live music and outdoor entertainment to food, crafts, sailing and plenty of activities for younger visitors, Devon’s festival calendar has something for families of all ages.
And if you’re staying at Bay Dream Believer in Brixham, you’re perfectly placed to enjoy some of the best events happening across South Devon and beyond. Here are five family-friendly festivals and celebrations worth putting on your 2026 holiday itinerary.
9 August 2026 | Torbay Showground, Paignton
Around 15–20 minutes from Bay Dream Believer
For families staying at Bay Dream Believer, it doesn't get much easier than this! FamFest Live arrives at the Torbay Showground in Paignton on 9 August, bringing a full day of family entertainment to the English Riviera.
Described as a one-day celebration for families of all ages, FamFest combines live music and performances with immersive children's zones and hands-on experiences. Under-10s can also attend for free, making it an especially tempting option for families looking for a fun-filled day out without travelling far from Brixham.
After all that excitement, you can be back at Bay Dream Believer in no time — perhaps with a takeaway and those lovely sea views to finish the day!
21–23 August 2026 | Escot Park
Around 1 hour 15 minutes from Bay Dream Believer
Fancy making a weekend of it? Beautiful Days is the Levellers' family music festival and takes place at Escot Park from 21–23 August.
There's much more than music here, with six stages, art installations, walkabout theatre, folk sessions, food and craft stalls and a huge dedicated children's area. There's also family camping and campsite play zones, making it a great choice for families who fancy embracing the full festival experience.
If camping isn't quite your cup of tea, however, you can enjoy the festival atmosphere for the day before returning to the comfort of Bay Dream Believer.
21–24 August 2026 | Torbay
Around 20–30 minutes from Bay Dream Believer
For something a little different, head to the waterfront for the Torbay Royal Regatta. This prestigious sailing event brings dozens of boats to the waters of Tor Bay for several days of competitive racing, with up to 100 boats expected to take part across multiple race areas.
You don't need to be a sailing expert to enjoy the spectacle. Find a good viewpoint around Torquay or the surrounding coastline, watch the boats racing across the bay and soak up the traditional regatta atmosphere. With Brixham so close, it's an easy addition to a summer holiday itinerary.
18–20 September 2026 | Fermoy's Garden Centre, Newton Abbot
Around 35–40 minutes from Bay Dream Believer
As summer starts to fade into autumn, Abbfest offers another brilliant excuse for a family day out. Running from 18–20 September, this South Devon festival brings together live music, local food, craft drinks, celebrity chefs and artisan stalls.
Saturday is the main festival day, with live music, chef demonstrations and more than 30 food and drink traders. Sunday has a particularly relaxed family feel, with Paws, Pints & Party and DogFest — so four-legged members of the family can join in too!
One of the best things about choosing Brixham as your holiday base is the sheer variety of things you can reach without travelling for hours. Within a relatively short drive, you can be watching live music at a family festival, cheering on yachts in Tor Bay, discovering local food producers or simply enjoying the atmosphere of one of Devon's many community celebrations.
And, of course, you don't have to fill every day with activities. Sometimes the best holiday memories are made by slowing down — enjoying breakfast together, heading out for a coastal walk, exploring Brixham Harbour and returning to Bay Dream Believer for a relaxed evening overlooking the bay.
Whether you're planning a festival-filled weekend or simply want a family holiday with plenty of things to see and do, Bay Dream Believer in Brixham makes a fantastic base for exploring South Devon.
With space for up to eight guests, a fabulous sea-view terrace and Brixham's shops, restaurants, pubs and coastline within easy reach, you can enjoy the excitement of Devon's summer and autumn events before returning to your own comfortable holiday home.
Ready to make some 2026 memories? Come and stay at Bay Dream Believer and discover just how much there is to enjoy around Brixham.
t: 07894 233 957 e: 21prospectroad@gmail.com
21 Prospect Rd
Brixham, Devon
TQ5 8HS
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