Dawlish Carnival Week runs from 14-20 August 2027, bringing a week of processions, entertainment and community events to the South Devon coastal town. The carnival is one of Devon’s traditional late-summer celebrations, typically featuring a main procession, children’s activities, live music and seafront entertainment.
Dawlish Carnival has been part of the town’s summer calendar for decades, attracting visitors and locals alike to enjoy the festival atmosphere along the famous Dawlish seafront with its distinctive red sandstone cliffs and Brunel’s railway line running alongside the beach.
Visitor information
Dates: 14-20 August 2027 (Carnival Week).
Venue: Events take place across Dawlish town centre and along the seafront. The main procession follows a traditional route through the town.
Admission: Free to attend. Donations welcome to support the carnival committee.
Programme: The detailed week-long programme will be announced closer to the event. Check local Dawlish information sources and the Dawlish town website for updates.
Getting there: Dawlish sits on the South Devon coast on the A379, served by the scenic railway line between Exeter and Torbay. The station is right on the seafront. Town centre and seafront parking available but can be busy during carnival week.
What to expect
Carnival week typically includes a main procession with floats and walking entries, children’s entertainment, beach activities, live music stages and evening events. The carnival makes full use of Dawlish’s attractive seafront setting, with many activities taking place along the promenade and beach area.
The town’s famous Dawlish Water - the stream running through Dawlish Gardens to the sea - and the dramatic red sandstone cliffs provide a distinctive backdrop for carnival festivities. The combination of traditional carnival events and seaside location makes this a popular family destination during August.
Previous years have featured fairground rides, craft stalls, food vendors, competitions and evening entertainment. The carnival closes the week with a grand finale event.
Where to stay
Dawlish and the surrounding Teignbridge coast offer seaside accommodation. Browse places to stay in Dawlish, Teignmouth and nearby South Devon coastal towns.
