Discover the cultural events shaping Plymouth in 2026

23rd January 2026

From established city favourites to new cultural experiences, 2026 offers a packed programme of events across Plymouth, giving residents and visitors plenty of reasons to revisit much-loved highlights, try something new and start planning time well spent across the city. 

The year begins with a landmark exhibition at The Box. Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy (24 January – 31 May) is the most comprehensive exhibition of the Plymouth artist’s work ever staged, marking 100 years since her birth. Celebrating a city icon whose work is recognised far beyond Plymouth, the exhibition will be supported by a trail of large-scale Beryl Cook-inspired sculptures across the city. 

February brings a new addition to the calendar with the inaugural Plymouth Literary Festival (14–15 February), offering a mix of talks, readings and performances across city venues and adding further variety to Plymouth’s cultural offer. 

Spring sees the return of events many Plymothians look forward to year after year. Pirates Weekend returns on 9 and 10 May, bringing colour, creativity and interactive fun along the Barbican and waterfront, with families and visitors encouraged to dress up and get involved. The Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival follows on 17 May, marking the city’s main running event of the season. Later in the month, Mount Edgcumbe hosts the popular Green Man Weekend (23–24 May), blending folklore, music, crafts and woodland activities inspired by nature and the changing seasons. 

Flavour Fest returns from 29 to 31 May, continuing its long-standing place in Plymouth’s calendar. One of the South West’s largest free food festivals, it brings together traders and producers from across the region alongside chef demonstrations, with a strong focus on supporting local producers and independent food businesses. 

As summer approaches, Plymouth’s events calendar expands with a cool mix of music, outdoor festivals and maritime activity. Discovery Festival takes over Central Park from 12 to 14 June, with its artist line-up set to be announced shortly and tickets going on sale soon. Plymouth Boat Fest follows on 20 June, offering opportunities to get closer to life on the water through displays, demonstrations and hands-on activity celebrating the city’s seafaring character. 

Plymouth’s proud military heritage is recognised during Armed Forces Week (22–28 June), a week packed with activity celebrating the city’s Armed Forces community. Highlights include the Strength of Spirit Games: Rehabilitation Triathlon on 26 June and Armed Forces Day on Plymouth Hoe on 28 June, featuring parades, arena displays and free, family-friendly activity. 

Later in June, Mount Edgcumbe hosts the first-ever Morvala Festival of Arts (25–28 June), a new multi-day event combining live music, performance, camping and creative activity in a striking coastal setting. 

Wimbledon on the Big Screen returns from 29 June to 12 July, bringing the atmosphere of SW19 to the city centre. Alongside live coverage, deckchairs and classic strawberries and cream, visitors can book a free padel court hosted by Padel United UK, offering the chance to try one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports while catching the action on the big screen. 

St Luke’s Guiding Lights art trail will brighten the city from July to September with 40 striking lighthouse sculptures, creating one of Devon’s most ambitious family-friendly art experiences. 

In August, one of Plymouth’s most iconic events returns. The British Firework Championships take place on 12 and 13 August, lighting up the city with world-class displays as leading pyrotechnic teams compete over two unforgettable nights. With a loyal following and something new planned for 2026, visitors are encouraged to keep an eye out for further announcements. 

As summer draws to a close, Seafest returns with a wide-ranging programme of activity along the city’s waterfront, offering food, entertainment and hands-on opportunities to learn more about the marine environment that shapes Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. 

Also returning in 2026 is Red Bull Up The Mast, fast becoming a city favourite after attracting impressive crowds and enthusiastic participation last year. The high-energy challenge sees individuals race up the towering mast in the Barbican, delivering plenty of laughter and edge-of-your-seat moments for those taking part and watching from the waterfront. 

September also sees Plymouth confirmed as the home city of the WORLDSTAR Yacht Race, organised by the Royal Western Yacht Club. On 26 September, spectators will be able to watch crews set off from Plymouth as they begin their global challenge. 

More events, including Christmas activity across the city, will be announced later in the year. For the latest updates, follow What’s On Plymouth on Facebook or visit the Visit Plymouth website to explore the full events calendar and plan ahead.