to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Spend September in Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City, and welcome the start of autumn with a vibrant programme of things to do across the waterfront city. From must-see Plymouth events, live music and family-friendly activities to local markets, cultural attractions and seasonal days out.
Discover the best events in Plymouth this September, explore the city’s historic waterfront and independent shopping areas, and make the most of its restaurants, green spaces and coastal surroundings. We’ve selected some of the month’s top highlights to help you plan an unforgettable September visit to Plymouth.
Seafest returns
The city celebrates its connection to the sea with the return of Seafest on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September. Taking place across the waterfront, prepare for two days of great seafood, music, family friendly entertainment and more stretching all the way from the historic streets of the Barbican, Tinside Lido, Mount Batten, Mount Edgcumbe and Royal William Yard. The event is always a popular highlight of the Plymouth events calendar.
Last chance to see the St Luke's Guiding Lights Lighthouses
The first two weeks of the month is your final chance to see the St Luke's Guiding lights Trail in Plymouth. If you've not seen already, there are 40 lighthouse sculptures at various venues across the city. Each of the lighthouses has been hand painted and have wowed visitors this summer. Your last chance to see them is on Sunday 13 September, after that the lighthouses will be auctioned, raising money for St Luke's Hospice.
Get ready for Red Bull Up The Mast
A thrill seeker's paradise returns to The Barbican on Saturday 28 September with the return of Red Bull up the Mast. The exhilarating event sees participants scale a slippery pole in attempt to grab the flag. Successful or not a wet landing awaits with a plunge into Sutton Harbour on the cards for those daring enough to take part. Entry opens soon to take part in this year's event. Watch the highlights video above to see what last year's event looked like!
Commemorate 100 years of Beryl Cook
Celebrate what would have been much-loved Plymouth artist Beryl Cook's 100th birthday on Friday 11 September. Take a look at the stunning Beryl Cook sculptures that are situated across the city, there are five to visit and they are based off of some of Beryl's most iconic works and have been extremely popular since their installation earlier this year. The Barbican Theatre is also commemorating the occasion with their show, Beryl Cook: A Private View. The production offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the private world of Beryl Cook as she completes one of her bold, playful oil paintings live on stage.
Working closely with Beryl's family, acclaimed playwright and performer Kara Wilson brings Beryl's voice to life, revealing the wit, warmth and quiet determination behind the canvas.
Live music in September
There's some great live music concerts to look forward to in Plymouth in September. It begins with the last Saturday Sessions at the Square in Plymouth city centre on Saturday 5 September. This month's event sees The Other Woman band perform from 1-1.30pm before Manuka wow the crowds from 2-3.30pm. The event takes place on Old Town Square outside of Drake Circus Shopping Centre.
The following week sees the final Live at the Amphitheatre, sponsored by Moxy Plymouth, also in Plymouth City Centre on Saturday 12 September. Situated at the top of Armada Way, the Amphitheatre will host performances from Ruby Thomas, Badcore Horns and Sundogs!
The Box Plymouth, Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026 will be hosting a Drag Night: Lights, Glamour, Action on Saturday 5 September. Back by popular demand this September, The Box is “dragging up” once again!
Get ready for lip-syncs, dazzling costumes, live vocals, games, plenty of laughs and lots of audience interaction - plus a few surprises along the way.
Seating is unreserved, so expect to share tables, meet new people and enjoy the evening together.
The final Yard Sessions of the summer takes place in Royal William Yard's Secret Garden on Friday 11 September. The Secret Garden is located behind Residence 1 - through an archway into a landscaped walled garden just metres from the sea. This one-of-a-kind venue creates incredible acoustics and atmosphere – perfect for the live music series that celebrates the best local talent, spanning a range of styles. Friday's performance will see Russell Sinclair play from 5.30pm to 9pm. Russell Sinclair is a versatile live act delivering a lively mix of well-known songs and crowd-pleasing entertainment.
For those wishing to get their dancing shoes on Olive and Twist will be hosting a country –themed line dancing night on Friday 25 September. Saddle up for an evening of line-dancing fun, led by a professional instructor!
Whether you’re keen to learn the moves or simply want a great night out with friends and family, enjoy two hours of guided line dancing, a themed Malibu cocktail on arrival, and a free cowboy hat for the first 30 ticket holders.
Although not a live music event, the Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon Immersive Experience at Market Hall is an immersive experience not to be missed. Taking place on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September, step inside one of the greatest albums of all time with 360-degree visuals and immersive surround sound.
Find out more live music events in Plymouth.
Discover Royal William Yard's new festival
Plymouth’s iconic Royal William Yard will host its first-ever literary festival this September. Read Write Yap - a playful nod to the Yard’s initials - is a month-long celebration of books, writing and spoken word, with events, drop-in activities and creative installations taking place across its waterfront, outdoor spaces and historic buildings.
Rooted in Plymouth’s creative community, the festival will showcase local authors, independent booksellers, spoken-word performers and other Devon-based talent. Running throughout September, Read Write Yap invites visitors to explore the programme at their own pace, with plenty of opportunities to dip in and out during a day out at Royal William Yard. Additional events will be announced throughout the month. Find out more about the literary festival.
This month's markets
There are plenty of markets to explore in Plymouth throughout September starting with the Good Food and Craft Market at Royal William Yard. It is one of the final markets to be held outside before it ventures into the Melville Building during the winter months. Prepare to see plenty of great food, crafts and locally made gifts throughout the day from 10am – 3pm.
On the final weekend of the month the Yard will also be hosting a 'Read, Write, Yap' market on Sunday 27 September. Expect independent booksellers, authors, and book-themed artisans at the market which again takes place from 10am – 3pm.
There are regular markets being hosted once again at The Barbican Arts and Crafts Market on 19-20 September and Old Town Square in Plymouth City Centre on 26-27 September.
Market Hall will host a TRACE: Small businesses book fair on 19-20 September. Head to the Hall for a weekend celebrating independent publishing, artist-led print culture, and contemporary creative practice. Discover a diverse range of artists' books, photobooks, chapbooks, zines, magazines, graphic novels, editions, and multiples from publishers, artists, and makers from across the UK.
Check out the events calendar for the full range of what's on in Plymouth.
For further themed Plymouth inspiration, exclusive offers and things to do in the city, sign up to our free Visit Plymouth e-newsletter.
In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner
Comments
Nobody has commented on this post yet, why not send us your thoughts and be the first?
