Dartmouth's Festivals Through the Year

One of the joys of staying in Kingswear is looking across the river and seeing Dartmouth come alive for one of its festivals. The town's calendar is run almost entirely by local volunteers and businesses, and there's something on in every season.

Spring

• Head of the Dart: more than 300 paddleboarders race the 14km between Dartmouth and Totnes along the river.
• Dart Gig Club Regatta: one of the first gig regattas of the season, with the rowing crews racing out towards the castle.
• Dart Music Festival: held every May since 2004, with live music in around 20 venues across the town. The 2027 dates are 14 to 16 May.
• Galleries Spring Exhibition: a trail round the town's galleries, starting with a lively Galleries Night.

Summer

• Dartmouth Pride: a warm, welcoming celebration, with the 2027 date set for Saturday 26 June.
• Channel Classics Regatta: up to a hundred classic yachts fill the harbour in July. You can watch the racing in Start Bay from the coast path.
• Dartmouth Steam Festival: celebrating Thomas Newcomen, the steam railway and the Kingswear Castle paddle steamer.
• Shakespeare at Dartmouth Castle: an open-air production by a local theatre company, with the river mouth as the backdrop.
• Dart10k Swim: a marathon-distance swim along the river, and a real spectacle to watch.

Late summer: the Royal Regatta

The highlight of the year is the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta at the end of August, which has been running for more than 180 years. Expect sailing and rowing races, air displays, fireworks over the river and a real carnival atmosphere. The views from our side of the water are wonderful, but book early, as this is the busiest week of the year.

Autumn and winter

October brings the Dartmouth Food Festival, with chefs, cookery demonstrations and plenty of local produce to taste. Then in December the town lights up for the festive season, with late-night shopping, lights along the embankment and a cosy, twinkly feel.

Dates change from year to year, so check the full calendar on Explore Dartmouth before you plan your stay.

Caroline & Dave