Summer in Exeter

Summer has well and truly arrived in Exeter, and there is plenty of family fun to be had over the summer holidays. Here is our ultimate guide to family events this summer in Exeter.

There is nothing like the magic of warm summer evenings under the stars watching a movie. The eagerly anticipated Big Screen in the Park returns this summer to Northernhay Gardens from 6 - 12 August with another fantastic selection of al fresco films. Arrive early to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy some summer tunes and relax with a drink or two.

The Picturehouse are also getting in on the action with a Pop-Up Cinema at Double Locks from 30 August - 2 September. Choose from a brilliant selection of award-winning and legendary films in this stunning riverside setting.

Head to Crealy over the summer to see City Cirque Xtreme, fresh off the streets of New York, this action-packed, adrenaline-fuelled stunt show is set to wow the crowds. Running every Monday – Saturday during the summer holidays, the show features BMX-ers, skateboarders, inline skaters, percussionists, Chinese pole artists, and an acrobatic slam-dunk team. For some slightly more relaxed fun this summer, visit the Donkey Sanctuary to follow the Hide & Seek Trail and win a tasty treat!

Summer Jazz on the Quay returns to Exeter from 24 June, offering free entertainment every Sunday during July until 12 August (excluding 29 July).

Enjoy a weekend of chillin' and grillin' at the Devon Fire and Spice Festival at Powderham Castle on the 18 and 19 August, with cooking demonstrations, artisan food producers, live music, international street food, and all things spice!

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a museum exhibit or see what ‘life’ is like behind the other side of the glass? Running right through the summer holidays, RAMM is offering people the chance to dress up as an exhibit and have a photograph taken! 

Family shows

The Exeter Barnfield are hosting an Enchanted Princess Party on 4 August, featuring everyone’s best loved characters. Say hello to your favourite princesses and take a photograph to show off to all your friends. There will also be a fancy dress competition so come along as your favourite prince or princess.

Then on 18 and 19 August it’s panto time, as Hot Rock Productions bring Alice in Wonderland to the Barnfield. This fun-filled family show features stunning scenery, colourful costumes, toe-tapping songs and bucket loads of laughter. 

Join Above Bounds at the Exeter Phoenix on 6 August for The Elves & the Shoemaker – a delightful retelling of a well-loved tale with puppetry, music and a few crafty ideas along the way. Then on the 13 August the Phoenix present The Magic Garden, an hour long interactive, multi-sensory show with puppets and music.

Also at Exeter Phoenix is The Children in the Moon on 21 August. Join The Makeshift Ensemble and their travelling teapot of tales on a magical celebration of discovery, courage and diversity.

Scroll down for more family events this summer in Exeter. Also check out our guide to 12 free summer activities in Exeter.