Looking for something to do this weekend in Devon? Whether you're a music fanatic, a comedy lover, or an adventurous forager, the county is bursting with fantastic events. From the wild landscapes of Northern England reimagined in bluegrass to the timeless duets of Louis & Ella and a pub stroll with a purpose, here’s our pick to the best of the weekend.
Saturday's Sounds: From Bluegrass to Broadway - 21st February
Kick off your Saturday with a dose of high-energy, transatlantic bluegrass. The Often Herd, a band praised for their "vibrant, transatlantic sound," brings their acclaimed debut album 'Where the Big Lamp Shines' to the intimate Ashburton Arts Centre. With driving energy, tight harmonies, and a sound coloured by the industrial landscapes of Northern England, this is a must-see for folk and Americana fans. Tickets start from £8.80. Buy Tickets
If your musical tastes lean more towards rock royalty, you have two excellent tribute acts to choose from. Over in Tavistock, Quo Connection are keeping the spirit of Status Quo alive at The Wharf. Formed by former members of John Coghlan's Quo, expect a night of boogie-woogie classics from the band carrying on the legacy. They kick off at 8:30pm, with tickets from £22.00. Buy Tickets
Further east in Axminster, prepare to have your socks rocked off by The Guns and Roses Experience. Hailed as the biggest and best Gn'R tribute in Europe, they promise to deliver the ultimate homage to the jungle at the Axminster Guildhall. Tickets are £16.50. Buy Tickets
For a smoother, jazz-infused evening, head to Exeter's Cygnet Theatre for The Louis and Ella Music Show. Celebrating the legendary partnership of Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, the show is packed with timeless classics from the Great American Songbook by the likes of Gershwin and Cole Porter. The performance begins at 7:30pm, with tickets from £19.80. Buy Tickets
Finally, if you're in the mood for laughter, comedian Vittorio Angelone brings his brand new show, 'you can't Say Nothing any more,' to Plymouth's Quad Theatre. Despite his claims of denying any involvement in comedy, the fast-rising star has sold out tours across the UK. Catch him for a night of sharp wit from £24.20. Buy Tickets
Sunday Funday: A Feast for All Senses - 22nd February
Sunday offers a wonderfully eclectic mix of culture, music, and outdoor activity, headlined by a rising star in the UK pop scene.
Kicking off the evening in Exeter, soulful vocalist Jennifer Owens brings her powerful and emotive sound to the Exeter Phoenix. Hailed as "one of the finest vocalists you will hear today," Owens has garnered millions of online views and high praise from the likes of Lewis Capaldi for her timeless style and heartfelt delivery. Don't miss your chance to see this rising star in an intimate setting. Buy Tickets
Earlier in the day, start with a truly unique experience in Totnes. Join forager Trudy Turrell for Forage and a Pint. You'll embark on a foraging stroll around Dartington in search of wild foods, before returning to the warm bar at Things Happen Here. There, you can taste your finds, sample preserved wild foods, and enjoy a well-deserved pint of local beer, cider, or a soft drink—all included in your £11.00 ticket. The foraging fun begins at 11:00am. Buy Tickets
If your interests are more artistic, Ashburton Arts Centre is the place to be on Sunday afternoon. First, delve into the world of improvisation with The Fascination with Spontaneity: From Occult Revival to the present. This is the first in a series of five weekly talks exploring the power of the unplanned in music, art, and film. Tickets are a bargain at just £3.30. Buy Tickets
Later at the same venue, let the rhythms take over at the Tango Afternoons with Live Music for Dancing. Presented by Tango A la Parrilla, the stage is removed and the piano is pushed onto the dance floor for an intimate and authentic 75 minutes of traditional, danceable live music from 2:00pm. Entry is £5.50. Buy Tickets
For world music fusion, head back to Ashburton Arts Centre for Kanekt. This collective of musicians blends the unique sounds of guitar, sitar, clarinet, and violin into a captivating and diverse musical voice. Tickets are £8.80. Buy Tickets
Comedy fans can round off their weekend in Axminster with veteran stand-up Simon Evans. His new show, 'Staring at the Sun,' finds the BBC Radio 4 stalwart squinting at an uncertain digital future while fondly revisiting the analogue world of his youth at the Axminster Guildhall. Tickets are £19.80. Buy Tickets
Finally, for those who like their music on the heavier side, Nytys Promotions presents De Profundis at The Junction in Plymouth. Get ready for a powerful night of metal from the London-based band. Tickets are £16.50. Buy Tickets
With such a diverse line up across Devon, there's truly something for everyone. Whether you're sipping a pint after a forage, getting lost in a soulful ballad, or headbanging to a tribute band, get out there and enjoy your weekend.