Dart Music Festival Dart Music Festival

  1. Home
  2. Festivals
  3. Dart Music Festival
  4. 2026
Dart Music Festival Header
00 00 00 00
Days Hours Mins Secs

15 May - 17 May 2026 Dartmouth, TQ69PH

Rock Jazz Folk Bit Of Everything Classical

Get ready to kick off the summer with a three-day music fiesta in the picturesque seaside town of Dartmouth! From Friday 15th to Sunday 17th May 2026, the Dart Music Festival returns to fill the historic harbour and town with joyful sound. This beloved annual event transforms Dartmouth into a lively open-air concert stage by the River Dart. Best of all, every performance is free to attend under the festival’s motto of 'Music for All', so you can enjoy amazing live music on a shoestring budget.

The program is hugely varied: over 100 performances cover almost every genre. You’ll hear orchestral and choral music side by side with lively rock, blues and jazz bands, plus folk sessions, opera, pop ensembles, and even dance or storytelling performances. These events are staged all over town – everything from Dartmouth Castle grounds and old churches to a bandstand in Victoria Park, plus pubs, restaurants and hotels. As you wander through the historic streets, you’ll find music popping up around every corner, day and night. As night falls, the town lights up with even more music – imagine stumbling on a string quartet performing under the castle walls at twilight, or a lively band keeping a local pub rocking into the night.

Engaging and welcoming, the festival has a true community spirit. All concerts are free to attend (though kind donations are always welcome to help cover costs). Local volunteers, schools and music clubs pitch in to make the weekend run smoothly with a warm, grassroots feel. Activities on offer include everything from school choir concerts and children’s music workshops to dance displays and storytelling sessions for the whole family. Since its launch in 1998, the Dart Music Festival has drawn thousands of visitors and become a cherished springtime tradition on Dartmouth’s calendar.

The festival is especially family-friendly. Parents can relax while little ones take part in musical workshops and dance classes designed just for them. Kids often end up dancing in the park bandstand or joining sing-alongs in the streets, and older kids and teens can plug into impromptu jam sessions. It’s common to see families spreading picnic blankets or sitting on park benches enjoying snacks (perhaps a famous Devon cream tea or a cool cider) between sets. It’s a celebration designed for all ages – everyone from toddlers to grandparents can find something to get them tapping their toes.

In between concerts, there’s plenty of reason to soak up Dartmouth’s charm. The town’s narrow streets, old pubs and riverside promenades provide a beautiful backdrop for wandering from one show to the next. Enjoy fish and chips by the water or a pint at a historic inn after an evening gig. If you have time, consider a harbour cruise or a stroll along a nearby coastal path – whatever you do, Dartmouth’s scenic setting makes for a wonderfully relaxing getaway. In short, the Dart Music Festival is a joyful celebration designed for everyone. It’s the perfect excuse for both locals and visitors to come together, enjoy free live music, and fall in love with Dartmouth’s friendly, festive atmosphere.

By car: Dartmouth is easily reached via Devon’s main roads. From the M5 follow the A38 towards Plymouth, then switch onto the A3122 leading into Dartmouth. If you approach from Plymouth, take the A379/A3122 (about a 30-minute drive). Parking in Dartmouth town centre is limited, especially during busy weekends. Consider using the Park & Ride lot at the top of town (on the A3122) and hopping on the shuttle bus into the village. Short-stay car parks do exist in town (e.g. Mayor’s Avenue, Old Market), but these fill up fast on event days. Coaches and minibuses can drop passengers at the Embankment by the ferry, while parking space is available at the Park & Ride site.

By train and bus: Dartmouth itself has no rail station. The nearest mainline station is Totnes (on the Exeter–Penzance line). From Totnes, Stagecoach bus #92 runs regularly to Dartmouth (journey about 20 minutes). You can also take a taxi from Totnes if you prefer. A scenic option is the Dartmouth Steam Railway from Paignton: take a train to Paignton, then steam service to Kingswear, and cross on the passenger ferry to Dartmouth. Long-distance coaches (National Express and others) run to Exeter and Plymouth; from there you can transfer to local buses or trains to complete the journey.

By air: The closest airport is Exeter International Airport (about 1–1.5 hours by car or taxi). Exeter has frequent flights from London, Manchester, Dublin and more. Plymouth City Airport is also nearby (30–40 minutes away) but offers limited services. Other options include Bristol or Birmingham airports; from these you can travel by train or coach to South Devon (via Exeter or Plymouth). Once on the ground, rental cars, trains, and buses connect Exeter or Plymouth to Dartmouth.

Accommodation: Dartmouth and the surrounding South Hams region offer a wide range of places to stay. Dartmouth itself has charming B&Bs, country inns and small hotels, many run by local families. It’s wise to book well in advance, as rooms fill up quickly for popular weekends. If Dartmouth’s lodging is full, consider nearby towns like Kingsbridge, Brixham or Salcombe (all within a 30-minute drive) for additional guesthouses or self-catering cottages. For outdoorsy visitors, campsites and caravan parks operate in the area (though Dartmouth’s immediate centre has no camp fields). Whether you prefer a harbour-side hotel or a countryside retreat, planning your accommodation early will make your visit more enjoyable.

Dartmouth, TQ69PH

Website
Facebook