From landmark exhibitions and large-scale outdoor festivals to major maritime spectacles and family-friendly city takeovers, Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City, is set to deliver a compelling year-round programme of events in 2026, offering visitors multiple reasons to plan a short break, festival weekend or extended coastal escape.

The year opens with a major cultural moment at The Box, Plymouth’s award-winning museum and gallery. Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy (24 January - 31 May) will be the most comprehensive exhibition of the celebrated Plymouth-born artist’s work ever staged, marking the centenary of her birth. Recognised internationally for her instantly distinctive style, Cook’s legacy will extend beyond gallery walls through a city-wide trail of large-scale Beryl Cook-inspired sculptures, encouraging exploration across Plymouth’s streets, waterfront and neighbourhoods.

February sees the launch of the inaugural Plymouth Literary Festival (14 -15 February), bringing authors, performers and speakers to venues across the city. Designed to appeal to both dedicated readers and cultural weekenders, the festival adds a new dimension to Plymouth’s growing creative scene.

Spring signals the return of several well-established visitor favourites. Pirates Weekend (9 - 10 May) transforms the historic Barbican and waterfront into a lively, family-friendly spectacle, while the Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival (17 May) draws participants and supporters from across the UK. Later in the month, Green Man Weekend (23 - 24 May) at Mount Edgcumbe blends folklore, music and woodland experiences in one of the South West’s most atmospheric historic landscapes.

Food takes centre stage at Flavour Fest (29 - 31 May), one of the South West’s largest free food festivals. Held in the city centre, it showcases regional producers, independent traders and chef demonstrations, reinforcing Plymouth’s growing reputation for high-quality local food and drink.

Summer brings a packed programme of music, outdoor events and maritime celebrations. Discovery Festival returns to Central Park from 12 - 14 June with a multi-day live music line-up, while Plymouth Boat Fest on 20 June offers hands-on experiences and displays celebrating life on the water.

Plymouth’s deep connection to the Armed Forces is recognised during Armed Forces Week (22 - 28 June), including Armed Forces Day on Plymouth Hoe (27 June) and the Strength of Spirit Games: Rehabilitation Triathlon (25 June), combining sport, spectacle and public engagement in a dramatic seafront setting.

June also introduces a new large-scale event at Mount Edgcumbe: the Morvala Festival of Arts (25–28 June). This first-ever festival combines live music, performance, creative workshops and camping within a striking coastal estate, positioning Plymouth firmly on the UK’s cultural festival map.

Sport and outdoor viewing return to the city centre with Wimbledon on the Big Screen (29 June - 12 July). Alongside live coverage, deckchairs and classic strawberries and cream, visitors can book free sessions on a pop-up padel court, reflecting the growing popularity of one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports.

From July to September, St Luke’s Guiding Lights art trail will illuminate Plymouth with 40 lighthouse sculptures across the city, creating one of Devon’s most ambitious family-friendly public art experiences and encouraging multi-day exploration.

August brings one of Plymouth’s most iconic visitor events. The British Firework Championships (12 - 13 August) light up Plymouth Sound with world-class pyrotechnic displays over two nights, attracting large audiences and national attention. New elements are planned for 2026, with further details to be announced.

As summer draws to a close, Seafest *returns to the waterfront with food, entertainment and hands-on marine experiences celebrating Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. Also back is Red Bull Up The Mast, a high-energy spectator event on the Barbican that has quickly become a crowd favourite, combining adrenaline, humour and waterfront atmosphere.

September sees Plymouth confirmed as the host city for the WORLDSTAR Yacht Race, organised by the Royal Western Yacht Club. On 26 September, spectators can watch crews depart Plymouth as they begin their global sailing challenge, reinforcing the city’s status as one of the UK’s leading maritime destinations.

Further announcements, including Christmas events and winter experiences, will follow later in the year. Together, Plymouth’s 2026 programme positions the city as a vibrant, culture-rich coastal destination offering year-round reasons to visit.

For the latest updates and full listings, visit visitplymouth.co.uk or follow What’s On Plymouth.