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From seafood festivals and spectacular sailing to traditional village celebrations (and even worm charming), here are the South Hams events worth putting in your 2027 diary.
The South Hams is beautiful at any time of year, but there's something special about visiting when a local event is in full swing.
Salcombe's waterfront fills with people celebrating locally caught crab, colourful sails dot the estuary during regatta season, and villages and market towns come together for their favourite annual traditions.
Whether you're planning a family holiday in Salcombe, a sailing trip or a long weekend by the coast, here are some of the events to look forward to in Salcombe, Kingsbridge, Hope Cove and the wider South Hams in 2027.
Some organisers have already announced their 2027 dates; others are still to confirm. Check the linked event websites before making travel arrangements.
Spring: Food, Music and Local Traditions
Salcombe Crabfest — Sunday 2 May 2027
A highlight of Salcombe's spring calendar, Crabfest celebrates the town's fishing heritage and the delicious brown crab landed by its local fleet. Expect chef demonstrations, local food and drink, live music and family-friendly activities around town. It's a brilliant way to experience Salcombe's food scene and support a festival that raises money for local good causes.
Official Crabfest website
Blackawton International Festival of Wormcharming — 2027 Date TBC
Only in Devon! Teams gather in Blackawton to see how many earthworms they can coax to the surface without digging. It's an eccentric, good-humoured village tradition involving inventive techniques, fancy dress and a great community atmosphere. If you love discovering the wonderfully unusual side of the South Hams, this deserves a place in your diary. The organisers have not yet published a 2027 date.
Official Wormcharming website
Dart Music Festival — 14–16 May 2027
Dartmouth comes alive with music across its venues and outdoor spaces. With performances covering a wide range of styles, it's a lovely excuse to explore the waterfront, independent shops and cafés while enjoying a lively festival atmosphere.
Official Dart Music Festival website
Kingsbridge Food & Music Festival — 2027 Date TBC
A celebration of local food, drink and music in the heart of Kingsbridge. It's a great opportunity to discover local producers, enjoy the town's independent businesses and soak up the community atmosphere. Check for the 2027 programme before planning your visit.
Summer: Sailing, Regattas and Seaside Celebrations
Merlin Rocket Week, Salcombe — 26 July–2 August 2027
A favourite fixture on the sailing calendar, Merlin Rocket Week brings competitive dinghy racing to the Salcombe estuary. For visiting sailors, it's a week to plan well ahead. For everyone else, the colourful fleet is a fantastic sight from the shoreline.
Salcombe Yacht Club
Kingsbridge Fair Week — 17–24 July 2027
This much-loved annual celebration brings entertainment, competitions and community activities to Kingsbridge. It's one of those weeks when the town feels especially lively, with something for locals and visitors alike.
Official Kingsbridge Fair Week website
Salcombe Town Regatta — 31 July–7 August 2027
One of the most sociable weeks of the Salcombe summer, Town Regatta combines community activities and family entertainment with the excitement of sailing on the estuary. It's a brilliant time to experience the town at its busiest and most colourful. Salcombe Yacht Club separately lists Town Regatta dinghy racing for 2–6 August; check the full community programme when released.
Salcombe Town Regatta
Salcombe Yacht Club Regatta — 8–13 August 2027
A distinct event from Town Regatta, this is one for keen sailors and anyone who enjoys watching competitive racing on the water. Salcombe's beautiful estuary provides a spectacular backdrop to the action, while the club's programme brings competitors and supporters together throughout the week.
Salcombe Yacht Club Regatta 2027
South Hams Vintage Machinery Rally — Provisional 14–15 August 2027
Step away from the coast for a day and explore the area's rural heritage. Vintage machinery, classic vehicles and traditional working displays offer a different perspective on South Devon's countryside and farming history. These dates remain provisional and should be reconfirmed with the organiser before travelling.
Hope Cove Weekend — 2027 Date TBC
Hope Cove is charming at the best of times, but its annual celebration makes this seaside village feel even more special. Expect a welcoming community atmosphere and traditional entertainment, with the beaches and coast path right on the doorstep. If you are considering staying nearby, our guide to Hope Cove's two beaches will help you plan your visit. The 2027 dates have not yet been announced.
Dartmouth Royal Regatta — 21–28 August 2027
The River Dart is the backdrop for one of South Devon's great summer celebrations, with sailing, rowing and town-wide entertainment. Whether you love the on-water action or simply want to soak up the atmosphere along the waterfront, Dartmouth is well worth a visit during regatta week. Check the individual event programme with the organiser.
Official Dartmouth Royal Regatta website
Autumn: Country Life, Music and Food
Kingsbridge Show — Saturday 4 September 2027
A celebration of the South Hams' agricultural roots, the Kingsbridge Show brings together livestock, local produce, country displays, crafts and family entertainment. It's a wonderful chance to experience the rural side of South Devon beyond its beaches and harbours.
Official Kingsbridge Show website
Salcombe Live — October 2027, Dates TBC
A lively weekend of music and comedy in venues across Salcombe, Salcombe Live is a great reason to visit outside the height of summer. Enjoy the town's pubs, restaurants and intimate performance spaces while discovering musicians and performers from the South West. The 2027 dates are still to be announced.
Official Salcombe Live website
Dartmouth Food Festival — October 2027, Dates TBC
Autumn brings another excellent reason to visit Dartmouth: a celebration of food, drink and the people who produce it. Enjoy demonstrations, tastings and a delicious excuse to wander the town's streets and waterfront. Keep an eye out for the official 2027 dates.
Plan Your 2027 South Hams Escape
There's so much more to the South Hams than its beautiful beaches. From sailing weeks and seafood festivals to quirky village traditions, local events offer a chance to experience the character of this special corner of Devon.
If you're hoping to visit during a popular regatta or festival, it's worth arranging your accommodation early.
At Quay Holiday Lettings, we offer a carefully selected collection of holiday homes in Salcombe, Hope Cove and the surrounding South Hams, with local knowledge to help you make the most of your stay.
Explore our South Hams holiday homes and book direct at Quay Holiday Lettings.
Event dates and programmes are subject to change. Please check directly with organisers before travelling.
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