What's on in Plymouth this July

Take a look at some of the best things to do in plymouth this July with plenty of fantastic events taking place throughout the month as the city gears up for the summer.  

Armada Way Opening Party 

Plymouth City Centre celebrates the re-opening of Armada Way with a party on Saturday 4 July. Celebrate the grand transformation with a free city-centre event packed with live music, vibrant performances, family-friendly activities, and exciting exhibitors. Be among the first to explore the brand-new play village and experience Armada Way’s stunning water features brought to life. 

Wimbledon on the Big Screen

Wimbledon the Big Screen is back in Plymouth until Sunday 12 July. Watch all the action on the big screen in Plymouth City Centre and relax on the sun on the deckchairs. Enjoy Wimbledon-themed refreshments from the on-site traders, or a drink from the Estrella Bar.  

Try your hand at Padel with the pop-up court on the Piazza provided by Padel United UK. You can book your padel slot online for free and take part in what is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK.  

See The Box's latest exhibition

A new exhibition begins at The Box, winner of the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year award, on Saturday 4 July with Gillian Ayres: A Life in Colour. Ayres was a formidable and brilliant artist who came of age in a post-war British art world that was dominated by men. She remained entirely faithful to painting as it went in and out of fashion and the huge vibrant works she produced are a testament to her fearless and unwavering commitment. 

'Gillian Ayres: A Life in Colour' brings together 26 of Ayres' vibrant paintings. Tracing her bold and expressive style, they span seven decades of creative practice. Seminal works such as 'Hampstead Murals' from the late 1950s and works created at her rural North Devon home in the 1990s and early 2000s are shown alongside 'Harlyn Bay', made when she was just 15 years old. 

Summer markets 

There are markets aplenty taking place throughout the month in Plymouth.

They begin with the ever-popular Good Food and Craft Market at the Royal William Yard on Sunday 5 July. The market takes place on the first weekend of every month and never fails to draw a crowd. Explore a range of independent craft sellers and great food outside on the green from 10am-3pm on the day. When you’re there it’s also worth a trip to The Arcade, the yard's shopping centre home to more fantastic local businesses. 

A Continental Market, provided by Marketplace Europe is here for week from 4-12 July in Plymouth City Centre. Head to New George Street throughout the week and discover a variety of traders selling treats from across the globe. The City Centre markets continue with the Old Town Street Arts Crafts and Food Fair on 18-19 July. Experience two days of local goods and more located outside the entrance to Drake Circus. 

A new market takes place at the Barbican on the 18-19 July at the Barbican Art, Craft and Food Fair. Head to West Pier next to the Mayflower Steps where you’ll find an array of stalls selling locally-made gifts. 

Head to Market Hall for the Summer Makers Market on Saturday 25 July. Explore a vibrant showcase of handcrafted products from more than 40 independent South West makers, spanning fresh new talent to seasoned creative businesses. 

Plymouth Pride

Plymouth Pride returns on 11 July at Plymouth Hoe, celebrating the city’s LGBTQ+ community with a vibrant day of events. The parade starts at 11:30am from Theatre Royal Plymouth, heading to the Plymouth Hoe, with groups encouraged to register and individuals welcome to join at the back.

At the Hoe, expect 50+ stalls, six hours of live entertainment (including music and drag acts), plus food, drinks, and—new for this year—a fun dog show featuring Pride Pooches

St Luke's Guiding Lights Trail

The eagerly anticipated St Luke’s Guiding Lights Trail begins on Monday 6 July. Discover a stunning collection of 40 lighthouse sculptures, each standing 2.4 metres tall and uniquely brought to life by talented artists.

From bold bursts of colour to intricate, thought-provoking designs, every piece tells its own story—leading you on a captivating journey through Plymouth city centre and along the waterfront. 

Live music and festivals

There’s so much live music to enjoy in Plymouth this month as festival season gets into full swing. Yard Sessions gets the month of music underway at Royal William Yard’s ‘secret garden’. Situated behind Residence 1 – home to boutique B&B Rooms by Bistrot Pierre, you can enjoy music from the Busketeers on Friday 3 July and Rue on Friday 17 July.  

The first weekend of the month hosts a huge variety of live music performances to watch. Head to Brickfields, the home of Plymouth Albion, on Friday 3 – Saturday 4 July for Ruckus Festival. Headline acts include the Hoosiers, plus tributes to Linkin Park, Foo Fighters and more, it’s set to be an unforgettable two day of music.  

A bumper edition of Saturday Sessions at Old Town Square is in store for Saturday 4 July with 3 bands playing on the day. Busta Groove, the Two Bit Troubadors and Holloway are performing throughout the day. Click here to find out more about each band playing on the day. 

The City Centre live music continues on Saturday 11 July at Live at the Amphitheatre sponsored by Moxy Plymouth. Chainska Brassica will be headlining at the new performance area with support from Olly Skinner and Yonder Folk from 3pm on the day. 

There’s also live music at Home Park Stadium with the return of the This Ain’t Texas Festival on Saturday 18 July. Expect live country music, line dancing, American BBQ and street food, Western-inspired stalls and interactive experiences, all designed to create a fun, relaxed atmosphere where everyone feels part of it. 

Check out the events calendar for the full range of what's on in Plymouth. 

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In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner