An epic month for Exeter: June Boom events revealed
You won’t want to miss June in Exeter, with an impressive array of over 200 events celebrating arts, culture and creativity in the city. Whether you're an art lover, culture seeker, or a fan of live music and gigs, the city promises an electrifying calendar that will leave you craving more.
From live music to side-splitting comedy, thought-provoking exhibitions, bustling markets and vibrant festivals, Exeter is where creativity flourishes and enjoyment is guaranteed. This is not just an events programme - it’s your ticket to an unforgettable month out.
What’s Hot:
Unmissable highlights include the trailblazing Exeter Respect Festival, a powerful celebration of diversity now in its 29th year; the uncontainable energy of Exeter Comedy Festival, giving the Southwest the spotlight on comedy it deserves; the pioneering Reclaim Festival, championing women in the arts; Art Work Exeter’s ‘Custom Made’ residency, and the booklovers’ favourite Exeter City of Literature Book Market.
Exeter Respect Festival
Belmont Park | Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 June
The South West’s longest-running festival for diversity and inclusion returns, bigger and bolder. Expect pulsating music, interactive workshops, global cuisine and family fun. This year’s headline acts include Avtar, leading a Punjabi dance extravaganza, and Crina, set to ignite the stage with vibrant Romanian rhythms.
Exeter Comedy Festival
Citywide | Wednesday 3 – Sunday 7 June
Get ready for riotous laughter across Exeter as the Comedy Festival storms through more venues and brings more comic legends than ever: Nish Kumar, Mike Wozniak, Josie Long and many others are set to deliver stand-up gold in surprising locations. It’s the event that’s putting Exeter centre stage in British comedy.
Reclaim Festival
Barnfield Theatre | Wednesday 17 – Saturday 20 June
Join the revolution as women-led companies serve up an inspiring mix of theatre, dance, comedy and workshops. Reclaim Festival is a space for passionate storytelling, creative energy and local talent - smashing boundaries and celebrating women’s voices.
Art Work Exeter ‘Custom Made’
Exeter Custom House | Tuesday 2 – Sunday 28 June
An exhibition and live events programme showcasing highlights from the projects Art Work developed as part of their three-year residency. The programme ends on 26-28 June with ‘The Considerate Society’, which turns the Custom House into a hotbed of creative conversation.
Exeter City of Literature Book Market
Exeter Quay | Sunday 7 June
Devon’s literary highlight returns to Exeter Quay, uniting indie booksellers and wordsmiths for a one-day book bonanza. Since 2021, the Book Market has been the heartbeat of Exeter’s creative calendar.
And That’s Just the Beginning
June is packed with more than 200 events, ranging from world-renowned dance performances like the Balletboyz at Exeter Northcott, to international artist Bruce Asbestos's exhibition at Exeter Phoenix, the Creative Street Festival on Magdalen Road Summer Fair, and the launch of a new event, ‘First Thursdays’ on Gandy Street.
Music lovers can enjoy live shows at venues such as the Cavern, Exeter Phoenix, and the Corn Exchange, alongside more intimate locations such as 12 Bar Music and Social. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum will feature its new ‘Colour’ exhibition, with a special Rainbow Colour Clash Event taking place in Northernhay Gardens. There are plenty of talks, artist workshops, silent book clubs, tribute nights, Drag Bingo, and scratch nights to choose from throughout the month.
Nicola Wheeler, CEO at InExeter said: “There is a whole host of amazing events happening around the city right on your doorstep. To be able to experience so many culturally inspiring events here in Exeter is something we really wanted to celebrate and help spread the word to support these events.”
Suaad Genem, Exeter Respect Founder said: “Over the past 29 years, Exeter Respect Festival has experienced significant growth. Obtaining funding for these types of initiatives presents increasing challenges. Efforts that sustain the continued viability of grassroots events are highly beneficial.”
Organiser and performer of Exeter Comedy Festival Will Adamsdale said: “While much of the industry centres on London and Edinburgh, the Exeter Comedy Festival highlights the Southwest as a serious contender in comedy. The festival demonstrates Exeter's rising profile for quality live entertainment. We are proud to be involved in June Boom and contributing to a broader cultural offering.”
Exeter City Council Leader Phil Bialyk said: “These events form part of Exeter’s cultural identity and help shape the city’s character in a meaningful way. Culture has the power to bring people together, inspire pride, support local talent and create experiences that leave a lasting impression, and that is why celebrating and championing this work through campaigns such as June Boom matters so much.”
This June, Exeter is a month-long festival of events just waiting to be discovered. Plan your month and discover more at visitexeter.com/juneboom.
