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 1 - 10 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 Outdoor Garden Cinema at Double Locks from 30 August - 1 September. Choose from a brilliant selection of award-winning and legendary films in this stunning riverside setting.

By adopting a donkey for yourself, or sharing the joy by giving the gift of a donkey adoption to a loved one, you are doing something amazing. Visit the Donkey Sanctuary to find out about all the amazing work they do, and take part in some of their exciting summer events.  

Hold your breath as the Crealy Brigade fight the fires and leap from the heavens!
Back by popular demand, the amazing Hydro High Dive returns to Crealy this summer. You can take in all the action and excitement from July 22 to September 1.

Summer Jazz on the Quay returns to Exeter from 30 June, offering free entertainment every Sunday until 1 September (excluding 28 July). Exeter Quayside offers the perfect setting in which to sit back with a drink or two and enjoy the music.

Tunes in the Castle 2019 it’s a brand new festival, set in the beautiful grounds of Powderham Castle. This exciting live music event takes place just outside Exeter between 3 – 4 August.

With a reputation for quality and diversity, this year's Exeter Street Arts Festival is set to rock the streets of the city with a free celebration of music, dance and arts throughout the day and a flamboyant after-party at Exeter Phoenix as night falls. Transforming the heart of the city into a celebration of street art for all on Sat 24 August from 10am.

Exeter Fringe Festival runs from 26th July to 4th August 2019. This year is the inaugural festival and will see over 80 acts and 100 performances take place at the Barnfield Theatre and Exeter Phoenix.

Are you ready for a summer of fun? Coming to Princesshay this summer will be 4 weeks of fun with pop up events every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 31 July to 23 August.

Bring your kids to learn about historical exotic animals with Zoolab throughout the week of 29 July to 2 August in Powderham Castle. Among many other activities you can also participate in the exciting week of Pirates and Parrots. Arghh, matey!

Go wild this summer at RAMM! Roar like a lion, leap like an antelope or flap your wings like a bird. Decide which animal you'd like to be from our selection of costumes for both children and adults. Once your pack is complete, choose a background from our collection of green screen locations and strike an animal pose.

Family shows

The Exeter Barnfield are hosting Treasure Island on 17 – 18 August. Join the hero Jim Hawkins as he leads the pirate crew on the journey of a lifetime, fights the evil Grace O'Malley and searches for the buried treasure where he'll find riches beyond his wildest dreams!

Then on 26 – 27 July and 3 – 4 August, Above Bounds invite you inside from the storm, to watch as their tale unfolds. Can two unlikely companions learn to share and play together, or will one end up back outside on their own? With visual comedy, interaction and lots of laughs - Two Little Kittens is the perfect first introduction to theatre for under 5's and their families.

At Exeter Phoenix, it’s time for the family blockbuster you didn’t know you needed! Horrible Histories will be bringing the Rotten Romans to the big screen at Exeter Phoenix from 26 July to 1 August.