Our Favourite Events in Sidmouth This Year
With its long stretch of shingle coastline and cream-cladded beach-front buildings, Sidmouth is a perfect coastal escape for anyone who really wants to make the most of their spare time. Nestled behind our wonderfully welcoming promenade you’ll find the hustle and bustle of Sidmouth’s charming town centre, with plenty of boutique shops, quaint cafes and delicatessens for our visitors to spend an afternoon.
Plus, with so many Events in Sidmouth throughout 2025, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to some of the most anticipated events of the year, alongside all of our usual good stuff - with refined experiences for those with exquisite taste, or even a cultural extravaganza to help you broaden your horizons, there’s a little something for everyone.
Sidmouth Tea Dance - (1st June 2025)
The Stowford Centre in Sidmouth is being transformed into Sidmouth’s very own ballroom, for one day only. This fun and welcoming affair is being hosted by local townspeople Jean and David. Being just £8 per dancer, you can come alone or bring a partner ready to enjoy some traditional ballroom and sequence dancing to the soundtrack of John Westlake. Whether you’re reminiscing of Friday night’s out dancing during your courtship, or putting your best foot forward and trying something new - all abilities will be
Sidmouth Town Band Summer Concert - (Weekly between 25th May to 7th September)
The Sidmouth Town Band bring to you their Summer Concerts - running every Sunday at 8pm from the 25th May to 7th September at Connaught Gardens, Sidmouth. The band, formed originally 1862, will be entertaining you with a musical performance completely free of charge. All they ask is that you bring your own deckchair (so that you can enjoy the show in comfort) and contribute a donation. Be sure to check the weather in advance because these events are weather permitting.
Sidmouth Folk Festival (1st – 8th August 2025)
The Sidmouth Folk Festival has become one of Sidmouth’s most iconic events in the festival calendar. This week-long celebration dates back to 1955 and embraces all things traditional folklore. Throughout the week you can expect a complete array of diverse and immersive activities - with performances from renowned folk artists, in between ceilidhs that allows you to put your best foot forward.
There will be an assortment of stalls, food vendors and an unbeatable atmosphere. Buy your tickets on their website with options for day passes or week-long access. Pitch a tent or bring your motorhome and get ready to enjoy a week-long folk experience that encapsulates the spirit of Sidmouth.
Sidmouth Regatta (22nd – 24th August 2025)
The famed local Air Display brings our community, visitors and participants together at the annual Sidmouth Regatta. Held across the weekend, you’ll see a host of sea, land and air based shows that culminate to make up one of the most anticipated events in Sidmouth. Watch the sailing races, watch in awe at the firework displays and marvel at the Air Display. Plus, you can even spectate the Rotary Club’s Raft Race to see who comes out on top (or not!).
Sidbury Fair - (September)
Sidbury Fair is the annual event that locals and visitors await with eager anticipation. Held annually in September (though dates are yet to be confirmed for 2025) Sidbury Fair is one of the events in Sidmouth that has become a cherished tradition. Amongst stalls, food vendors and a whole program of activities, you will find the traditional “Hot Pennies Ceremony” where warm pennies are tossed from the churchyard wall onto Church Street - much to the delight of local schoolchildren. Join the fun for one week during September.
Sidmouth Walking Festival (13th – 19th September 2025)
Another of our favourite events in Sidmouth takes us out into the great outdoors with our legendary Walking Festival. Anyone who is already familiar with the area will be aware of just how spoiled we are in terms of the stunning East Devon coastline and our countryside ambles.
That’s why there’s a whole week dedicated to bringing people together to embrace our impeccable scenery on a stroll or two. Don’t worry, you needn’t be incredibly fit or able bodied to take part - the guided walks available offer longer strolls or short and sweet walks so that everyone can have a chance to take in Sidmouth’s wonderful coastline, completely free of charge. You can find the routes in their helpful programme.
Sidmouth Vintage Car Show (20th September 2025)
Whether you’re an avid motor enthusiast or not, there’s no denying the appeal of a classic, vintage car. The Sidmouth Vintage Car Show heralds the classic automobiles and proudly displays them along the Esplanade. Taking place this September, you can come along and admire the vehicles up close, or even enter your own vehicle into the competition if you’re lucky enough to have a vintage cruiser of your own! Held in Sidmouth’s Connaught Gardens, you can really make a day of this truly special event.
Sidmouth Science Festival (10th – 19th October 2025)
For something a little more academically minded, the Sidmouth Science Festival is one of the events in Sidmouth happening later in the year. Following the organisers’ mission to “inform, inspire and spark curiosity” you can dive into the ten-day-long festival where you can expect to experience a variety of talks from the 23 lined up speakers. There will also be plenty of interactive exhibits and activities. Whether you’re visiting alone, bringing the kids or even the grandkids, there’s no age limit to the amount of enjoyment you can take part in during this stimulating festival.
Enjoy all of Sidmouth’s Events from Hotel Riviera
Whichever of the events in Sidmouth takes your fancy, plan your visit accordingly so that you can make the most of your stay here. Whether you’re embracing Sidmouth folklore, taking in the air display or dancing in the “ballroom” you can enjoy it all from our very own Hotel Riviera.
Centrally located, we’re never far from Sidmouth's goings on and have all of the amenities you need to enjoy your stay with us. With glorious sea-views in the majority of our rooms, you can wake up refreshed ready to explore Sidmouth and any events you want to plan your trip around. Make sure you book directly in order to benefit from 10% off your booking. We can’t wait to host you.
