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With two bank holidays to look forward to in May, there's no shortage of events and activities taking place throughout the month.
From music and festivals, to markets and history telling, May is also the month we celebrate Exeter Pride, Devon County Show and the Great West Run. Here's our top picks for May so you don't miss out...
Quay Words
2nd - 10th May
Quay Words marks the end of its current chapter this May with a week-long celebration at Exeter’s Custom House. Expect a packed programme of workshops, author events and a special exhibition showcasing writing inspired by the Quayside. Writer-in-residence Jack Sanderson-Thwaite presents The Infinity of Lists as part of the final Reflections exhibition. Events include workshops with Monique Roffey and Anthony Joseph, plus talks from Patrick Gale, Raymond Antrobus and more.
Exeter Pride
Saturday 9th May
Exeter Pride is one of the South West’s largest free Pride celebrations, bringing colour and energy to the city this May. Enjoy a vibrant rainbow march, live music, performances, and community participation, alongside information stands, activities, and support from organisations championing LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Exeter Cathedral Independent Market
Saturday 9th May
Exeter Cathedral Independent Market brings the best of the South West to Cathedral Green this May. Enjoy live music from local performers while browsing handmade crafts, vintage finds, clothing, and locally produced food and drink in the heart of the city.
Quayside Farmers Market
Saturday 16th May
Celebrating local produce and independent traders, the monthly Exeter Quayside Farmers Market champions healthy, sustainable food and the local economy. Browse everything from organic vegetables and meats to baked goods, flowers, and preserves, with a rotating mix of stalls each month.
Fore Street Flea
Sunday 17th May
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, Fore Street Flea returns this May to Exeter’s vibrant West Quarter. A favourite in our city’s cultural calendar, it offers vintage finds, handmade crafts, art, and great food. With live music and a friendly atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday.
Devon County Show
Thursday 21st to Saturday 23rd May
One of the biggest and best days out this year, the Devon County Show is back at Westpoint Exeter. Expect three action-packed days of livestock shows, delicious local food and drink, countryside skills, live entertainment, and fantastic shopping. A true celebration of Devon life that's fun for all the family.
Colour exhibition at RAMM
Opens Saturday 23rd May
Come and see Colour in all its glory - and be surprised by the spectrum of possibilities! This vibrant family-friendly exhibition brings together over 150 objects from art, science, nature and cultural history, exploring how colour shapes the way we see, feel and understand the world. Featuring works by Hokusai, Kandinsky, Bridget Riley and Andy Warhol, plus striking costumes and historic treasures, it’s a spectacular celebration of the power and meaning of colour.
Great West Run
Sunday 24th May
Cheered on by enthusiastic crowds and bringing an electric atmosphere to the city streets, runners of all abilities will be taking on the iconic Exeter Great West Run. Whether you’re taking part or supporting, expect a lively day of fitness, community spirit, and fundraising energy across Exeter.
Visit our what's on page for a full list of events taking place in May, and throughout the year.
Related
The Fore Street Flea is a street market that takes place in the West Quarter of the city renowned for its indie businesses. The market takes place 4 times a year in May, July, September, and November.
Half marathon and 10km running event through the streets of the historic city of Exeter.
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